Gothic Castle Estate

The castle is located just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport.

Fishing: The lake is a completely private fishery and as such has not suffered the fate of many of the country's other lakes with invasive species such as the Zebra Mussel and algal bloom taking hold. There are many large and smaller pike, as well as some perch and rumours of one or two large trout. Exclusivity means that only one boat can be on the lake at any one time, and no more than two anglers in a boat. The castle provides the boat and engine, lifejackets (if necessary), maps, etc. Limited tackle can be rented too, as well as a fishfinder.

Shooting: Bird, Pheasant and Duck shooting as well as Deer Stalking are available during the season by arrangement. Many of the woodlands were planted in the late 1700s and 1800s specifically with the sport of shooting in mind and thus offer great shooting in a convenient location. At the end of the nineteenth century the estate was famous throughout Ireland for the quality and number of woodcock presented. There is a full time game keeper on the Estate who ensures that all guests are extremely well catered for.

The pheasant shoot was established in 2001 by Dromoland Game Sports who run the famous and very successful shoot at the Dromoland Castle Estate in County Clare. On an average day the bag includes Pheasant, Woodcock, Duck, Partidge and Snipe.

The fallow deer on the Estate are plentiful. They can be stalked on foot or from high seats positioned at vantage points around the Estate. There are mature heads for trophy hunters and the meat can be processed by arrangement. Guests coming to the Estate for the first time are accompanied by an employee until they get their bearings and learn the boundaries.

Equestrian: Horse riding is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful 650 acre Estate which surrounds the Castle. The estate has equestrian facilities which include stabling for 10 horses, a sand arena/schooling ground and an excellent cross country course as well as plenty of treks. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses by arrangement. Horses are available to hire locally and can be delivered to the Estate for your enjoyment.

Local hunting includes the Galway Blazers, the North Galway Hunt, East Galway Hunt and the North Clare hunt. There are also local groups that ride out regularly such as the "Turkey Trotters" based near Gort.

The cross country course was designed by the internationally renowned Tommy Brennan. The course is c.2.5 miles long and includes up to 34 Jumps with 56 Options - natural fences designed to challenge all from the inexperienced to professional riders. The course winds its way through woodlands, part of the lake itself, the arboretum and across meadow and pasture, allowing riders and spectators to really appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Estate. Tommy Brennan has also designed the cross country element of the Punchestown 3 day event course, and is responsible for the cross country course at the 2008 Olympics in China.

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in County Galway

Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of County Galway, where rugged landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture come together like a perfect Irish jig! Oliver's Travels has the golden ticket for your adventure, offering a splendid array of dreamy properties to turn your exploration into an epic escapade!

Galway City, the heartbeat of the county, is a lively and cosmopolitan hub that plays matchmaker, seamlessly uniting tradition with a dash of modernity. Strolling through its charming streets is like stepping into a time machine with medieval architecture, the iconic Spanish Arch and Lynch's Castle echoing tales from centuries past. The annual Galway International Arts Festival is like a cultural carnival that attracts globe-trotters from near and far.

The enchanting landscapes of Connemara are wild and untamed, a nature lover's paradise sprinkled with bogs, mountains and pristine lakes galore! Connemara National Park, near the charming town of Clifden, is like a natural theme park with hiking trails leading to epic views. You will say hello to the Twelve Bens mountain range, the mighty Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, a mystical archipelago at the mouth of Galway Bay where the Irish language adds a sprinkle of magic to your visit. Galway's coastline is a beach lover’s dream come true with Salthill offering seaside bliss. For a taste of rural charm, you can hop over to Cong, the village that stole John Ford's heart for "The Quiet Man" filming. It is home to the historic Ashford Castle, a 13th-century fortress turned luxury hotel surrounded by gardens that make you believe in fairy tales. The medieval Loughrea Cathedral and the 17th-century Tuam Cathedral make Loughrea and Tuam like a living history lesson.

Music is the heart and soul of Galway! The Clifden Arts Festival and the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival are the icing on the cake, showcasing the county's legendary traditional music scene. County Galway invites you to explore historic treasures, soak in natural beauty and bask in the warmth of its communities. Every corner of this county is a page-turner in the epic novel that is your Irish adventure!