The West:Layout 1 02/05/2007 17:18 Page 183
century, and its circuit can still be seen. St. Brendan’s Cathedral in
the town is a treasure trove of Celtic Revival art.
MAAM CROSS
Maam Cross, to the west of Oughterard, is a popular centre for walkers
attractively situated on the road between Galway and Clifden. The
Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, was partially
filmed in this area.
MOYCULLEN
Located just outside Galway City, Moycullen village offers a serene
environment with fine lakes nearby for fishing or angling and glorious
walking trails and horse-riding schools. It is also home to the
fascinating Connemara Marble Visitor Centre. Red deer near Portumna.
publicbuilding places of interest ROUNDSTONE
Connemara Marble Visitor Centre, Moycullen, Co. Galway. Tel/Fax: (091) This stone-harboured fishing village in the west of Bertraghboy Bay is
555102; Web:
www.connemaramarble.net. Savour Ireland’s largest overshadowed by Errisbeg Mountain with views across the bay to the
display of Connemara Marble Jewellery, fashioned in gold and silver, Twelve Pins.
depicting the shamrock, harp, Celtic cross and Claddagh ring. In addition,
a large selection of marble gifts such as clocks, ashtrays, marble eggs, dining dining & entertainment
cheese boards and chessboards are available. Visitors can enjoy the added O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant, Roundstone, Connemara, Co.
attraction of seeing the centre’s craftsmen at work. Open all year. Galway. Tel: (095) 35809; Email:
odowds@indigo.ie; Web:
www.odowdsbar.com. Situated in picturesque Roundstone Village in
OUGHTERARD the heart of Connemara, O’Dowd’s boasts a panoramic view of the
This attractive town, 27km west of Galway, calls itself the ‘Gateway to town harbour. Renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, this
Connemara’ and probably has more right to do so than Galway City charming bar and restaurant is synonymous with catering, tradition
itself. West of the town, the panoramic scenery of lakes and mountains and the true spirit of Ireland. The mood is warm and uplifting with its
open out before you and from here on, Connemara properly begins, with friendly and efficient staff. Enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike,
Southern Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Corrib, to the north. The town is O’Dowd’s is the perfect place to relax and enjoy fresh seafood. Open
also one of Ireland’s premier angling centres. Just outside the town on all year. Directions: Take the N59 route from Galway to Clifden, then
the Galway road is Aughnanure Castle, built by the O’Flahertys around the R341 to Roundstone 10 miles before Clifden.
1500. In picturesque surroundings near Lough Corrib, it is a wonderfully
preserved example of an Irish tower house. Tel: (091) 552214. shopping shopping
Roundstone Music, Crafts and Fashion, Roundstone, Connemara, Co.
PORTUMNA Galway. Tel: (095) 35875; Email:
bodhran@iol.ie; Web:
This market town at the head of Lough Derg boasts Portumna Castle
www.bodhran.com. This versatile craft shop includes a museum,
and Gardens, an important Jacobean house built around 1618. The music shop and café. Situated on the grounds of an old Franciscan
main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years, it features formal monastery, proprietor Malachy Kearns, better known as Malachy
gardens, exhibitions and the recently restored kitchen garden, a real Bodhrán amongst folk musicians, works at his craft of making
treat for the senses. Open daily from April to October, 10am–6pm. Ireland’s oldest product, the Bodhrán (an 18-inch one-sided drum).
Tel: (090) 974 1658. The perfect spot for those who have a taste for all that is Irish.
guestrooms accommodation TUAM
Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club, Portumna, Co. Galway. Tel: (090) 974 Just 32km north of Galway City, Tuam is one of the county’s largest
1777; Email:
sales@shannonoaks.ie; Web:
www.shannonoaks.ie. Situated towns. According to legend, it owes its origin to a broken chariot
in the picturesque village of Portumna, Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club wheel, which St. Jarlath took as a sign to establish his monastic
brings you to an enchanting part of the world. Directly adjacent to the hotel settlement here in the 5th century. It is believed they may have had a
is the 1,500-acre Earls of Clanricarde estate, abundant with wildlife part in building a fine cathedral, which was subsequently destroyed.
and idyllic woodland. The serenity of the estate is ideally suited to However, the chancel and Hiberno-Romanesque arch of this building
those who wish to read, paint or simply stroll in uncluttered peace. survived and these are now incorporated in St. Mary's Cathedral.
Tuam became the seat of an Archbishop after the Synod of Kells in
1152. However, the Norman conquest of 1235 put an end to the
O'Connor reign and left Tuam in ruins. Only a small part of the
Cré na Cille
O'Connor castle, also known as the “Chair of Tuam”, remains as do
High St, Tuam Co. Galway
portions of the 13th century Teampall Jarlath. Despite the difficult
Restaurant
Innovative evening menu offers
something for eveybody from
times that followed, Tuam retained its Archbishop’s seat and there was
sumptuous seafood to a scintillating
great rejoicing when Archbishop John McHale consecrated the new
steak, together with an impressive
Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption in 1836.
wine list that combines old favourites
with new loves from the New World
dining dining & entertainment
Dinner served Monday-Friday Cré na Cille, High St, Tuam, Co. Galway. Tel: (093) 28232; Fax:
from 5:00, 5:45 on Saturday
(093) 25857. Cré na Cille is run by experienced restaurateurs Paddy
Early Bird from opening
and Ann McCooey. With Paddy in the kitchen you will find delicious
until 6:30pm
favourites such as rosemary-infused lamb and succulent fillet steak
Winner of the 2005
Best Restaurant Award,
creatively prepared alongside exciting daily specials such as kangaroo
Feile bia recognised
and guinea fowl. Not to mention the variety of fresh seafood on offer.
Cré na Cille has established itself as an
experience not to be missed All served with your choice of wine. Ann and her friendly staff make
Tel: (093) 28232 Fax: (093) 25857
• Room available for private functions
this a winning combination – not to be missed!
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