Bryan & Tim
Things To Do
Portumna Castle & Gardens
Portumna Castle and Gardens is a 17th Century castle and grounds. It's open 10:00am-6:00pm daily and is about 25 minutes north of Ashley Park House.
Roscrea Heritage - Roscrea Castle and Damer House
Roscrea Castle and Damer House are a medieval castle with an 1800s estate house, located about 30 minutes east of Ashley Park House.
Aqua Splash
Lough Derg Aqua Splash is a floating adventure park on the lake--good for kids--with kayak and paddleboard rentals too. It's open 11:00am-7:00pm daily, and is about 20 minutes from Ashley Park House.
West Lake Aqua Park Killaloe
West Aqua Park is another floating adventure park on Lough Derg, also good for kids. It's near the town of Killaloe, so about 25 minutes southwest of Ashley Park House.
King John's Castle
King John’s Castle is a large, intact castle in Limerick. Limerick itself isn't really worth visiting, but the castle looks very cool. It's located about 45 minutes from Ashley Park House.
Nenagh Castle
Nenagh Castle is a small, four-story tower near Ashley Park House that's open Tues-Sat. 10:00am-1:00pm if you're looking for something quick and easy.
Nenagh Heritage Center
The Nenagh Heritage Center is in a former jail, also close to Ashley Park House. It's open Tues-Fri. 10:00am-4:00pm.
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is a hilltop medieval castle about 60 minutes southeast of Ashley Park House. Open daily 9:00am-5:30pm.
Killaloe
The towns of Killaloe and Ballina sit across the river from each other, linked by a small pedestrian bridge. They have cute shops and cafes if you're looking for a small town experience. They're about 25 minutes southwest of Ashley Park House.
Galway Market
Galway Market is a farmers and craft market open Sat. 8:00am-6:00pm and Sun. 12:00pm-6:00pm near the Galway Cathedral.
Aran Islands
Take a day trip to the Aran Islands via a ferry from Galway or Doolin. There are various options, some with views of the Cliffs of Moher from the water, which is a more dramatic and less crowded way to see them. Recommend booking ahead and checking Trip Advisor for the best tour company.
Diamond Hill
Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara. It’s about 1:25 from Galway.
Joyce Country Sheepdogs
Joyce Country Sheepdogs provides demonstration of dogs herding sheep! They’re located about one hour north of Galway.
DK Connemara Oysters
Connemara Oyster Farm offers tours of the working farm plus oyster and wine tastings. It’s about 1:30 from Galway.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a castle and historic village. This is a fun option for kids. It offers evening banquets (think Medieval Times; reservations required), and it’s about one hour south of Galway near Shannon airport.
Doolin
Doolin is a quaint, very Irish seaside town known for pubs, music, and proximity to the Cliffs of Moher. It will probably be very busy in the summer. It’s about 1:15 south of Galway.
Lahinch
Lahinch is an unexpected surf town about 1:15 south of Galway and near the Cliffs of Moher. It’s a nice spot for some sun, beach, and ice cream. There’s a big golf resort nearby for anyone into that.
Dunguaire Castle
Dunguaire Castle is about 30 minutes south of Galway and on the water. It offers tours and an evening banquet (again like Medieval times; reservations required).
The Point Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre
The Point Pony Trekking and Horse Riding offers horseback riding on the beach for any level. It’s about 1:40 west of Galway in Connemara. Mon.-Sat. and reservations required.
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey is a very scenic old house and grounds on a lake in the Connemara mountains. It offers self-guided tours, and has a tasty café. It’s about 1:20 from Galway.
Aillwee Cave
Aillwee Cave offers neat a tour of a large underground cave system discovered in The Burren. It’s one hour south of Galway. It can get very dark, but it’s cool.
John Hanly Woollen Mills Shop & Exhibit
A nearby stop for all your Irish woolen needs.