Stunning picturesque pieces of Galway’s history will be welcoming visitors back early this year, with the reopening of Athenry Castle and Portumna Castle and Gardens, and many more.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to “step into our story” as a number of the national landmarks across Galway that the OPW holds in trust for the nation reopen for the season.
Will you step inside Athenry Castle, an imposing three-storey hall-keep and an emblem of Norman lordship?
Or maybe Portumna Castle and Gardens, a Renaissance-style castle set in beautiful gardens on the shores of Lough Derg?
Marie Gibbs Supervisor Guide with the OPW in Galway said, “We are thrilled to reopen both Athenry Castle and Portumna Castle & Gardens this early in the year and for them to remain open longer into the season than usual.”
“This will give more opportunities for people in Galway and visitors to the county to experience the different stages of castle building in the West of Ireland.”
She added that visitors will also be “learning of the families who lived and ruled in these areas. Both sites provide interesting and informative tours for all ages and interests.”
Visitors to Galway are able to enjoy 6,000 years of history at locations such as Pearse’s Cottage in Ros Muc, or the foreboding Dún Aonghasa atop the cliffs of Inis Mór.
Welcoming the re-opening of the OPW Heritage sites for the summer season, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said, “I am delighted to see so many of Ireland’s tourism attractions re-open for the summer season, just in time for Easter weekend.”
“The heritage landmarks re-opening, as well as those open all year, significantly contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for all the family to enjoy.”
“The OPW is working hard to safeguard our national landmarks and the preservation of these heritage sites shows the clear investment by the State in our heritage portfolio.”
On the first Wednesday of every month, visitors and families can enjoy free admission to Athenry Castle, Dún Aonghasa, Aughnanure Castle and Pearse’s Cottage at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh.
