County Galway - Towns

Headford, some 28 km north of Galway, is the popular angling centre for the eastern shore of Lough Corrib, and Greenfields, some 6.5 km west of the town, is its boating harbour. The town is situated next to the Black River (noted also for its trout angling) which is the county boundary with Mayo. Headford is also the centre of an area rich in archaeological monuments, ranging from prehistoric burial cairns, Iron Age stone enclosures, early Norman and later castles, to a bewildering array of monastic sites. These include nearby Ross Errilly Friary, founded in 1351, which has been described as the best preserved monastic ruin in Ireland. Today, the modern cattle mart, although replacing the fairs and markets once held in the town's two squares, ensures the local popularity of this North Galway town.

Services in Headford

Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Services in Headford Road

Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Services in Inishbofin

Hotels  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Th eastern island is the smallest of the three Aran Islands and is only 8km from Doolin in County Clare. Inishere most outstanding ruin is O'Brien's Castle, a 15th century tower house. Ancient ruins here, includes those of Teampall Caomhain (St Kevin's Church), in a sandy hill near the shore and St Gobnat, the female saint with Cork connections.

Services in Inishere

Bed & Breakfasts  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Inishmore with a population of just 900 is the largest of the three Aran islands. Its main village is Kilronan, which has a good deep harbour. Visitors to Aran can get a superb introduction to the islands' culture and history at Ionad Arainn, the excellent Visitors' Centre.

In addition to an excellent social life, Inishmore has some very important ancient sites. The most famous of these is Dun Aengus, perches on the edge of a sheer 300 ft cliff, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This massive fortress covers almost 11 acres and consists of three enclosures of large limestone blocks.

But there are other areas of interest too, including Arkin's Castle, a Cromwellian fort that maintained a garrison during the 17th and 18th centuries. At St Ciaran's Monastery, east of Kilronan, there are several early cross-slabs, pillars and a holy well dedicated to this early saint. Near here too is the very early St Soorney's Church. To the west of Kilronan is the church of St Enda, the saint who is most associated with the spread of Christianity on Aran. Inishmore's other village, Kilmurvy, about 7km from Kilronan, also has churches nearby, including the church of St Colman McDuagh and the Church of the Saints.

Services in Inishmore

Bed & Breakfasts  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

GoIreland.com operated by Gulliver Ireland, FEXCO Center, Killorglin, Co.Kerry, Ireland