Looking for the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Oranmore? You’re in the right place. We’ve created the ultimate guide of where to go and what to do in Oranmore, a charming village just minutes from Galway city. Discover it all here…
While small in size, Oranmore is packed with unique attractions and unforgettable experiences. From one of Ireland’s most stunning and well-preserved castles to some of the best spots in Galway for dining, nightlife, and live entertainment, Oranmore truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a day trip from Galway city, or stopping by on your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, Oranmore is a must-visit destination. Its prime location near Galway city and Connemara beyond makes it the perfect base for exploring the west of Ireland.
So, if you’re wondering what to do in Oranmore, let’s dive into everything (from local food and drink hotspots to scenic sights and hidden gems), this beautiful Galway village has to offer.
How to get to Oranmore;
The first step of all holidays is getting to your destination so let’s start with that! This village lies on the outskirts of Galway city, so thankfully that means it’s easily accessible. Opt to take public transport and travel with Bus Eireann on route 404 or with its Expressway 51 bus. Both these buses depart from Eyre Square in Galway city centre. If you’re driving, the route to Oranmore is well signposted and outside of rush hour, you’ll get to your destination in no time. From the city it takes approximately 15 minutes to get to Oranmore village.
above: Check out the gorgeous Warehouse Gym in Oranmore | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
The best things to do Oranmore:
This picturesque village just outside Galway city is packed with unique attractions, local history, scenic spots, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you're planning a day trip along the Wild Atlantic Way or staying nearby, Oranmore offers everything from historic castles and beautiful parks to quirky libraries and bustling farmers markets.
Calling all the ladies to enjoy a workout at Galway's only women-only gym. If you’ve been looking for a gym that has incredible views, top-notch equipment, a friendly vibe, and no egos? You seriously need to check out The Warehouse Gym in Oranmore! Whether you're lifting heavy, smashing cardio, or just getting started, they have everything you need to hit your fitness goals. Complete with stunning views of Oranmore Castle to admire as you train. The Warehouse Gym in Oranmore is also home to Galway’s only Women-Only Gym. For just €5 per week, you’ll gain access to a beautifully decorated, state-of-the-art facility designed exclusively for women. Located with a completely separate entrance from the Oranmore gym, this facility offers a private, supportive environment where you can feel confident and comfortable.
Did you know that Oranmore got its name from a well? Originally called Fuarán Mór (meaning ‘Great Spring’ in Irish), it gradually lost the f sound over time to become Oranmore. Today, you can visit the site of the original well in a lovely little riverside park on the northeast side of the village. The well has been preserved alongside sculptures that depict local flora and fauna, a pollinator-friendly meadow, and interesting information boards that tell the story of the well’s original name and the mythology that surrounds it.
above: A unique find in Oranmore - the local library.
On face value you might be wondering why we am telling you to check out the local Oranmore library but it’s for good reason I promise - the building it is housed in is super fascinating. Dating back to 1803, the former Roman Catholic Church in Oranmore was repurposed as the local library when the new church was built just down the road. Retaining the artistic stained-glass windows and ornate architecture, it is a tranquil space for the community, and also a lovely place to stop for a moment to read a book. It’s an incredibly unique venue for a library so we recommend that you visit this hidden gem.
Dating back to between the 13th and the 15th centuries, Oranmore Castle was originally a stronghold of a prominent Norman family from Galway. The castle played a pivotal part in defending Galway during the Confederate Rebellion of the 1640s. Nowadays, the castle is an enchanting, welcoming paradise of art, music and history. Its exceptional panoramic views of Galway Bay, especially with a summer sunset, are really something special.
Just five minutes from the village, Renville Park is the perfect spot to spend the day outdoors in Galway. As it's both dog- and family-friendly, you can bring the whole family out for the day and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here, you’ll also find a children’s playground by the park entrance and as it is located near to Oranmore’s Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point, be sure to get a few pics there too. The large park offers tons of different walkways and paths and is also home to Rinville Castle and tower house which dates back to the 16th-century.
Every Thursday from 1-5pm, Oranmore hosts its weekly Farmers Market just off the village’s main street. An integral part of the community, the market features a wide range of stalls and vendors offering fresh produce, hot food, arts and crafts and even homemade hot sauces. Conveniently located near Oranmore’s playground, it's a great place for families and friends to gather, snack, shop, and relax.
above: Golf with a view at Galway Bay Golf Resort.
Oranmore’s Galway Bay Golf Resort is a gorgeous 18-hole championship golf course that offers a fun and exciting experience for golfers of all levels. Whether you are lining up a putt for par or driving one down the fairway, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over Galway Bay. The course is thoughtfully designed with plenty of challenges for beginners and experts alike. We recommend capping off your visit with a delicious meal in the onsite restaurant.
