Attractions
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Touring
- Aran Islands (boats daily from Rossaveal from 10.00 am)
- Achill Island - 59 miles/95 km
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park - 60 miles/96 km
- Burren - 50 miles/80 km
- Cliffs of Moher - 50 miles/80 km
- Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey - 56 mls/90 km
- Galway City 20 miles/32 km
- Knock shrine - 36 miles/58 km
- Yates Country, Sligo - 65 miles/104 km
- Westport - 50 miles/80 km.
Tuam
The
heart of Corrib Country and one time seat of High Kings of
Ireland is a thriving market town of 6,000 inhabitants. The
people are warm hearted and hospitable with the gift of
making the stranger feel at home.
St Mary's Church of Ireland Cathedral is a gothic revival structure by Sir Thomas Dean built in 1861. It incorporates the 12th century chancel and the 14th century cathedral. Its chancel arch of six orders is one of Irelands greatest art treasurers.
Tuam's High Cross in St Mary's Cathedral was built in the
12th century by Turlough O'Connor and commemorates the
completion of St Mary's Cathedral and the appointment of the
first Archbishop of Tuam Hugh O'Hession.
The Little Mill Museum is a waterpowered corn mill complete with its machinery. The adjacent miller's house has been converted to house an exhibition of models of mills.
Knockma
Knockma the great 'Hill of Maeve' is situated 5 miles/8kmwest of Tuam. Maeve the legendary Queen of Connacht is reputed to be buried in the Cairns on the summit of the hill, from which one of the greatest panoramic views in Ireland may be obtained. Tradition also points to Knockma as the home of fairy legend for here Finvarra, King of Connacht fairies, is reputed to hold his court. This partially wooded hill contains examples of the famous Burren flora, the Spring Gentian and the Purple Helleborine to name but two species.
Headford
Headford is a market town and angling centre west of Ross Errilly, Tuam.
Two miles west are the ruins of Ross Abbey, a Franciscan friary founded in 1357. It is one of our best preserved ecclesiastical ruins with most of the church intact. The cloister is in fine condition as is the refectory kitchen with fish tank and bakery. It is possible to reach the top of the tower and from here the view of Corrib Country is breathtaking.
Lackagh Museum & Heritage Centre
A 19th century thatched house and a collection of old farm machinery have been restored to remind us of a world that has silently faded into the past. The house is furnished with the types of furniture and utensils that were familiar sights in the thatched houses of long ago.
Cregg Castle
Cregg Castle was built by the Kirwan family in 1648 one of the famous tribes of Galway.
The castle and estate is now owned by Pat & Ann Marie Broderick who are both musicians. Enjoy dinner and the traditional Irish storytelling, song and music.
Ballyglunin Station
The diminutive Railway station at Ballyglunin on the Tuam Athenry line featured as 'Castletown' in 'The Quiet Man', an epic film starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Har,a which was filmed here in 1952.
Abbeyknockmoy
A Cistercian Abbey founded in 1189 by King Cathal Crowdearg O'Connor the last of the O'Connor kings to be buried in its sanctury.
Entertainment
Traditional
Irish Music in selected pubs each Thursday, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday.
Siamsa na Taibhdearc traditional Irish music, song and dance in Galway during summer months.
- Ceili and Set Dancing in pubs
- Good conversation in local pubs
Eating Out
There
is a huge selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and
budgets.
These range from the Egon Ronay award winning restaurant (Cre na Cille, High st, Tuam) to pub grub, coffee houses and fast food outlets.