Visitor Attractions
Sean Scoil Shailearna
Sean Scoil Shailearna is a restored primary school situated in Indreabhán. An exhibition here offers a community-based insight into nature and the elements in Connemara, reflecting the influence of its bogs, mountains, rivers and lakes on a resilient people who still hold steadfast to their Gaelic language and heritage.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 091 593017
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Connemara National Park
Situated on the Gaeltacht border, Connemara`s National Park is a 2000-hectaer state owned conservation centre incorporating of mountains, bogs and grasslands with wonderful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730meters). At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows. Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas. Facilities include an audio-visual show and a photographic display of Connemara scenery. There are picnic facilities, nature trails and a summer series of walks and illustrated talks.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 095 41054
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Dún Aengus - Inis Mór
Dún Aengus is a large eleven-acre prehistoric stone cashel situated on Inis Mór, believed historically to be of great maritime power. Experts say it was built between 800BC and 400AD. Defended on the landward side by three rings of huge stone battlements, it is also protected by sharp up-ended, limestone rocks (cheveaux de frise) placed in the ground as a defence against approaching enemies. Set on the edge of a sheer drop of almost 300ft to the sea, it offers a spectacular view over Galway Bay. It is one of the most famous and important prehistoric monuments in Europe. The Dun Aengus Heritage Centre is situated at Kilmurvey and is open to visitors.
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Aran Heritage Centre
Ionad Árann - the Aran Centre is just a few minutes walk from Kilronan village. This is a most revealing and awe-inspiring place. It is a window into the lives and times of the people of Aran, over many generations. A guided tour through this brilliant presentation will take you back more than two thousand years. Vivid exhibitions will introduce you to the landscape, traditions and culture of these harsh, yet beautiful Atlantic Islands. The history, geology and present lifestyle of the people of Aran are illustrated through a series of display charts, photographs and maps. The centre explores the currach making traditions and the occupations that gave the islanders a precarious living in the past. Many of the exhibitions in Ionad Árann give an insight into the joys and difficulties and ordinary matters of island life.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 099 61355
Facs/Fax: 099 61454
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Spiddal Craft Centre
An attractive complex of workshops, producing a variety of crafts not generally available in other retail shops - a working craft centre and art gallery where latter-day artisans fashion items inspired by the beauty and heritage of the region.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 091 553376
Facs/Fax: 091 553017
Web: http://www.spiddalcraftvillage.com
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Dan O`Hara`s Homestead, Heritage & History Centre
This national award-winning centre offers visitors a unique history lesson spanning time from the prehistoric to the present. It has the restored home of Dan O`Hara, a tenant farmer who was evicted because he was unable to pay his rent. He emigrated to the US and ended up selling matches in New York. An audiovisual presentation introduces the history of Connemara with spectacular shots of Connemara past and present. Other features include reconstruction of a crannóg (pre historic lake dwelling), ring fort and clochán. An old style carriage takes visitors on a guided tour through the centre. Facilities at the centre include a large craft shop, tearoom, telephone, and toilets.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 095 21246
Facs/Fax: 095 22098
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Sean Scoil Shailearna is a restored primary school situated in Indreabhán. An exhibition here offers a community-based insight into nature and the elements in Connemara, reflecting the influence of its bogs, mountains, rivers and lakes on a resilient people who still hold steadfast to their Gaelic language and heritage.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 091 593017
« Return to listing
Connemara National Park
Situated on the Gaeltacht border, Connemara`s National Park is a 2000-hectaer state owned conservation centre incorporating of mountains, bogs and grasslands with wonderful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730meters). At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows. Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas. Facilities include an audio-visual show and a photographic display of Connemara scenery. There are picnic facilities, nature trails and a summer series of walks and illustrated talks.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 095 41054
« Return to listing
Dún Aengus - Inis Mór
Dún Aengus is a large eleven-acre prehistoric stone cashel situated on Inis Mór, believed historically to be of great maritime power. Experts say it was built between 800BC and 400AD. Defended on the landward side by three rings of huge stone battlements, it is also protected by sharp up-ended, limestone rocks (cheveaux de frise) placed in the ground as a defence against approaching enemies. Set on the edge of a sheer drop of almost 300ft to the sea, it offers a spectacular view over Galway Bay. It is one of the most famous and important prehistoric monuments in Europe. The Dun Aengus Heritage Centre is situated at Kilmurvey and is open to visitors.
« Return to listing
Aran Heritage Centre Ionad Árann - the Aran Centre is just a few minutes walk from Kilronan village. This is a most revealing and awe-inspiring place. It is a window into the lives and times of the people of Aran, over many generations. A guided tour through this brilliant presentation will take you back more than two thousand years. Vivid exhibitions will introduce you to the landscape, traditions and culture of these harsh, yet beautiful Atlantic Islands. The history, geology and present lifestyle of the people of Aran are illustrated through a series of display charts, photographs and maps. The centre explores the currach making traditions and the occupations that gave the islanders a precarious living in the past. Many of the exhibitions in Ionad Árann give an insight into the joys and difficulties and ordinary matters of island life.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 099 61355
Facs/Fax: 099 61454
« Return to listing
Spiddal Craft Centre An attractive complex of workshops, producing a variety of crafts not generally available in other retail shops - a working craft centre and art gallery where latter-day artisans fashion items inspired by the beauty and heritage of the region.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 091 553376
Facs/Fax: 091 553017
Web: http://www.spiddalcraftvillage.com
« Return to listing
Dan O`Hara`s Homestead, Heritage & History Centre This national award-winning centre offers visitors a unique history lesson spanning time from the prehistoric to the present. It has the restored home of Dan O`Hara, a tenant farmer who was evicted because he was unable to pay his rent. He emigrated to the US and ended up selling matches in New York. An audiovisual presentation introduces the history of Connemara with spectacular shots of Connemara past and present. Other features include reconstruction of a crannóg (pre historic lake dwelling), ring fort and clochán. An old style carriage takes visitors on a guided tour through the centre. Facilities at the centre include a large craft shop, tearoom, telephone, and toilets.
Contact:
Teil/Tel: 095 21246
Facs/Fax: 095 22098
« Return to listing