Finally, treat yourself a bit of TLC at Sea Breeze Beauty and Skin Clinic. This full-service aesthetics and skincare clinic offers a wide range of treatments, from makeup and manicures/pedicures to dermal fillers and laser therapies. They also stock a curated selection of beauty products from top skincare brands like Image, Obagi, Genosys, and Voya—perfect if you want to take a bit of luxury home with you.
above: Breakfast at Raviolo Verde is a fantastic way to begin your day | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Indulge in Oranmore’s local Food & Drink Scene:
Oranmore is quickly becoming one of the most exciting foodie destinations in the west of Ireland. Whether you're craving wood-fired pizza, elegant French cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, or wholesome family-style meals, this village has something for every palate. Here are some of our top picks for where to eat and drink in Oranmore.
Raviolo Verde is a stylish Italian restaurant that serves delicious authentic cuisine. Their great tasting dishes include gourmet pizzas and homemade pasta such as their signature Ravioli Verdi. This restaurant takes traditional Italian recipes and adds its own flair with exquisite results. Open until late every evening, it’s a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in Galway. And, don’t miss their homemade ice creams (vegan options available), milkshakes and sundaes.
GIGAS Dinergrill delivers delicious, made-to-order meals every time. They specialise in using locally sourced produce to create fresh and tasty dishes, with everything from burgers that just burst with flavour and oven-fresh pizzas to the classic fish and chips. This is gourmet food at its finest! Available for dine-in or takeaway, we recommend enjoying their impressive menu over a pint in the beer garden of their neighbours Porterhouse.
above: It's seafood done right at Armorica | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Armorica is a unique fusion of French cuisine and boutique guest accommodation. With an intimate yet open dining space offering street views, a beautiful garden-facing conservatory, outdoor seating, and elegant rooms, there’s nowhere else in Galway quite like it. Start your day with their award-winning breakfast, or indulge in a French-inspired evening meal accompanied by carefully selected wines.
One of the newest additions to Oranmore Fawn Food & Wine is a restaurant and wine bar with a focus on communal-style dining. Celebrated for its ingredient-driven, seasonal dishes, you can enjoy a variety of dry-aged beef cuts, whole roasted fresh fish, wild game, seafood and locally sourced vegetables, all cooked over a wood fire. However it’s their Sunday Lunch where they truly shine: a seasonal feast with sharing options for the whole family, and woodfire-roasted beef with all the trimmings.
Cornerstone is Oranmore’s newest café, deli, and grocer, offering a fresh and inviting space for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Opened by local restaurateurs Nick and Natasha (who you may know from their other business, Armorica), Cornerstone emphasises local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. With its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, this space blends the warmth of a neighbourhood café with the quality of a gourmet deli, inviting guests to relax, enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals, and shop for fine foods, all in one convenient location.
above: The Tiramisu is our go-to dessert at Basilico.
If fresh, homemade, and organic Italian food served with a full bar menu and great ambiance sounds appealing, then a visit to Basilico with your family is a must. This multi-award-winning restaurant is beloved for its stone-baked pizzas and authentic Italian breads which are all prepared fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted with the guest experience in mind.
We aren’t kidding when we say that Urban Fire’s wood-fired pizzas rival the best in Ireland and if you have no idea what Urban Fire is, we are more than happy to give you all the details. Located in the beer garden of Glynn’s Bar, the handmade pizzas from Urban Fire are absolutely to-die for. Regardless of what you order we suggest pairing your pizza with a creamy pint of Guinness from the bar in order to fully embrace this phenomenal foodie experience. Available for sit-in or takeaway, be sure to give them a try!
Open from 9am to serve breakfast with a view, The 2 Iron Bar & Restaurantat the Galway Bay Golf Resortoffers a standout dining experience in East Galway. Overlooking the stunning golf course on the edge of Galway Bay, this bar and restaurant is open to both members and non-members. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared (and not to mention delicious) dishes by skilled chefs alongside a full bar menu, all while taking in the incredible scenery.
Though it began as a humble food truck, Banditos quickly rose to fame and opened its Main Street location in 2018, and they've been thriving ever since. Serving up delicious, authentic Mexican food in East Galway, this tex-mex favourite is available for both sit-in and takeaway. They were even named Best Mexican at the Just Eat Ireland’s Best Takeaway Awards in 2022 — so don’t leave Oranmore without paying them a visit!
above: A lovely creamy Guinness in the beer garden of Glynn's Bar | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Where to get enjoy the nightlife and get a pint in Oranmore:
Whether you're after a cosy pint in a traditional Irish pub, live music and cocktails with friends, or a lively spot to catch the big game, Oranmore has a vibrant nightlife and pub scene that offers something for everyone. From beer gardens and sports bars to charming thatched pubs, here are the best places to enjoy a drink with friends in Oranmore.
