Information Carraroe Ireland
Children in the east of the country are taught the Irish language, although it is only spoken as a first language among small communities in the west of Ireland and elsewhere. The Connaught dialect of Irish is probably the most recognisable to anyone who is brought up learning the language in schools in the far more populous east of the country, and in Carraroe, this is the dialect spoken by the natives. It’s a rural area: Unlike other small Irish villages, Carraroe does not have much by way of a main street of terraced pubs, shops and homes. This gives it a distinct rural character that other towns and villages lack. A group of houses may be bunched together – two or three on a patch of land – and a half mile later another two or three can be found. Indeed, the main road may not be the quickest way for one neighbour to walk to another’s home – you will often see natives traipsing through a craggy field on the way to the pub. Carraroe has an unusual coral beach, Trá an Dóilín, which although incredibly scenic, is not ideal for sunbathing, even on beautiful clear days. It is rocky and worth a visit due to its unusual nature and, because it provides some shelter, it is also good for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and the beach has the highest seal of approval from the EU in terms of health and safety. The official name of the village is no longer Carraroe: The Irish placename, An Cheathru Rua, is now the official title of the village.
Attractions Carraroe 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.
