East Galway is home to legendary towns and villages that give the famed Connemara region a run for its money! One such spot is Athenry. Known worldwide thanks to the iconic ballad ‘The Fields of Athenry’, this medieval town offers a charming blend of history, culture, and countryside beauty. A delightful place to explore, no matter if you’re on a day trip, your summer holidays or merely passing through, from its atmospheric streets and historic ruins to its cosy cafés and lively pubs. This guide will help you discover all the town’s best parts.
Athenry is a town that effortlessly blends the past and the present. From wandering medieval streets and exploring historic castles to sipping speciality coffee, enjoying local cuisine, and shopping in charming boutiques, this Galway gem is perfect for any holidaymaker. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, relaxation, or just a little taste of authentic Irish life, Athenry promises an experience you won’t forget.
Fun Fact: Athenry is the best preserved medieval town in Ireland, retaining the upstanding remains of most of its original high-status buildings, in addition to its medieval street pattern and even individual property boundaries, or burgage plots. Over seventy percent of the masonry town wall survives, complete with an impressive arched gateway, five defensive towers and large portions of a surrounding ditch or fosse. For more on this please see here.
above: Athenry Castle
Must See Attractions in the Area
History buffs will be spoiled in Athenry. Athenry Castle, dating back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries, is remarkably well-preserved and includes an audio-visual exhibition that brings the castle’s history to life. The Dominican Priory Ruins, a 13th-century site destroyed by Cromwellian troops, still showcases historic tombs, including that of Athenry’s founder, Meiler de Bermingham. Dunsandle Castle and its surrounding 20 acres of woodland feature unique architectural details like an anti-clockwise spiral staircase, a minstrel’s gallery, and a secret chamber, while Castle Ellen House, originally built in 1810, offers a tranquil escape with decorative plasterwork and open fireplaces.
For interactive experiences, the Athenry Heritage Centre provides a hands-on approach to medieval history, with exhibits including armour, weapons, archery, and dressing up in period costume. They also offer insightful guided tours and a full look into what medieval life was like in Galway. At Athenry Heritage Centre, history comes to life. Art lovers will enjoy the Hope it Rains | Soineann nó Doineann’s Changing States street mural by Galway artist Shane O’Malley, which shifts colour and form depending on the weather, creating a living, breathing piece of public art. No visit to Athenry would be complete without visiting The Fields of Athenry themselves. Famous thanks to the ballad, these lush, patchwork fields offer a peaceful stroll, a glimpse into rural Irish life, and a chance to see local birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
above: photo courtesy Athenry Heritage Centre
Things to Do During your Visit
There are so many things to experience in Athenry, oftentimes we find it difficult to know where to begin. To help you avoid these same woes we suggest; first off, plan your visit around one of the town’s many festivals (this can make a huge difference in the amount of activities you can partake in.) Typically taking place in September, the Athenry MAD (music/movies, arts/acting, drama/dancing) Festival is a weekend celebration that gets the town’s creative juices flowing. With workshops and theatrical performances galore, this festival sparks creativity in all those attending.
Every August, the one-day festival Athenry Walled Towns Day, presents a schedule of activities that highlight the Anglo-Norman influences on Athenry’s medieval town. This festival is open to everyone, and free to attend. It provides a platform for regional craft and artisan food manufacturers to display their goods while also reflecting the medieval past of Athens in its program. Falconry, arts and crafts, archery, war reenactments, weapon displays, kid-friendly craft stations, medieval music, storytelling, and puppet shows are just a few of the exhibits you’ll find at Athenry Walled Towns Day.
Moving away from the festivals, open year-round, Athenry’s West of the River Gallery is a space dedicated to creativity and coffee. During your visit discover a carefully curated selection of original artwork from talented local and national artists, alongside beautiful high-quality prints perfect for adding character to any home or personal space. The gallery also showcases unique design pieces and handcrafted items from makers across Ireland, highlighting the beauty of quality craftsmanship. For some hands-on creativity during your time in Athenry, West of the River Gallery also hosts pottery painting workshops suitable for individuals, groups, parties, or casual drop-in visitors. Choose a ceramic piece and enjoy a mindful, creative experience in a welcoming setting. The space is also available for hire, offering an ideal venue for creatives, makers, and educators to host workshops or sessions for groups of 6-8 people.
above: Dowling's Bar
Go on a Culinary Tour Around Athenry
Food lovers will feel right at home in Athenry. The town offers a mix of hearty traditional dishes, artisan coffee spots, and lively pubs that make every visit memorable. A perfect blend of rustic charm and fine dining, The Loft at North Gate has all your dining needs covered, from morning to night. Open daily from 9am, begin your day with freshly brewed barista coffee, buttery pastries, and a delicious breakfast menu. From noon until 6pm, their chefs serve a delicious lunch menu featuring all your favourite lunchtime classics. In the evenings, the restaurant transforms into Athenry’s premier fine dining experience. Enjoy exceptional cuisine paired with an extensive wine list, gorgeous cocktails, and full bar service, all delivered with impeccable attention to detail. Whether celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic date night, or simply indulging in great food with family, The Loft at North Gate offers an unforgettable experience.