If you haven’t been on a night out in Glynn’s Bar yet you need to as soon as possible! There’s always loads of fun to be had here no matter the time of day or day of week. Featuring music performances every weekend, live sports on their screens, a beer garden that is unique and quirky in its décor, and a drinks menu with cocktails, craft beers, whiskeys, gins and more. They have also partnered up with the incredible local foodies at Urban Fire to bring you an in-house menu of delicious wood-fire pizzas. These are a phenomenal addition to an evening of pints with your pals. Our pick? Get the Fancy Dan.
One of the best spots in East Galway for parties and watching live sports, Porterhouse has got all your match day needs covered. They have plenty of room for groups and parties of all sizes, TVs throughout the venue's two floors and a fantastic drinks menu. We also highly recommend pairing your pints with some of the delicious dishes available at their neighbours GIGAS Dinergrill, as this whole experience really is one of the best in the west, and they've got a killer reputation to show for it!
above: What a stunning lineup at The Olde Brewery! | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Placing a huge focus on entertainment throughout all they do, The Olde Brewery is one of the top places to go in Galway for live music and live sports. Comprising both indoor and outdoor areas with three bars and 18 screens throughout the space, The Olde Brewery offers a full bar menu of craft beers, spirits, and cocktails - both frozen and classic options available. This bar is the perfect place to relax for an afternoon, enjoying quality pints of Guinness and listening to local bands and musicians or cheering on the match on the big screen.
Combining a large open-air beer garden with a gorgeous traditional thatched Irish bar, McDonagh’s Thatch Bar & Beer Garden is a truly unique drinking destination located only a short drive/bus journey from Galway city. Its interiors are decked out with one-of-a-kind Irish signs and antiques, making for a fabulous backdrop for your pints and cocktails. Throughout the bar and beer garden are 7 big screen TVs showing all manner of live sports, from racing to GAA and Football. They also have live music performances every Thursday to Sunday, featuring a wealth of both local and Irish musicians.
The family-run Keanes Bar and Restaurant should absolutely be on your radar when you visit Oranmore. Their dishes are made using only the best of local produce and you can taste the quality in every bite. Additionally, pop round their music venue next door and be entertained by an incredible entertainment lineup featuring the best of local talents. With great food, great service and a wonderful atmosphere, Keanes ticks all the boxes.
above: Maldron Hotel Oranmore is the perfect place to stay and play | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Stay a few days at Oranmore’s top accommodation providers:
Planning to explore the best of Oranmore and the Galway coast? Make the most of your visit by staying a few days in this charming village, where you’ll find hotels offering comfort, convenience, and great access to Galway city the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you're looking for family-friendly amenities, boutique charm, or a romantic retreat, Oranmore has a stay to suit every holidaymaker.
The Maldron Hotel Oranmore is a 4-star, family-friendly hotel located on the N6, just under 20 minutes from Galway city centre. With 113 rooms, excellent conference facilities, a full leisure centre with a swimming pool as well as an onsite restaurant and outstanding family facilities, Maldron Hotel Oranmore is exactly what you want, where you want it. Easily accessible via all gateways to Galway; West (M17), South (M18) and North & East (M4), it’s no wonder why it is so highly ranked for a holiday in Galway. Book your stay here. Onsite is the Maldron Hotel Oranmore’s leisure centre and gym, Club Vitae. With facilities suitable for all ages, during your visit you can enjoy an energising swim in their 20m swimming pool or work on reaching your fitness goals in the gym. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist you every step of the way. With over 20 classes a week, if you are living in Galway and looking to start becoming more active in your lifestyle, this Galway gym is a phenomenal option.
above: The Coach House Hotel is a brilliant budget-friendly accommodation option in Oranmore.
A stylish boutique hotel in Oranmore, Coach House Hotel consists of sixteen modern en-suite bedrooms, a multi award-winning Italian restaurant named Basilico, and The House Bar. Thanks to its central location, this hotel is ideal for travelling to Galway city and for those looking to explore the Wild Atlantic Way along Galway’s coastline. Even better, kids under 12 stay and get breakfast for free, so it's perfect for young families. Book your stay here.
Experience the charm of Armorica, where French-inspired dining, live jazz, and boutique guest rooms come together under one roof. Stay in elegant, spacious accommodation just above the restaurant, and wake each morning to an award-winning free-range breakfast. In the evenings, enjoy a menu rooted in classic French cuisine, crafted with quality local ingredients and paired with an extensive wine list. For bookings and inquiries, call 091 388 343 or email natasha@armorica.ie. More information here.
