 Oughterard (Irish: Uachtar Ard) is a charming village on the edge of Lough Corrib and can’t be missed by those travelling from Galway to Clifden on the N59 Route. It has many fine coffee shops, pubs and bars to enjoy a drink on route to your destination and indeed makes an excellent short break destination in itself. Oughterard is world renowned for its wild brown trout and other fish. The town has many attractions for the day visitor and also makes an excellent location for a longer stay. At only 27 kms from Galway, Oughterard,  known as the ‘gateway to Connemara’ can be an excellent base for touring Connemara & the tourist attractions around and in Galway city. Visual treats such as beautiful lakeland scenery & historic buildings are plentiful in this well situated town. Walking and hiking is also very popular in this area. View our Oughterard cottages below.
Oughterard’s Top Attractions and Activities
There’s plenty to do and see in Oughterard for those of you planning to stay in Oughterard, or for those of you who just want to enjoy a day activity there.
1. Fishing in and around Oughterard
Oughterard is well known for fishing as it lies only a few miles from over 40,000 acres of Lough Corrib – the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. Lough Corrib is internationally renowned…
Read more about fishing in Oughterard and the surrounding area - Here >>
2. Bridget’s Garden
Located just one mile off the N59 (5 miles before Oughterard on the Galway side) this Celtic garden is themed on Celtic seasonal festivities with 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows. A location where the family can enjoy a nature trail, ogham tree, children’s discovery trail, living willow play area and an ancient ring fort. There is also a café and full calendar of family friendly activities on offer. More on http://www.brigitsgarden.ie/
 3. Golfing at Oughterard Golf Club
Oughterard boosts its own parklands style golf course with 18 championship holes with numerous water features, native Irish trees and excellent views of Lough Corrib and the Connemara Mountains. Visitors welcome. More on http://www.oughterardgolfclub.com
4. Corrib Cruises
Take one of the two boats ‘Isle of Inisfree’ or ‘Corrib Queen’ and enjoy the daily sailings between Oughterard Co. Galway and Cong, Co. Mayo. There is a stop off and guided tour of the 5th century historical ruins on Inchagoill Island. Also along the way enjoy views of the Connemara Mountain and lakes and Ashford Castle. Booking advisable. More on www.corribcruises.com
 5. Derroura Mountain Bike Trail
Located about 7kms from Oughterard on the N59 on the Clifden side, this mountainbiking loop trail is over 16 kms in length and offers excellent views. This is classified as having a severe degree of difficulty with over 350m to climb. More on http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?id=54&trail=149
 6. Aughnanure Castle
Aughnanure Castle was built in the 1500’s and lies on the shores of Lough Corrib in picturesque surroundings. This is an excellent example of an Irish tower house and includes the remains of a banqueting hall, watch tower, a double bawn and a bastion. Located just before Oughterard about 3.5km off from N59 Galway to Clifden road. More on http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/aughnanurecastle/
7. Glengowla Mines
Only two miles from Oughterard and being Ireland’s first show mine, Glengowla Mines has guided tours every 20 minutes of large marble chambers and caverns studded with precious materials. This attraction has a heritage visitor centre and is open March to November. More on http://glengowla.goegi.com/ Telephone: (091) 552360
More information about Oughterard on these websites:
Oughterard – ‘Where Connemara Begins’ – Official website of Oughterard Tourist Office
Oughterard Tourism – Informative tourism website for the Oughterard Area
Guide to Oughterard – The County Galway Guide to Oughterard
|
_Dialing from Rep. Of Ireland 095 41844
