Slieve Aughty Centre

Whether your tastes are active or placid, there's plenty to do around Slieve Aughty Centre, including countryside strolls, cycling, birdwatching, sightseeing, riding, golfing and fishing. Have a walk around the local forest and countryside using one of the centre's detailed maps or recommendations; donkey and pony hire is available if you're here with kids. Another good walk in the area is around Lough Rea, where the Walkway trail covers around 15 acres of wild wetland and meadow for birdwatching. A playground and picnic area are at the adjoining Fair Green; if you're around in summer, Lough Rea lake beach is a popular spot for families who come to swim, walk and fish for trout. The beach has changing and shower rooms, parking and picnic areas, and is lifeguarded in summer. Portumna Forest Park is another excellent walking locale, accessible from Portumna Castle and with buggy-friendly pathways. Native tree species are labelled along the first part of the walk, and the scenic shores of Lough Derg a little further along. Portumna Harbour, just beside the forest park, is a popular place for picnics and watching boats and swans. This is also prime cycling country: ask the Slieve Aughty team for recommendations on easy surfaced roads or more challenging mud and stone paths in the forest. Bike hire can be arranged if you haven't brought your own wheels. Finally, have a day or two among the sightseeing, shopping, beaches and nightlife of Galway city, finishing off with fresh mussels and a Guinness in Eyre Square.