Oughterard – County Galway

Oughterard is situated on the shores of Lough Corrib at the edge of Connemara, a wild and rugged region in County Galway. This pretty village is a popular holiday destination and only a short 30-minute drive from Galway City, an ideal base for a self-catering holiday in County Galway. 

Oughterard Village has a variety of restaurants, lively pubs, and fast-food outlets. The grocery shops and supermarkets make it easy to stock up on the essentials you require for your self-catering holiday. Go golfing on Oughterard Championship Golf Club only 2 km from the village, a magnificent 18-hole course situated on the shores of the idyllic Lough Corrib or visit Aughnanure Castle, a tower house built by the O’Flaherty family in the 16th century. 

Knockillaree Riding Centre is situated on the Rusheeny road, just outside the town of Oughterard. The horse-riding school offers a full range of services including trekking, lessons, show jumping leagues, pony camps, breaking and training, livery, and stud. 

The Western Way is a 179 km walking trail that begins in Oughterard and ends in Ballycastle, County Mayo. It normally takes 7 days to complete and is designated as a National Waymarked Trail. The Owenriff River meanders through this pretty village and the area is known worldwide for its wild brown trout fishing making Oughterard a perfect base for a fishing holiday in Ireland. 

Lough Corrib is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and the second largest on the island of Ireland. The lough is of international importance for birds, a great base for a bird-watching holiday in Ireland. The average population of pochard on Lough Corrib is 8,600 and the whooper swan, hen harrier, and kingfisher have also been recently recorded at close to Lough Corrib, all of which are listed on the EU Birds Directive. 

Local activities in Oughterard include a boat trip on Lough Corrib, you can go on a cruise to Inchagoill Island, and Cong from Oughterard. The Corrib Queen departs from Oughterard Pier, on the boat trip you will enjoy views of the Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib’s 365 islands and Inisheanbo, one of the most beautiful islands on the lake. 

Brigit’s Garden and Cafe is a great family-friendly place to visit in Galway. Kids will love exploring the discovery trail and natural playground. The garden has an open-air museum dedicated to the goddess Brigid and the Celtic calendar describe as a “place of connection with nature, beauty and Celtic heritage and a resource for education, reflection and creativity.” The award-winning Celtic Gardens are widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in Ireland, set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows. 

Located just 2 miles outside Oughterard is Aughnanure Castle, at the top of the castle you can take in the fabulous views of the surrounding area. 

A small bit further approximately 10 km outside of Oughterard is Curraghduff Farm. On the farm, there are a lot of different wildlife which makes this farm unique. Children will love the Alpacas which you can bring for a walk around the farm, a perfect family day out in Connemara. 

Glengowla Mines is located 4km outside the village of Oughterard, a show mine dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area. A unique experience you can go on a guided underground tour of Connemara’s only show mine which was abandoned in 1865. Glengowla Mines are also situated on a working farm and you can arrange a guided if you would like to see a sheepdog herding demonstration and turf cutting tour. 

Oughterard and the Connemara region is a magical holiday destination in Ireland at any time of the year. You will be spoiled for choice with the number of outdoor activities on your next self-catering holiday in Oughterard.