Once evening arrives, continue the fun you’ve been having all day at The Loft at North Gate’s sister venue, Dowling’s Bar. With live music, an electric atmosphere, and classic Irish hospitality, it’s one of Athenry’s favourite late-night destinations. Known for their parties and group celebrations, big-screen sports, weekend entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a local, it’s a hard spot to bear for a night out in East Galway.
For those in search of a caffeine fix, West of the River Gallery is a must-visit. A space dedicated to creativity and coffee, this spot welcomes art lovers, design enthusiasts, families, friends, and coffee aficionados alike. The gallery’s cosy café, which serves delicious coffee and cakes, is perfect for catching up with friends, enjoying some quiet time, or finding inspiration. West of the River Gallery collaborates with SOMA Coffee Company, to bring you coffee that has been perfectly brewed and full of flavour.
above: Stone House Pizza Bar
One of the standout dining experiences is The Old Barracks Restaurant. Known for its warm atmosphere and award-winning menu, the restaurant serves everything from hearty breakfasts to late-night meals. Visitors can enjoy freshly baked breads and pastries from their onsite bakery, while the restaurant caters to all ages, including picky little eaters. For pizza lovers, the sister business Stone House Pizza Bar is close by and has all the making of an amazing pizza party night, making it a perfect spot for families or groups with varied tastes.
The Nook is a charming café that prides itself on homemade pastries, crepes, chutneys, and relishes, all prepared fresh daily. A midday stop here for a raspberry or chocolate muffin is a perfect way to recharge before heading back out to explore the town. Meanwhile, if you prefer something a little more relaxed and ‘on-the-go’, The Filling Station is ideal for a speciality coffee, gourmet sandwich, or a refreshing ice cream on a sunny day.
Finally, for a sweet pause in your day, La Pause Dessert is a French café-pâtisserie offering homemade chocolates, cakes, and sandwiches, alongside expertly brewed coffee. Whether you’re taking a break after sightseeing or just in need of a treat, this is a little taste of France in the heart of Athenry.
above: Peggi Browne Interiors
Shop Athenry’s Local Stores
Athenry may be small, but it’s packed with unique shopping experiences. Just Kidz is the go-to store for children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, with expert in-store fittings and thoughtfully curated baby gift boxes for newborns. A short stroll away, Peggi Browne Interiors is a hidden gem offering fashion, home décor, jewellery, and gifts, with new stock arriving every week. The store’s one-to-one service ensures you can find the perfect piece for your home or wardrobe.
For more locally inspired gifts, The Fields of Athenry Gift Shop is a family-run treasure trove, with everything from homeware and jewellery to gifts, handbags, scented candles, and artwork. Whereas, Athenry Antiques gives new life to vintage furniture and collectibles, perfect for those hunting for one-of-a-kind items. And for fashion lovers, Elegance Boutique offers a broad selection of clothing, from casual leisurewear to statement dresses, with new pieces added weekly to keep your wardrobe fresh.
above: Lodge at The Old Barracks
Stay for a Few Days with Athenry’s Top Accommodation Providers
For a stay steeped in local charm, Lodge at The Old Barracks is hard to beat. Located in the heart of Athenry, the lodge offers king-size beds, quality linen, and locally inspired décor. Breakfast is served daily at the neighbouring Old Barracks Restaurant, and the location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions, including Athenry Castle and the Heritage Centre. The train station is also only a short walk away, and connects you to Galway city, the Wild Atlantic Way and beyond.
For those seeking luxury and relaxation, Raheen Woods Hotel is a 4-star retreat nestled amidst the iconic Fields of Athenry. The hotel combines contemporary design with comfort, offering a spa, leisure centre, and the indoor Kardio Kids play area. Guests can also take advantage of midweek and weekend packages that include spa treatments, golf, and sightseeing along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo travellers.
Main photo courtesy Ireland's Content Pool.
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