Known as the gateway to the west, Oranmore sits on the outskirts of Galway city and has abundant activities to offer all who visit it. We wanted to share with you all our favourite things to do in Oranmore so check them out below!
The town of Oranmore can be easily accessed from Galway city centre. So, regardless if you have booked your accommodation here and are using Oranmore as your base to Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, or are simply visiting on a day trip from Galway city, rest assured that there are plenty of activities to experience in this petite East Galway town. Discover them below..
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.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Hooker Brewery
Go Golfing at LUASCA Golf
Location: Unit 5 Pairc An Clochair, Innplot // check them out
Incredible activities for groups can be enjoyed at LUASCA 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, LUASCA Golf has every angle covered for parties both big and small.
above: photo from LUASCA Golf, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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.
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.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Bay Golf Resort
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.
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.
above: photo courtesy of SeaBreeze
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.
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
