Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Oranmore

"Moody and evocative, this marvellous ruined former Cistercian abbey is 1.5km inland from Bellharbour, in a quiet green hollow, surrounded by the stark grey Burren hillsides. It began its long decline in the 15th century but the surviving vaulting in the presbytery and transepts is impressively intact and some striking Romanesque carvings remain."

"Galway’s contemporary arts hub, the Galway Arts Centre is another revolving exhibition space that takes in an incredible array of local art and entertainment, including theatre and visual arts. The gallery is equally fluid, with a penchant for cartoony modern art and statement sculpture. There are classes, too, if you feel like getting your hands dirty."

"These two reserves, through their combination of deciduous woods, limestone reefs, lakes and turloughs, constitute one of the most interesting Irish vegetation and faunal complexes still in existence. The Coole-Garryland reserve contains a variety of floral habitats including well-formed high forest on deep pockets of soil, dwarf woodland on limestone pavement and a turlough complex in the Callows and Coole Lake. A large portion of this reserve was formerly owned by Lady Gregory, co-founder with W.B."

"One hour south of Galway City is a great place to take the kids for a day out in nature. Covering an area of approximately 400 hectares is the wetland and woodland nature reserve of Coole Park. The two reserves constitute woods, limestone reefs, lakes, and turloughs where you can see interesting Irish vegetation and fauna."

"This easy-to-miss spot on the corner of Galway’s main parade is marked by a medieval-like fortified house structure and a bizarre ape-like gargoyle. The 15th-century ‘castle’ is not often open throughout, with much of it now occupied by a local bank, but a walk around the back will give you a glance at a heartwrenching piece of Galway history. The castle is home to the spot where the Lord Mayor hanged his own son who had murdered a Spanish visitor who winked at his girlfriend."

"At the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street is a robust limestone house that stands apart from the buildings around it. This is Lynch’s Castle, a fortified house that could go back as far as the 14th century but got its current design in the 16th century. The house afforded extra protection from raids to its owners, the Lynch family who had Anglo-Norman roots and were one of the 14 tribes that held sway in Galway in the period."

"Imposing old building in the middle of Galway's pedestrian street. Once the home of the most powerful family in the city. translated by•View Original"

"If there was ever a reason to trek out to Oranmore, then this is it. This fab spot on Main Street has some of the best Italian chefs in the whole county, and what they serve is a testament to that. Go for the Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola and ask 'em to add fresh buffalo mozz."

"This intimate Italian restaurant provides one of the city’s most idyllic outdoor seating spaces. Take a seat by the waterside and watch the River Corrib flow as you enjoy the rustic flavours and authentic Italian wine of Il Vicolo’s magnificent menu. Bridge Mills, O’Brien’s Bridge // MORE HERE"

"This intimate restaurant offers authentic and exciting Italian fare in an atmospheric setting. If you want to avail of their early bird menu, you and your date can get a two course meal and a glass of house wine for €26!"

"Enquiries: Recreation & Amenity Department Galway City Council City Hall College Road Galway Tel: (091) 536565 E mail: parks@galwaycity.ie"