Things to do

The active guest can take advantage of organized activities such as hiking, cycling,  bird watching, sightseeing, golfing, fishing and horseback riding. For those who simply want to relax and get away from it all, the quiet countryside, comfortable accommodation, and opportunities for lazy strolls and memorable photos are at your fingertips. All these activities are available at the centre or nearby. They can either form the main focus of your stay or complement a riding holiday or English language course.

Walking

With over 2,000 acres of forest and quiet country roads surrounding the Centre, one can hike or walk all day or go for a short stroll. We have detailed maps available to get you back safely. Have a young child with you? Rent a quiet pony or donkey to carry them so you don't have to. We are also happy to send you with a picnic lunch and point out the great picnic spots in the forest.
In the heart of Loughrea, the closest town to the Centre, "The Walks" run parallel to Main Street and lead to Carmelite Abbey.

Lough Rea, an impressive lake on the edge of the town of Loughrea, offers an outstanding walking tour around the lake. Known as "The Walkway", the trail traverses approximately 15 acres of wild wetland and meadow and is home to numerous birds and colourful wildflowers. For the kids, stop at the playground, recreation and picnic area at the adjoining Fair Green.

If you would like to explore other parts of Ireland on foot, there are several excellent walking tours in the region. Recently, the Galway County Council developed a series of Architectural Walking tours for Loughrea, Athenry, Tuam, Portumna, Ballinasloe and Gort. These tours are self-guided, accompanied by a brochure, map and audio narrative which can be downloaded from www.galwayeast.com/wayfinding/ or accessed by CD (available from Slieve Aughty Centre).

For additional information on walking tours throughout County Galway, visit www.discoverireland.ie or www.goireland.com.

Cycling

If you want to cover some ground, rent a bicycle, put a picnic and map in your rucksack and explore! The roads and trails around the Centre are perfect for cycling and we can direct you to easy surfaced roads or challenging mud and stone forest paths.

If you are planning a visit to the Aran Islands, bicycles are a great way to travel and can be rented at the ferry station.  Cycling is also an ideal way to see the natural environment and small towns scattered throughout the west of Ireland. With a vast network of quiet, rural roads and easy access to bicycle hire, create your own adventure and spend the day exploring.  Guided cycling tours are widely available throughout the region as well.  For more information see www.discoverireland.ie or www.goireland.com.

Driving

The Ecclesiastical Driving Trail takes you on a tour of Eastern Galway through 2 different routes.  Over 20 of the regions most historic and well-preserved religious sites can be seen along the way.  The first driving route covers 150 miles, passing through Athenry, Tuam, Kinvara and Gort.  The second route includes Loughrea, Portumna and Ballinasloe, covering 100 miles.  These self-guided drives have accompanying audio files and brochures that can be downloaded from www.galwayeast.com/wayfinding/ or on CD on loan from the Centre.  In addition, all sites on the tours have been mapped and co-ordinates logged, so if you have Sat-Nav in your car it will be hard to get lost!

Bird Watching

Some of the land at Slieve Aughty Centre has been designated a Special Protection Area for Hen Harriers, a rare bird that nests on the ground in wet, boggy land. The boggy land in and around the Slieve Aughty Mountains, including some owned by Slieve Aughty Centre, is one of the core breeding areas in Ireland. These birds can be very elusive but outings can be arranged with local biologist Geoff Oliver who is studying them. On these outings, usually in the evening for 1-2 hours, there is also the possibility of seeing the equally elusive Red Grouse, Squirrels and Pine Marten.

Hunting on Foot

Ireland is famous for its winter foxhunts. Now, for those who want to join the excitement but lack horsemanship skills, you can follow the hounds on foot!

Golfing

There are 2 golf courses close to the Slieve Aughty Centre and many more within reach.  About 3 kilometres from the Centre is the Curra West Golf Club, a short 18 hole course.  Both Loughrea and Portumna, about 15 minutes away, have an 18 hole parkland course.  Loughrea Golf Club is known for its rolling greens and strategic tree placement, while Portumna Golf Club is adjacent to a national park and is frequented by local wildlife.

Fishing

Why not take your rod, grab a tasty picnic from our kitchen and go off on a fishing trip?  Stocked by the Loughrea Angler's Association, Lough Rea is a fishing paradise for trout, perch and pike.  Boats are available for hire and fishing permits can be purchased for a modest fee.  Nearby rivers such as Bullaun, Kilcolgan and Duniry offer free fishing.  If you would like to cast your net further, the town of Portumna, located on the Shannon River, is famous for excellent fishing.  For more information see Shannon Fishery Board.  Bring your fish home and we'll make a savory meal of your catch!

Sight Seeing

Want to see as much of Ireland as possible while you are here?  In Loughrea, about 10 km away, visit Dartfield Horse Museum.  The Turoe Stone can be seen in the village of Bullaun, just north of Loughrea, and is one of the most significant monuments in Ireland, dating back to around 100 BC.  Carmelite Abbey is a large monastery surrounded by the only surviving functional moat in Ireland.  St, Brendan's Cathedral, built about 100 years ago, is a gothic revival church full of 20th century Irish art, including magnificent stained glass works by Harry Clarke.  Audio tours of the cathedral are available.  Other features include Thoor Ballylee and Michael Burke's castle.  Equipped with changing and shower rooms, picnic areas, and plentiful parking.  Lough Rea Lake is a popular summer destination for swimming, fishing and walking.  A lifeguard is on duty during the summer months and trout are stocked.

Galway is a busy seaside city known for its shopping, night life and beaches.  Spend the day exploring the coast and the bustling Eyre Square and enjoy dining, live music or theatre at night.

Take the ferry to the Aran Islands across Galway Bay.  The islands are rich in history and Gaelic can often be heard in the pubs and streets.  Bicycles can be hired at the ferry dock, a great way to explore the small island's patchwork of stone walls and rockycoast.

The famous Burren region is a magical western landscape, spanning about 36,000 hectares, called the "land of fertile rock".  Rich in history, there are more than 500 ring forts and 80 known Neolithic tombs in the Burren.

Just outside the town of Doolin on the west coast are the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.  Standing 214 metres above the sea and spanning 8 km, panoramic views and cliff nesting seabirds await.