Info on Area

Oughterard located on the shores of Lough Corrib and described as the 'Gateway to Connemara' is an ideal base for touring the delights of Connemara, the Aran Islands and the West of Ireland. The village is probably the largest, most important centre for fishing on Lough Corrib. The brown trout season is from 15 February until 30 September. Salmon fishing from 1 February until  30 September. Attractions in the area include:

Aughnanure Castle

Built by the O'Flahertys c1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Located 3km south of Oughterard off the N59.

Connemara National Park

Situated near Letterfrack, the park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic countryside, rich in wildlife. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails and an audio-visual tour.

Corrib Cruises

Lough Corrib cruises are twice daily from Oughterard where you may visit Inchagoill Island on route to Ashford Castle. Cruise takes a leisurely 90 minutes.

Kylemore Abbey

The Abbey, known as Irelands most romantic and most photographed Castle, was once home to the Benedictine Nuns since 1920. One of the most visited attractions in the West of Ireland much of the Kylemore estate has been restored to its former glory. Open to visitors all year.

Leenane and Ashleigh Falls

On the shores of the Killary Harbour, Leenane is a lovely village and was the setting for the film "The Field" with Richard Harris. An annual walking festival takes place on the first weekend in may. Close by are Ashleigh Falls, where in the latter part of the summer Salmon are observed jumping up these falls.

The Aran Islands

These three small islands-Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr lie at the mouth of Galway Bay. Morning and evening ferries to Inis Mor go from Rossaveel and Galway City Docks. The ferries have comfortable seating and can carry bicycles. It is possible to go out to Inis Mor on the morning ferry and return that evening.

Inishbofin Island

 The island boasts magnificent scenery from cliff top walks, sandy beaches and rare flora and fauna. 10km off the north Connemara coast, ferries take 30 minutes and leave from Cleggan Village.

Activities in Oughterard 

Golf: Oughterard has its own 18-hole parkland course as well as pitch and putt. Located 1km from the village.

Connemara Marathon: An international marathon comprising of a Half Marathon (13.1miles), a Full Marathon (26.2miles) and Irelands only on-road Ultra Marathon (39.3miles) all taking place in early spring every year. The dates for 2010 are Sunday April 11th & in 2011 the date is Sunday April 10th.

Oughterard Pony Show: Preparations are now underway for the show which takes place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2010.  Activities on Saturday are devoted to the International Connemara Performance Championships involving both local ponies and visiting pony/rider combinations from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Sunday is always a great family day out with entertainment activities for all age groups.

Cycling: The most popular route is to the Hill Of Doon, a round trip of approximately 28km through some spectacular scenery.

Walking: There are many short coastal, mountain and bog walks in the area. For the more ambitious hill-walker, increasingly popular walking routes can be followed on an organised basis. The Western Way route starts at Oughterard and follows the shore of Lough Corrib to Maam, the Maum Turks and Twelve Bens, before descending to the deep, narrow valley of Killary Harbour and junction with the Western Way (Mayo) near Leenane. Distance 50km/31miles.

Galway City is a 25mins drive, lively, exuberent and has lots to offer people of all ages. The Galway-Clifden bus has stops in Oughterard.

Galway Airport approx. 25kms from Oughterard.

As Oscar Wilde once described-

' CONNEMARA A PLACE OF SAVAGE BEAUTY '