We want to share with you the fantastic variety of restaurants, bars, cafés, activities and attractions that can be found in Oranmore, so we have put together the ultimate guide of where to go and what to do in this gorgeous Galway village. Check it out here..
Although petite in size, Oranmore is full of one-of-a-kind attractions. Home to one of the most impressive and well-preserved Irish castles, and some of Galway’s best destinations for dinner and drinks, live entertainment, and activities. If you have never been to Oranmore we highly recommend that you do as soon as possible and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Thanks to its easy access and close proximity to Galway city and Connemara, Oranmore has earned a phenomenal reputation as a gateway to the West. It’s also in the perfect location for weekend getaways or afternoon adventures if you are staying in Galway city, so without further delay let’s dive into all the incredible places you can visit in Oranmore.
What to Do in Oranmore:
Tour Galway Hooker Brewery
Location: Carrowmoneash, Deerpark Industrial Estate // check them out
The independent artisan brewery, Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co is a pioneer of the modern craft beer movement. It is Ireland’s third-oldest independent brewery and the oldest existing brewery in Connacht. As the producers of the original Irish Pale Ale, their range of award-winning products include IPAs, Pilsners, stouts, beers, red ales and more. During their tours, guests are shown the behind the scenes of how their beers are made and you’ll also get to enjoy one of their craft flight tasting boards in the place where they were made.
Go Golfing at SWING Golf
Location: Unit 5 Pairc An Clochair, Innplot // check them out
Incredible activities for groups can be enjoyed at SWING Golf. This state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator facility caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned players looking for a new challenge. Ideal for corporate, hens/stags and private parties, you can trial on some of the world’s most famous courses all without leaving Galway, and compete in multiplayer games. With 6 simulator bays, a pool table, dart board, foosball table, multiple large screen TVs and food packages, SWING Golf has every angle covered for parties and groups.
above: photo from SWING Golf, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Have a Tee Break at Galway Bay Golf Resort
Location: Renville // check them out
The gorgeous 18-hole championship-level golf course, Galway Bay Golf Resort, offers a unique experience for all golfers. Whether you are lining up a putt for par or driving a shot a hundred yards down the fairway, you can enjoy spectacular views of Galway Bay. The course itself is exquisitely designed and features plenty of testing aspects, for beginners and experts alike. You can also opt to elevate your visit by calling into the onsite restaurant for delicious food and drink post-round.
Check out Oranmore Castle
Location: Castle Road // more here
Dating back to between the 13th and the 15th century, Oranmore Castle was originally a stronghold of a prominent Norman family of Galway. This castle also played a pivotal part in the defence of Galway during the Confederate Rebellion in 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.
Call into the Library
On face value you might be wondering why I am telling you to check out the local Oranmore library but it’s for good reason I promise! As 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, today 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 checking it out while in Oranmore.
Visit Renville Park
Location: Rinville West // more here
Only five minutes from the village, Renville Park is the perfect place to whileaway a day in Galway. Both dog and family friendly you can bring the whole fam out when visiting this park and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here, you’ll also find a children’s playground and is closely situated near to Oranmore’s Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point should you wish to snap a pic. 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.
See Oranmore’s Namesake
Did you know that Oranmore village got its name from a well? Originally called Fuarán Mór (meaning ‘Great Spring’ in Irish), it lost the f sound over time to become Oranmore. You can now visit this spot for yourself as it is a lovely little riverside park on the North East side of the village where the well has been preserved alongside cool sculptures that features local flora and fauna, a pollinator-friendly meadow area, and some very interesting information boards about the original name of the well and the mythology that surrounds it.
above: photo by Ado Lyons
Stroll around Oranmore Farmers Market
Location: Car park behind the AstroTurf, just off Main St // more here
Every Thursday from 1-5pm, Oranmore hosts their weekly Farmers Market which is located just off the village’s main street. An integral part of the community, the market sees a wide range of stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, hot food, arts and crafts and even homemade hot sauces. For years, the market has become a great meeting place to meet up with friends and family throughout the day. With it being located right beside Oranmore playground, it’s the perfect spot for entertaining both children and adults.
Treat yourself at Sea Breeze Beauty and Skin Clinic
Location: Oranmore Town Centre, Millplot // check them out
When in Oranmore, give yourself a bit of TLC at the aesthetics, beauty and skin clinic SeaBreeze. Here, you can take advantage of their extensive menu of treatments which range from makeup and manicures/pedicures to derma fillers and laser treatments. They also offer a large stock of retail beauty products and work with a variety of skincare brands such as Image, Obagi, Genosys, Voya and more.
