History & Culture

Not only is this beautiful Estate one of the most adorned in Ireland, it also has one of the largest botanic gardens in the country. Occupied by the Benedictine nuns, Kylemore Abbey is located just over an hour from Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.

Constructed in 1584, the two arches were part of the extension of the city wall from Martin’s Tower to the bank of the River Corrib, as a measure to protect the city’s quays. Today it still stands in the heart of the city, as a very popular tourist attraction for peaceful picnic’s and picture opportunities.

The Cathedral of Galway was unveiled on 15th of August 1965 by President Éamon de Valera and is the youngest of Europe’s great stone cathedrals. It stands towering over the city (145ft) on the site of Galway’s old city prison. The inside is creatively decorated with sculptures, paintings and mosaic’s. Visitors can also attend one of the many religious services which are held daily.

Founded in 1320, Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland. Visitors can avail of guided tours which will provide a wealth of information of this location's interesting history, or choose to visit privately on their own. Should you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy the Galway Markets full of a robust variety of fresh foods and hand made crafts on the door step of the church.

A very popular local attraction, The Quiet Man Bridge is a short drive from Oughterard. The bridge was made famous in the 1950's classic “The Quiet Man”. Fans of the film can continue their expedition across the lake into the small village of Cong, where the remainder of the film was filmed.