Whether you are in the area for a romantic break with your partner or a peaceful getaway, the Oranmore Lodge Hotel has a luxurious and elegant setting that’s easy to fall in love with. The intimate setting of their Hunt Room Restaurant, means fast and attentive service, or you can enjoy a more relaxed meal in the bar which regularly hosts live entertainment. The hotel's leisure centre facilities also makes them the ideal choice for those who like to stay active while away from home. Book your stay here.
Where to Shop in Oranmore:
Oranmore may be small, but it's home to a number of our favourite shops in Galway. Offering everything from luxury footwear to timeless fashion finds, no matter if you're looking for something special for an occasion or just want to treat yourself to quality pieces, there’s something here for you. Here are some of the best spots to shop in Oranmore.
Operating under the philosophy that “good shoes take you good places,” Sheneil Shoes in Oranmore is where luxury meets everyday style. Since its establishment in 2010, this premium footwear and accessories boutique has curated an exceptional collection of high-end international brands, catering to both special occasions and effortless daily elegance. Beyond footwear, Sheneil Shoes offers a stunning selection of luxury leather bags and handmade jewellery, ensuring that every outfit is complete from head to toe. For those who prefer to shop from home, their online store provides a seamless shopping experience, featuring express delivery and free shipping on orders over €99 within Ireland.
When it comes to shopping for the gents, there is no better option than Wolf and West Menswear. Stocking everything from contemporary casual style to formal attire and everything in between, Wolf and West Menswear even offers leading labels from around the globe, including Andre, Meyer, and 2Blind2C, as well as plenty of Irish designs. Their professional team makes finding the perfect outfit an effortless experience. After shopping here, you’ll be dressed in the best, from head to toe.
Now, for the ladies, Ivory Lane Boutique is a charming store showcasing a hand-picked collection of occasion wear, smart casual, and statement pieces. You’ll also find a bespoke collection of headpieces by the amazingly talented milliner Lesley Teehan, which have been designed especially for Ivory Lane. This lovely store focuses on offering trend-proof pieces that will stand the test of time and suit any occasion.
above: Ground & Co in Oranmore is one of our favourite coffee shops in Galway.
Get your Caffeine Fix in Oranmore:
Looking for the best coffee spots in Oranmore? Whether you're after a morning caffeine fix, a cosy brunch spot, or somewhere to enjoy sweet treats with a view, Oranmore is home to a thriving café scene. Here are some of the top places to grab a coffee while you're in the area.
Ground & Co in Oranmore is located conveniently beside Tesco and Evergreen, making it the ideal spot to pull in for a coffee and some lunch. With ample parking, both indoor and outdoor seating, and stunning views of Oranmore Castle this café is a must-visit. They serve all the same goodies you’ve come to love from Galway’s own Tribe Hospitality Group (including Leroy’s sausage rolls), so be sure to add it to your list!
Located near the village’s main carpark, Espresso 44 offers a variety of delicious coffee, treats, and sandwiches to fuel your day. This bright and friendly coffee shop serves tons of tasty snacking options such as their in-house bakes, gourmet sandwiches, wraps, and more. Additionally, their award-winning Fixx coffee is the perfect pick-me-up after a busy day on the go.
If you want to start your day off on the right track, visit one of Brazco Coffee Academy's three locations in Oranmore. This village is home to Big Brazco, where all of their home baked treats are created. This spot is a popular option for breakfast, brunch or lunch, or just to enjoy one of their baked goods. This Oranmore café also regularly hosts art exhibitions in order to showcase the amazing artwork by local artists.
above: Pancakes and fresh orange juice at Roots Café? Yes, please!
The popular Roots Café & Bistro has brought its fantastic flavours to Oranmore, offering another great location for coffee lovers. Known for good times and great food, their menu features everything from light, fluffy crepes and crispy pizza to delicious pastas, wines, beers—and, of course, excellent coffee.
Since opening in 2019, Delice Bakery & Coffee Shop has gone from strength to strength, and it’s easy to see why! With freshly baked goods coming out of the oven throughout the day, you’ll be tempted inside by the scent of warm bread, pastries, and sausage rolls. But it’s not just about the bakes, Delice also serves healthy all-day breakfast options, hot and cold lunches, and freshly prepared ready-to-go meals.
Finally, head down to Seahorse Café at Oranmore Pier for tasty treats with a view. The team transformed a horsebox into the pretty pink food truck now parked by the bay. With cupcakes, ice cream, Álainn’s acai bowls, sweet treats, and toasties to choose from, it’s the perfect stop to enjoy something delicious while taking in the stunning views of Galway Bay.
Feature photo of Oranmore Castle, courtesy of Ireland's Content Pool.
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