Where to get a Drink in Oranmore:
McDonagh’s Thatch Bar & Beer Garden
Location: Main St // check them out
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 every Thursday to Sunday, featuring a wealth of both local and Irish musicians.
above: photo from McDonagh's Thatch Bar & Beer Garden, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Glynn’s Bar
Location: Dublin Rd // check them out
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 craic 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 Urban Fire to bring you delicious wood-fire pizzas which are a phenomenal addition to an evening of pints with your pals.
Porterhouse
Location: Main St // check it out
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 top quality drinks menu. We also highly recommend combining your pints with some of the delicious dishes that are 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: photo from Porterhouse, by Ado Lyons
The Olde Brewery
Location: Main St // check them out
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 lounge about for an afternoon while enjoying quality pints of Guinness and listening to local bands and musicians, or while cheering on the match on the big screen.
Keanes Bar & Restaurant
Location: Main St // check them out
The family-run Keanes Bar and Restaurant should absolutely be on your radar when you come to Oranmore. Their restaurant menus 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.
Where to Eat in Oranmore:
Raviolo Verde
Location: Carraig Láir, Oranhill // check them out
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 has taken traditional Italian recipes and added their own flair with exquisite results. They are open until late every evening making them a fantastic option for enjoying Italian cuisine in Galway. They even offer their own homemade ice creams (vegan options available), milkshakes and sundaes.
above: photo from Raviolo Verde, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
GIGAS Dinergrill
Location: Howley Court, Dublin Rd, Innplot // check them out
GIGAS Dinergrill provides delicious, made to order meals every time. They specialise in using locally sourced produce to create fresh and tasty dishes, from burgers that just burst with flavour and pizzas that are straight from the oven to the classic dish of fish and chips. GIGAS Dinergrill is gourmet food at its finest! Available for dine-in or takeaway, we recommend that you tuck into this impressive menu over a tasty pint at their neighbours Porterhouse’s beer garden.
Basilico
Location: Main Street // check them out
If fresh, homemade and organic Italian food with a full bar menu and fantastic ambiance sounds good to you; you simply need to book yourself in for a meal at the authentic Italian and multi-award-winning restaurant, Basilico. Everything they offer has been prepared with their guests in mind making for a lovely experience. Their stone-baked pizzas and authentic Italian breads are hard to beat for both taste and price and it's prepared fresh every day in-house using locally sourced ingredients.
Armorica
Location: Main Street // check them out
Merging French cuisine and welcoming boutique guest rooms in one space, there’s nowhere else in Galway like Armorica. It consists of an intimate but open dining space with a street view, a beautiful conservatory with garden views, outdoor seating, and elegant guest accommodation. Your visit here can consist of their award-winning breakfast in the morning and in the evenings you can enjoy a meal that takes inspiration from classic French styles accompanied with French wines.
above: photo from Armorica, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Urban Fire
Location: Beer Garden at Glynn’s Bar // check them out
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 deets. 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!
The 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant
Location: Galway Bay Golf Resort, Renville // check them out
Open from 9am to serve breakfast with a view, The 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant at the Galway Bay Golf Resort has loads of delightful options of food and drink for you to avail of. This bar and restaurant overlooks a beautiful golf course on the edge of Galway Bay making it one of the most unique dining experiences in East Galway. Open to both members and non-members of the golf club, here all guests can enjoy dishes that have been expertly made by their team of skilled chefs alongside a full bar menu.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Bay Golf Resort
Banditos
Location: Main Street // check them out
It may have started out with humble beginnings, however in less than a year from opening their food truck, Banditos opened its doors to a new premise on Oranmore’s Main Street in 2018 and they have only grown from there! Providing delicious authentic Mexican food to East Galway, the yummy tex-mex style food at Banditos is available for sit-in or takeaway. They were also named Best Mexican at the Just Eat Ireland’s Best Takeaway Awards in 2022, so we simply insist you visit them while you are in this area.
Where to Stay in Oranmore:
Maldron Hotel Oranmore
Location: Dublin Road // book your stay here
This 4-star family-friendly hotel is ideally 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.
Coach House Hotel
Location: Main Street // book your stay here
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 in Galway. To top it all off, kids under 12 stay for free and get free breakfast, so it's perfect for young families.
