Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [354]
Director John Ford returned to his Irish roots and filmed the movie almost entirely on location in Connemara and the little village of Cong, just over the border in County Mayo. One of the most photogenic spots from the film, the eponymous Quiet Man Bridge, is just 3km west of Oughterard off the N59. Looking much as it did in the film, the picture-perfect little arched span (whose original name was Leam Bridge) would be a lovely spot even if it hadn’t achieved screen immortality. Purists will note, however, that the scene based here had close-ups done on a cheesy set back in Hollywood. That’s showbiz.
Hard-core fans will want to buy the superb The Complete Guide to The Quiet Man by Des MacHale. It is sold in most tourist offices in the area.
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GLENGOWLA MINES
For such ugly work, it’s amazing that beautiful materials were extracted from this mine ( 091-552 360; adult/child €8/4; 10am-6pm Mar-Nov), a 19th-century hole in the ground that yielded all manner of silver, glistening quartz and much more. Visitors learn about the tough lives led here and see some of the beauty left inside. It is 3km west of Oughterard off the N59.
BRIGIT’S GARDEN
Can you feel the power of the crystal? Halfway between the villages of Moycullen and Oughterard is Brigit’s Garden ( 091-550 905; www.galwaygarden.com; Polagh, Roscahill; adult/child €7.50/5; 10am-5.30pm mid-Apr–Sep), a New Age–y place with lots of lovely plants, yoga classes, Celtic festivals, mythology and a vegetarian cafe.
Sleeping & Eating
Canrawer House ( 091-552 388; www.oughterardhostel.com; Station Rd; dm €17-23; Feb-Oct) Dorms and family rooms are bright and clean, and there’s an outdoor patio where you can chat with other guests while enjoying views of the 1-hectare rural site, 1km from the centre of town. If you want to catch the area’s wild brown trout for dinner, the owner will show you the way for a fee.
Waterfall Lodge ( 091-552 168; www.waterfalllodge.net; Glann Rd; s/d €50/80) Decorated in rose-coloured hues and lit by glowing lamps, this double-fronted traditional-style B&B stands amid wooded gardens beside a brook, a brief stroll from the village centre. Breakfast choices are many.
Boat Inn ( 091-552 196; www.theboatinn.com; Market Sq; d €90-120) In addition to providing 11 decent rooms, this inn serves traditional Irish stew to warm you up after a day’s fishing, as well as other moderately priced, family-friendly fare. The bar hosts regular live music. At the town crossroads, sit outside and watch the tractors go by.
Currarevagh House ( 091-552 312; www.currarevagh.com; d €184-198; Mar–mid-Oct) You’d be hard pressed to find a more romantic place than this rambling 19th-century mansion, on vast grounds along Lough Corrib. In fact, you might get your romantic vibes from the inn itself: it was given to the ancestors of the owners as a wedding gift in 1846. The food is superlative and features a lot of the locally caught fish, especially trout.
Yew Tree Bakery ( 091-866 986; Main St; snacks from €1; 8am-5pm) This cute little bakery bursts with as much goodness as its luscious pastries do. An ideal snack stop for good coffees and treats.
Drinking
Power’s Bar ( 091-557 047; Market Sq) Head to this thatched pub for a good pint and live music at weekends.
Getting There & Away
Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) and Citylink (www.citylink.ie) have regular buses from Galway to Oughterard.
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LOUGH CORRIB
The Republic’s biggest lake, Lough Corrib, virtually cuts off western Galway from the rest of the country. Over 48km long and covering some 200 sq km, it encompasses more than 360 islands, including Inchagoill, which has a monastic settlement that can be visited from Oughterard or Cong.
Lough Corrib is world-famous for its