Information Ballygar Ireland
Ballygar had a castle by 1585, and in that year Queen Elizabeth demanded the surrender of all property by landowners in the area in order to have them returned with a tax applied on each. Francis Shane is recorded as coming from Ballygar and he may have owned the castle, although no one is certain. A later survey carried out also records Ballygar Castle in the 1640s. A market was established in the early nineteenth century by the castle owner, and it grew into a success to rival Athlone. So the prosperity was great enough for Ballygar to become a significant place of population. Interestingly, Ballygar had in the 1800s what could be described as a precursor to a local credit union, including a hardship fund for tenant farmers. The Great Famine had a negative effect on the town, as it did elsewhere, and its population went into decline for a long period afterwards. Despite the ongoing dip in population, building development took place after the Great Hunger with the establishment of a parochial school in the market square and a courthouse among other amenities. A significant increase in population took place in the early twentieth century, with a climb from under 300 residents recorded in 1891 to over 400 more than a decade later. This led to further development of the town. As a market town of old, the businesses on the streets of the town are in keeping with this tradition, with grocery stores, butchers and newsagents. Ballygar holds an annual carnival since 1945, said to be the longest running of its kind in Ireland. Today, it features street entertainment, sporting events, dances and family fun.
Attractions Ballygar Ireland
Athenry - Mediaval Town with Arts and Heritage Centre - Athenry
Amedieval town situated 23km from Galway City is steeped in history. Founded in the 13th century by Meiler de Birmingham, who surrounded the town with a curtain wall with towers and a moat. It is the only walled town in Ireland whose still-intact walls are clearly visible to the approaching visitor
Athenry Castle - Athenry
Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition.
Aughnanure Castle Galway - Oughterard
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre - Aughrim
Relive the bloodiest battle in Irish history fought in a small Connaught village. Move back in time and place to that fateful day in 1691 through an audio-visual show based on the moving account of Captain Walter Dalton who fought at the Battle of Aughrim.
Clifden in West Galway - Clifden
The location of the landing of the first Trans-Atlantic air crossing by Alcock and Brown. A very scenic part of Ireland.