Oranmore Lodge Hotel
Location: Station Road // book your stay here
Whether you are in the area for a romantic break with your partner or looking to enjoy a quiet getaway, Oranmore Lodge Hotel has a luxurious and elegant feel that you'll soon 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 has live entertainment. The hotel's leisure centre facilities include a pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room, as well as a gym, ideal for those who like to stay active while away from home.
Where to get a Coffee in Oranmore:
Ground & Co
Location: Unit 4, Páirc An Chlóchair, Innplot // check them out
Ground & Co in Oranmore is located in a convenient place to pull in for a coffee and some lunch. You’ll find them beside Tesco and Evergreen, with ample parking, both indoor and outdoor seating and stunning views of Oranmore Castle. They'll be serving up all the same goodies you've come to know and love from Galway’s own Tribe Hospitality Group so be sure to add this to your must visit list.
above: photo from Ground & Co, by Ado Lyons
Espresso 44
Location: Marian House, an tSráid Mhór, Innplot // check them out
Espresso 44 in Oranmore has loads of parking beside it and offers a variety of delicious coffee, treats, and sandwiches to fuel you up! This bright and friendly café serves tons of tasty food options such as their famous sausage rolls, gourmet sandwiches, wraps and more. Additionally, their award-winning Fixx coffee is the perfect pick-me-up after a day on the road.
Brazco Coffee Academy
Location: Carraig Lair Shopping Centre + Main Street + Oranmore Community Centre // check them out
Start your day off on the right track with a great cup of tea or coffee in 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 and this spot is also a popular option for breakfast, brunch or lunch, as well as all enjoying their baked treats. This Oranmore café also regularly hosts art exhibitions in order to showcase the amazing artwork by local artists.
Roots Café & Bistro
Location: Unit 2, Ground floor, Oranmore Business Park // check them out
This popular family of cafés has spread its roots all the way to Oranmore - another location but with all the same fantastic flavours that you've come to know from Roots Café & Bistro! They specialise in good times and good food, with a menu consisting of everything from light fluffy crepes, crispy pizza to delicious pastas and a great selection of wines and beers, and amazing coffee.
above: photo courtesy of Roots
Poppyseed Gourmet Café
Location: Castle Court, 8 Castle Rd // check them out
The menus at PoppySeed Gourmet Café have everything you want during your daytime gallivanting around Oranmore. Their menus are packed full of wholesome and classic breakfast options (including their signature granola), lunchtime options and more. All their pastries and cakes are produced in the dedicated off-site bakery seven days a week so definitely, avail of their coffee and cupcake combo while passing through.
Delice Bakery & Coffee Shop
Location: Unit 2, Howley Square, Main St // check them out
Ever since first opening in 2019, Delice Bakery & Coffee Shop has been going strength to strength and it's easy to see why! With baked goods coming fresh out of the oven throughout the day, you'll find the scent of warm breads, pastries and sausage rolls coaxing you inside. It's not all about their baked goods however, Delice offers healthy all-day breakfast options along with hot and cold lunches, they even have freshly made ready-to-go meals.
Seahorse Café
Location: Oranmore Pier // check them out
Seahorse Café at Oranmore Pier has loads of delicious goodies for you to enjoy while you take in the stunning views of Galway Bay. The team behind Seahorse Café transformed a horse box into the pretty pink food truck you'll now find alongside the pier. With cupcakes, ice cream, sweet treats and four varieties of toasties to choose from, they have plenty of tasty options for you to try.
above: photo courtesy of Seahorse Café
Where to Shop in Oranmore:
Wolf & West Menswear
Location: Unit 4, Howley Square, Main St // check them out
When it comes to shopping in Oranmore, for the gents there is no better option than Wolf & West Menswear. Stocking everything from contemporary casual style to formal attire and everything in between. Wolf & West even offer leading labels from around the globe including Andre, Meyer and 2Blind2C, as well as plenty of Irish designs. The team here makes finding the perfect outfit an effortless experience, from head to toe.
Ivory Lane Boutique
Location: Unit 1 level 1, Station Rd // check them out
Now, something for the ladies. Ivory Lane is a wonderful boutique showcases a hand-picked collection of occasion wear, smart casual and statement pieces. Here you'll also find a bespoke collection of head pieces 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 all occasions.
above: photo courtesy of Wolf & West
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