See & Do

Explore Ireland

Tourism

The Cliffs of Moher a 90 minuted drive, in County Clare, on the Wild Atlantic Way are Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. The 700ft high County Clare cliffs attract tourists from all over the world.

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Ireland’s top attractions, beginning less than an hour away. Tour guide operators in Galway can come and pick your group up at Ballyglunin and take you for a full day tour, stopping along the way for lunch and a pint at any number of coastal towns along the way.

Galway Tourism is the number one online guide to use a resource for planning your trip. Breathtaking views are all around Galway, on the bay, along the Wild Atlantic Way or on the hills in Connemara. The guide also has information on the best pubs and places to eat so be sure to check it out.

Walking & Hiking

The small town of Abbeyknockmoy has ruins of the 12th century Cistercian abbey, established with the Kings of Connacht as its benefactors. Abbeyknockmoy is a 5 minute drive from Ballyglunin Park.

Knockma Hill boasts one of the best views in Galway and is only a 15 minute drive from Ballyglunin. The hill is a circular hiking trail with some pretty steep inclines. You will get a workout on the 1 mile trail which is surrounded by Oak, Ash, and Hazel trees.

The easiest way to get to Knockma Hill is through Corofin. If you turn left at the Palm Tree pub onto the Corofin road it will dead-end at N63. Turn right on the N63 and continue on for about 6.5 kilometers and turn left at the Belclare exit. Continue down this road for 3.2 kilometers and turn left. The entrance to Knockma Hill will be on your left.

Fishing

There are a number of options for fishing in an around Ballyglunin starting with the Abbert River just steps from the front door. Other options range from deep sea fishing in Galway bay to lake or river fishing.

Deep Sea Fishing In Galway Bay

There are two anglers near Galway who can take groups into Galway bay and beyond for deep sea fishing. Both operators are fully insured, offer free equipment and tackle, and have day tours that stop on the Aran Islands for lunch and a pint.

Galway Bay Fishing is in Spiddal which is on Galway bay about a 45 minute drive from Ballyglunin. Kevin MacGabhann is the owner operator of the Maighdean Mara a 43 foot Aquastar angling boat. Full day trips run from 9am to 6pm and in the evening, depending on daylight a 3 ½ hour trip from 6pm to 9:30pm.

Galway Fishing is also on Galway bay located in Rossaveel just over an hour drive from Ballyglunin. Skipper Max has over 25 years of experience fishing in Galway bay and is the owner operator of the Leaca Run, a 38 foot wooden hull angling boat.

Local Pubs

There are a number of local pubs in or near Ballyglunin and you can be certain that your group will be the only tourists in the place! The locals hang out here to get the local news and watch horse races, hurling matches, rugby or Gaelic football.

The Palm Tree

The closest pub is The Palm Tree which is located .6 miles from the house. Turn right at the front entrance and it is on the left just past the first intersection. Don’t be fooled by the name, publican Cyril O’Grady has a fine traditional small pub that is popular with all of the locals. It is open daily from 12 noon to 12am.

Gills Public House

Turn right outside the front gate and follow the R347 road to the second intersection and turn right. Gills Public House will be on the right on Ballyglunin Road. Like the Palm Tree, Gills will be frequented by locals in the Ballyglunin area.

Raftery’s Pub

Raftery’s pub was established in 1850, it is in Corofin is the closest village to Ballyglunin literally a 5 minute drive from the house. You simply turn right out the front gate and take the first left (at the Palm Tree pub). This road will take you right into Corofin and you will find Raftery’s pub next to the Centra gas station on the left and across from St. Coleman’s Catholic church.