Corcomroe Abbey

These were wealthy baronies at the time patronised by noble lords and knights whose only reward on this earth is a cold carved stone effigy in a now deserted church and graveyard. Corcomroe Abbey was brought back to life several years ago with the Easter dawn masses initiated by the late Father John O’Donoghue who sought to connect religion with local tradition,culture and the environment. Sadly it was abandoned the year of the foot & mouth scare and with his untimely passing in 2008 it is unlike to ever get going again, but then no one ever could really take his place.

"Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas de anam"

10 Other things to do and see near Corcomroe Abbey...

1 Look out for the ringfort dissected by the road on the way out, identifiable by the raised circular mound topped by hawthorn trees.

2 Hike up to the holy well at Oughtmama said to be a cure for eyes or better still take a guided walk with local heritage expert John Connolly of Burren Walks across the fields to the forgotten churches, available twice daily in Bellharbour.

3 Take a walk along the green road which circles Abbey Hill, access behind New Quay church, fantastic views over Galway bay.

4 Drive out to Aughinish via Nogra first left on way to Kinvara, follow the road along the causeway, check out the Martello tower one of only two on the west coast of Ireland built to defend against Napoleonic invasion which of course never happened.

5 Another hidden gem is Wilde & Wooley a small single handed cottage industry, just behind that craftshop. This lady designs and makes exquisite knitwear from natural yarns. The colours and designs reflect the light and landscape of the Burren and each piece is a unique work of art.

6 Russell Gallery browse through the works of local artists, home of raku ceramics potter Andy and his wife Stephania who has brought an Italian flavour to this part of the world.

7 The Flaggy Shore worth another mention in case you missed it? described by our own celebrated poet Seamus Heaney as capable of ‘catching the heart off guard and blowing it open’.It is a tarred road used as a walk, encircling the coast at New Quay.

Burren Walks across the fields to the forgotten churches, available twice daily in Bellharbour.

3 Take a walk along the green road which circles Abbey Hill, access behind New Quay church, with fantastic views out over Ballyvaughan, Black Head and Galway bay.

4 Drive out to Aughinish via Nogra first left on way to Kinvara, follow the road along the causeway, check out the Martello tower one of only two on the west coast of Ireland built to defend against Napoleonic invasion, which of course never happened.

5 Another hidden gem is Wilde & Wooley Murtyclogh, a small single handed cottage industry. Anto Hennsey, with a background in marine biology, brings her unique appreciation and understanding of the local environment into the exquisite knitwear she designs and creates. The colours and textures of the yarns reflecting the light, landscape and architecture of the Burren, each piece is a unique work of art.

6 Russell Gallery browse through the works of local artists, home of raku ceramics potter Andy and his wife Stephania who has brought an Italian flavour to this part of the world.

7 The Flaggy Shore worth another mention in case you missed it? described by our own celebrated poet Seamus Heaney as capable of ‘catching the heart off guard and blowing it open’.It is a tarred road used as a walk, encircling the coast at New Quay.

8 Cois Linn B&B stay in this traditional style family run bed and breakfast in right in the heart of the Burren at Finavarra just a stones throw from the Flaggy Shore.

9 Linannes Lobster Bar New Quay for atmosphere, good Guinness and fresh seafood with a breezy sea view or in front of a roaring fire.

10 Linalla Icecream an artisan icecream homemade by the Fahys from their own farm milk at Finavarra point, near the Martello tower might just round off the day nicely for you.