Experiences & Attractions

Ballinasloe Show is the oldest shows in Ireland, established in 1829. Ballinasloe Show is hosting five All Ireland Championships finals with classes for Ponies, Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Dogs.

Sometimes you just have to see something once to realise its magic and this was certainly the case when AgriLand visited Meelick in Co. Gal way recently. The area boasts a picturesque rural Irish landscape that serves as the perfect backdrop to the River Shannon which allows the three counties of Galway, Offaly and Tipperary to meet. And, right now, the historic Meelick weir is undergoing a ma jor restoration and replacement operation that will see it returned to its former glory in the not – to – distant future. The project – which received a cash injection of €3.2 million – is being undertaken by Waterways Ireland in conjunction with Keating Construction and with two months ’ work already completed it is envisaged that the effort will be finished before the end of the year.

The small village of Clonfert , only a short distance west of the River Shannon in County Galway, is home to a beautiful cathedral that boasts an elaborate, Romanesque doorway dating from 1200. The ecclesiastical history of the place dates back to the 6th century when St Brendan the Navigator founded a monastery and it is predictable there were about 3,000 monks living there. When he died, about 584, St Brendan ’ s body was buried at Clonfert and the presence of his remains explains why such an ornate doorway was later created. Note: The Church is locked but a key is available locally from the house at the right – hand side of the Cathedral.

The monastery of Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish, meaning “ Meadow of the Sons of Nós ”, or perhaps, albeit less l ikely, Cluain Muccu Nóis “ Meadow of the Pigs of Nós ”) is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone. Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciarán, a young man from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon.[2] (Not to be confused or conflated with St. Ciarán of Saigir, patron of Osraige). Until the 9th century, it had close associations with the kings of Connacht. The strategic location the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship, and trade by the 9t h century and together with Clonard it was the most famous in Ireland, visited by scholars from all over Europe. From the ninth until the eleventh century, it was allied with the kings of Meath. Many of the high kings of Tara and Connacht were buried here. In the modern – day, the site stands as a preserved ruin under the management of the Office of Public Works. An interpretive centre and facilities for visitors have been built around the site, which is open to the public for a fee. The graveyard surrounding the site continues to be in use and religious services are held regularly on the site in a modern chapel.

The Hymany Way is the longest stage on the Ireland Way at over 100km and brings you through County Galway. Follow along the River Shannon, Ireland ’ s longest river on this mostly off – road trail. Discover Meelick Church, the oldest church in Ireland that is still in regular use. Pass by Brackloon Castle on the Way and check out the decorative stone – carved doorway of Clonfert Cathedral. Towns & Distances:

• Portumna–Meelick–17.2km
• Meelick–Clonfert–7.4km
• Clonfert–Ballinasloe–21km
• Ballinasloe–Aughrim–13km
• Aughrim–Ahascragh (off trail)–18.9km
• Ahascragh–Ballygar–22.9km

Hiking Trail Total Distance:100.4km /62.4miles.

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre is located in the heart of Aughrim village (GPS: 53.3042° N, 8.3167° W) between Ballinasloe and Loughrea. It is just off the R446, and visitors should take exit 15 on the M6 if travelling on the Galway – Dublin Motorway. Travel back in time at the Battle of Aughrim Visit or Centre and relive one of Europe ’ s most historic battles that changed the course of Irish history. Discover how three rival European Kings – William of Orange, James II, and Louis XIV – took hold of Ireland in their struggle for power with over 45,000 sold iers gathering at Aughrim in 1691, in what proved to be the defining battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. Learn about the Battle of Aughrim in relation to the other major event of the Williamite War such as the Battle of the Boyne, the sieges of Athlon e and Limerick, and the Flight of the Wild Geese. Tours and Groups welcome!