Explore Gort - Culture, Nature & Adventure

Gort Town

Thinking about spending some time in Gort, Galway? You’re in for a treat!

This charming little town is packed with personality and makes a lovely first stop if you want to soak up the real spirit of the West of Ireland.

Start by wandering through the heart of Gort itself. The streets are lined with traditional shopfronts and there’s no shortage of cosy cafés where you can grab a great coffee (or a sneaky slice of cake). Pop into a local pub and you might just catch a bit of live music or strike up a chat with some friendly locals—they’ve usually got the best tips on hidden gems nearby.

Whether you’re here for the culture, the craic, or just a scenic break, Gort has a little something for everyone.

Coole Park

A hidden gem in Galway and one place you absolutely have to check out is Coole Park. Trust me, this place is pure magic. Whether you’re a nature lover, a poetry fan, or just in need of some fresh air and quiet beauty, Coole Park delivers.

Tucked just a few minutes outside the town, this gorgeous nature reserve was once home to Lady Gregory (yep, the co-founder of the Abbey Theatre!) and a favourite retreat for literary legends like W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Synge. You can even see their signatures carved into the famous Autograph Tree, a copper beech that’s become a bit of a pilgrimage spot for literary fans.

But even if poetry’s not your thing, the park is a dream for a peaceful walk. You’ll find easy to follow trails through ancient woodlands, around a turlough (that’s a seasonal lake, very cool), and past quiet meadows and limestone paths.

Thoor Ballylee

Just outside Gort, you’ll find a real hidden treasure, Thoor Ballylee, a 15th-century tower that once belonged to none other than W.B. Yeats. Yep, the poet actually lived here, wrote here, and found endless inspiration in its peaceful, ivy-covered charm.

Walking up to the tower feels like stepping into one of Yeats’ poems. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and surrounded by nature, with the gentle Cloon River flowing nearby. Inside, you can climb the narrow stone steps, peek into his study, and imagine the writer gazing out the window with a notebook in hand. The little museum is full of fascinating bits about Yeats, his family, and the local landscape that shaped so much of his work.

Whether you’re a Yeats fan or just love discovering quirky, beautiful spots with a bit of history, Thoor Ballylee is well worth the visit.

Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey

A Medieval Treasure in the Burren. Tucked away in a green Burren valley, Corcomroe Abbey (St Mary of the Fertile Rock) is a peaceful, evocative gem from the early 13th century.

Built by the O’Brien kings, its intact church features exquisite stone carvings, delicate capitals, ribbed vaulting, and the haunting tomb of King Conor O’Brien, earning it a place among Ireland’s finest Gothic ruins. Wandering through the ruins feels timeless. You’ll find yourself drawn to ornate clergy seats, carved floral details, and mossy gravestones. this is a place that invites slow exploration. 

A stop here blends history, nature, and a sprinkle of mystery, ideal for those who love a serene, soul-stirring adventure off the beaten path.

Michael Cusack Centre

Just a scenic drive from Gort, tucked in the Burren’s magical karst landscape, lies the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron, the birthplace of the visionary founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack.

This bright, modern centre houses Cusack’s original famine-era cottage and a multimedia exhibition featuring a holographic Michael greeting visitors, perfectly blending local history, sport, and culture in a fun, engaging way.

Kick things off with the interactive centre and cosy cottage visit, then stretch your legs along the Cusack Way Walk or enjoy the family-friendly fairy trail.

Bring a picnic or pop into local cafés in nearby Carron or Corofin. It’s an ideal blend of culture, nature, and a dash of sporting spirit, a true taste of Irish heritage.

Caherconnell Stone Fort

Just a short drive from Gort, nestled in the Burren’s rocky beauty, lies Caherconnell Stone Fort, an impeccably preserved medieval ringfort that feels like stepping into a time capsule.

Surrounded by rolling limestone and history, it’s a place that sparks curiosity and wonder. Enjoy sheepdog demonstrations, Guided Tours and an AV presentation as well as a cosy café and craft shop.

Caherconnell Stone Fort is the perfect blend of wild Burren charm, honest farming traditions, and centuries old stories, delivered with big heart and warm hospitality.

You’ll leave with a smile, a full belly, and plenty of memories.

Father Ted’s House

Pop into Craggy Island… Sort Of!

Calling all Father Ted fans, this one’s for you! Hidden away in the Burren near Gort (actually in County Clare), the iconic stone farmhouse you see in the show is real and yes, you can visit the exterior and get right into that nostalgic vibe of Craggy Island.

Snap a photo from the lane, enjoy Afternoon tea by appointment only, remember it’s a private home, so please don’t wander across the lawn.

There is no parking at Father Teds House and also leading up to the property is a very narrow road, so it makes driving there very tricky. Arrive as early as possible to avoid causing any disruption on the road.

The Burren

Explore the Burren, wild beauty just outside Gort!

If you’re staying in or around Gort, you’re just a short hop from one of Ireland’s most otherworldly landscapes, the Burren. It’s like nowhere else, a wild, rocky wonderland where wildflowers grow between cracks in ancient limestone, and the views go on forever.

The Burren might look a bit rugged at first glance, but it’s full of surprises, orchids blooming in spring, butterflies fluttering by, and secret trails leading to hidden ruins or dramatic cliffs. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a full-on hike, there’s a path for every pace.

The Burren is peaceful, strange, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re into nature, photography, or just getting a bit of fresh air, it’s the perfect day trip from Gort.

Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre

Just 40 scenic minutes from Gort, the Aillwee Burren Experience is the perfect mix of underground wonder, soaring birds, and tasty local treats.

Explore ancient limestone caverns with expert guides, think fossils, waterfalls, and even 10,000-year-old bear bones! Then head to the Birds of Prey Centre for thrilling flight displays featuring hawks, eagles, owls, and more.

Don’t miss a stop at the cosy café and farm shop, where you can watch cheesemaking and sample Burren Gold Cheese.

Finish with a peaceful stroll through woodland trails, ideal for a bit of fresh air and some great photos.