See and Do

Things to do in and arund Athenry, Co. Galway

Explore ATHENRY

Athenry is the best preserved medieval town in Ireland, retaining the upstanding remains of most of its original high-status buildings. With the excellently preserved Athenry Castle, Dominican Abbey and over 70% of the medieval town walls, Athenry provides visitors with an excellent insight into the heritage of medieval Ireland.

01.

Athenry Castle

Visit Beautiful Athenry Castle, built in 1249. The castle was restored in 2005 using the building techniques which would have been used when the castle was built.

The Athenry Heritage Centre is the ideal starting point to discover the best preserved medieval town in Ireland. Visitors both young and old can experience this history with interactive exhibits of weaponry, armor, dressing up in medieval costume and Have-A-Go Archery.

02.

Galway City

European City of Culture 2020, Galway City boasts beautiful beaches and a buzzing city centre. Its labyrinth of cobbled streets is adorned on all sides by bustling pubs and colourful shopfronts.

Galway City is famous for its love of art, music and culture which can be seen fervently in the many festivals and events which take place here annually.

While today you will find Galway pulsing with energy and youth, exploring the area’s history is well worth the effort. From Medieval Walls to Ireland’s Oldest Fishing Village (the Claddagh), Galway City has something for everyone.

With Train and Bus Routes only a few minutes walk from The Newpark Hotel, this is the perfect place to explore Galway from!

03.

The Fields of Athenry

“The Fields of Athenry” is an Irish folk ballad set during the Great Irish Famine (1845–1850) about a fictional man named Michael from near Athenry in County Galway who has been sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay, Australia, for stealing food for his starving family. Sang as an Irish Anthem Worldwide at nearly every sporting Venue this song that feels like it was written centuries ago is a relatively new song written in the 1970’s by Pete St. John and first recorded by Danny Doyle in 1979

04.

Dunsandle Castle and Woods

Experience life in a 15th-century castle set in a sylvan woodland setting in Dunsandle. Dunsandle Castle was first held by the De Burgo (Burke) family, acceded to the Dalys, and has recently been expertly restored. The castle is replete with unique architectural features which lead you on a fascinating journey through history. Key features of the castle include a banqueting hall, an anti-clockwise spiral staircase, an oubliette (or secret chamber), and minstrel’s gallery. Also unique to Dunsandle is its groin vault construction, a Roman design feature that fell into relative obscurity in Europe until the resurgence of quality stone building brought about by Carolingian and Romanesque architecture.

05.

Lady Gregory Heritage Trail

Various sites between Athenry, Loughrea and Gort. Follow in the footsteps of two of Ireland’s most influential literary figures and see the landscapes, sites and people who inspired some of their greatest works. Start at St Brendan’s Cathedral in Loughrea following the trail loop to Gort and back taking in sights including Coole Park, Thoor Ballykee and Killinane Graveyard.

06.

Turoe Pet Farm

Walk around the 14 acre park feeding and cuddling the animals. Meet sheep, goats, rabbits, ponies, pigs, donkeys… even llamas and alpacas! If your little ones have any energy left there is a fantastic outdoor play area with swings, slides and see-saws.

Turoe Pet Farm has a lovely picnic area and coffee shop to recharge your batteries

05.

Athenry Golf Club

Athenry Golf Club is a mixture of parkland and heathland built on a limestone base against the backdrop of a large forest giving excellent drainage and remaining playable all year round. Situated less than 10 minutes from the hotel, this may be the perfect destination for any lover of golf!