20 Attractions to Explore Near Glengowla Mines, Oughterard

The Quiet Man Bridge is a dry stone bridge, which is best known for having been a favourite filming location for John Wayne. The bridge was made famous in the 1950s classic “The Quiet man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The location of the bridge is clearly signposted. This is a popular spot with visitors and a great place for photo opportunities.

Aughnanure Castle was built in the 16th century as a stronghold of the O'Flaherty clan, and is renowned for its unusual double bawn. The castle was built by the O'Flaherty family in the 16th century, one of Connacht's most notable lord families. Aughnanure is one of over 200 tower houses in County Galway, constructed mainly by Gaelic and Anglo-Norman land owning families. The tower lies close to the shores of Lough Corrib, and translates to "the field of the yews" in Irish.

Inchagoill Island, located midway between Cong and Oughterard, is one of the largest of many wooded islets along Lough Corrib. It has spectacular views of the Maumturk range, Joyce Country and the mountains of Connemara. There also stands the ruins of two ancient churches, both of the small Irish type but of far different styles and dates.

Corrib Cruises is a family run passenger boat service on Lough Corrib, County Galway, Ireland, operated by brothers Patrick and David Luskin. It offer lake cruises every day of the year on beautiful Lough Corrib. The morning cruise departs from Ashford Castle and Lisloughrey Pier and is an excellent way to see the many sights along the lakeshore. A commentary is provided throughout the voyage.

Discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland - flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime.The school is home to the largest and most diverse collection of Harris's hawks. It gives you the chance to fly our wonderful Hawks around the grounds of Ashford Castle during a one-hour Private Hawk Walk.

Carraigin Castle is a 13th century lakeside castle in seven acres of private parkland on a lake shore. It was surrounded by forests with rich parkland, the castle offers a variety of activities to its visitors. Boating and fishing is available close to the castle along with pleasant woodland walking, cycling and horse-riding.

The Monks Fishing house is located at the back of the Cong Abbey. It was built on the Cong river so the monks could fish from the river all year around. This ingenious little building has a trap door for a net and a small arch that allows the river to flow underneath it. There was also a rope line connected to the kitchen in the monastery that alerted the monks of a fresh catch.

The 12th century Abbey at Cong was built on the site of an earlier 7th century monastery founded by either Domnall, the nephew of an Irish King or St Feichin. At one time, the abbey had 3,000 inhabitants, who were excellent scholars and skilled craftsmen. It is also the location where Rory O’Connor, Ireland’s last High King, died.

Pearse's Cottage in Rosmuc is the former holiday home of Patrick Pearse leader of the 1916 Rising. Pearse also used the house as a summer school for his pupils from St. Enda's where in taught in Dublin.The interior which was burned during the War of Independence has been reconstructed and an exhibition in the cottage is dedicated to the life and work of Pearse.

Ross Errilly Friary is the largest and best preserved Franciscan Friary in Ireland. is a National Monument of Ireland and among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. Though usually referred to by locals as "Ross Abbey," this is not technically correct as the community never had an abbot.

An Trá Mhór is a long sheltered sandy beach situated at Inverin, Co. Galway. It is a whie sandy beach with clear water and great views of the coastline. This beach has a gradual slope into the water, making it a great place to swim. There is a car park and toilet facilities are provided.

This is a rectangular glacial lake and is approximately 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. A sandy beach is nestled at the edge of the lake and it is ideal for a swim or a picnic lunch on a sunny day. The waters hold a range of fish including wild brown trout and pike. The locality has a number of walks, both for experienced hill walkers and others.

Shrule Castle was built in the early part of the 13th century by the Norman de Burgh family. It was granted to John de Burgh in c.1308 by his father Richard be Burgh, the 2nd Earl of Ulster. The castle was attacked in 1570 by english forces led by Sir Edward Fitton, the first Lord President of Connaught, 1569-1572. In 1642, during the Confederate Wars, a number of English settlers surrendered to Irish authorities.

The Connemara Giant, known as Conn of the Sea, is said to be protector of Connemara. The statue was created by Joyce’s Craft Shop, located across the road, “for no apparent reason”. It is believed that if you touch the hand of the giant you will be blessed with the knowledge of his ancient tribe.

Lough Inagh is a glacial lake, located in the stunning Inagh Valley, Recess, Connemara. The Twelve Bens range lies to the west of the lake, with Derryclare 677 metres and Bencorr 711 metres directly overlooking the lake. The lake is popular with fishermen and boats are available locally. The lake gives views directly into the large deep southerly corrie between Derryclare and Bencorr, as well as the smaller corrie between Bencorr and Bencorr North Top.

Letterbreckaun is a 667-metre mountain in County Galway, Ireland. It the second highest peak in the Maumturks range. It is situated is situated in the middle sector of the long north-west to south-east cental spine of the Maumturks mountain range in the Connemara National Park in Galway, Ireland. Letterbreckaun is the 2nd-tallest mountain in the range. A good trekking destination and it also offers beautiful views form here.

Gorumna is an island on the west coast of Ireland, forming part of County Galway The Island is linked with the mainland through the Béal an Daingin Bridge. Gorumna properly consists of three individual islands in close proximity, Lettermullen, Teeranea and Lettermore. It is mostly underlain by intrusive Devonian-aged Galway Granite that formed from crustal melting as a result of the Caledonian Orogeny in the late Silurian.

Devilsmother is a 645-metre-high mountain in Connemara, Ireland. It was located at the head of Killary Harbour, overlooking the Western Way long-distance path. It sits on the border between County Galway and County Mayo. A good trekking destination and also there are so many other options too.

Dun Aengus is over 3,000 years old prehistoric hill fort on the Aran Islands of County Galway. It was perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the fort is about 900 metres from the visitor centre and offers views of up to 75 miles of Irish coastline. As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear weather protective clothing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain.