Our Area and Other Areas

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre interprets the most significant and devastating (in terms of loss of life) battle fought on the island of Ireland as part of the wider struggle for the throne of England and Ireland in the 1690s. In a military campaign which included the Battle of the Boyne and the Sieges of Derry, Athlone and Limerick, the battle of Aughrim was the bloodiest. Some 35,000 troops — the forces of William III (William of Orange), James II and Louis XIV of France fought the decisive battle of the campaign with the loss of 5,000 lives. The consequences of the battle are felt to this day.

Suggested Other Areas To Visit:

• Enjoy a tour of the semi-restored Portumna Castle, its formal gardens and working walled kitchen garden for a taste and experience of what it was like to live during the 17th century in the West of Ireland.
• Pallas Karting & Paintball, Galway — Europe’s largest karting centre with a 500m beginners’ track, a 1500m advanced track, and a 2200m rally track. Pallas Paintball and Splatball centre, with four specially-designed game zones. Designed with both the beginner and the experienced campaigner in mind.
• Dick’s Bike Hire, Co. Galway — Dick’s Bike Hire in the heart of Portumna town is the ideal starting point for visitors who would like to explore all Portumna has to offer. Enjoy a casual cycle around the picturesque town taking in Portumna Castle, the historic Abbey, the Forest Park (with it’s number of bicycle trails), Famine Workhouse, or why not spin down and relax at the recreational swimming area and take in the beautiful Lough Derg and River Shannon.
• East Galway Family History Society, Galway — East Galway Family History Society is the designated family history research centre for the east Galway area and is based at the Woodford Heritage Centre, a community-owned building dating back to 1834. Outside the centre on display is an iron bar dated 1681, the only one of its kind in Ireland. The Society over the past 25 years has collected and archived historical and photographic material for the east Galway area, actively mapped and photographed old ruins and abandoned houses in townlands, and compiled videos of this work on social media for the diaspora near and far to enjoy. The Society provides customers with the opportunity to avail of their in-house experienced researchers by visiting the Centre or by sending family history research requests via email or post. The Society promotes tourism, business and heritage awareness in the area and also participates in local and national events in heritage related activities.
• Athlone Castle, Westmeath — Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is a family-friendly, interactive heritage attraction located on the banks of the River Shannon in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Featuring a wonderful collection of artefacts and modern exhibitions, the rich histories of Athlone Castle, its town, battles and people are explored and brought to life from the earliest to modern times. Child-friendly multi-media displays and interactive games guide the visitor through the castle. The great Siege of Athlone is relived in a dramatic cinematic experience transporting visitors back to the 1691 battle. Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is a treat for all the family, with dress-up areas throughout, courtyard picnic facilities, outdoor chess and picturesque town views. Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. This heritage attraction is the perfect place to explore when visiting Athlone and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands!
• Baysports, Westmeath — Baysports is home to Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark & holds the Guinness World Record for the TALLEST floating slide in the WORLD!!
• Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Roscommon — Rathcroghan Visitor Centre is a community-run, non-profit museum and exhibition centre situated within the village of Tulsk , Co. Roscommon. Through the exhibition, which includes two audiovisuals, life-size figures, dioramas and information panels the centre explains the vast archaeology and mythology associated with the Rathcroghan landscape.

Accommodation:

https://www.valeriesofaughrim.com/

Valerie’s of Aughrim is situated in Aughrim Village, only four miles outside of Ballinasloe in County Galway. Visitors can stay at this cosy, traditional pub while they are exploring the rich history of this amazing part of the world! It provides friendly, comfortable surroundings in which to relax, get a bite to eat, and enjoy and take in some of the amazing history and music memorabilia in the pub, which serves fine food and drink.