medieval banquets Archives

River Corrib Cruise

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise onboard the luxurious all-weather 157 passenger boat, the Corrib Princess.

The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake.

It provides visitors with unsurpassed views and natural amenities that make this the most spectacular waterway in Ireland.

The Corrib Princess takes you past castles and various sites of both historical and cultural interest.

If you fancy a drink, apparently the Irish coffee is amazing from the boat’s bar.

Trad On The Prom

MAY 2018 – OCTOBER 2018.

Under one roof performers who have captivated audiences from productions such as Riverdance, The Chieftains and Lord of the Dance have gathered on one stage. Here they present an unforgettable entertainment experience in Galway the City of the Tribes.

The music will touch your soul and the dancing will take your breath away. It’s a truly remarkable experience suitable for all ages and nationalities.

Trad on the Prom showcases the amazing talents of legendary trad musicians. In addition they are joined on stage by an amazing selection of guest musicians and dancers.

The show also features an outstanding array of World Champion Irish dancers.

Now in its fourteenth consecutive season, Trad on the Prom retains its position as Ireland’s number one music, song and dance experience.

Horse Riding

Discover the natural wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way on this full-day horseback riding adventure from Galway.

Before heading off you will meet your guides and your horse for the day and the guides will make sure that you feel comfortable and safe.

Trek to Omey Island, where you can gallop across the beach and splash through the waves. You will also enjoy spectacular views of the Twelve Bens mountain range.

Suitable for all riding levels. hats and boots will be supplied by the riding centre. Make sure you bring appropriate rain and wind gear.

Pedal Power Pub Crawl

Taking in all the sights and sounds of Galway this is a great way to see the city.

The tour goes through Spanish Arch, The Long Walk and Quay Street, ideal for visitors looking for something different.

Available is a 15-seater bike called Big Berta which is great fun. It is the perfect vehicle to tour around Galway in addition to stopping at careful selected pubs.

There’s no party like a Pedal Power Party. Travel around Galway, playing all your own music on your blue tooth speakers.

Paddle Board & Kayaking Adventure

Arrive 15 minutes before time this will give you time to change into wet suit and buoyancy aid for the trip. You will then set off under the leadership of an experienced guide.

You will be provided with all the necessary equipment depending which pursuit you choose.

Your guide will take you to see magnificent scenery from a sea level view. Depending on which location is chosen for the day, this could include sea caves and arches and pristine white sandy beaches.

You might even catch sight of wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and the occasional basking shark.

Whiskey Tour

Meet your local guide in the infamous An Pucan Whiskey Bar. An Pucan is a very friendly, traditional Irish venue and the perfect setting for an intro to the history of Irish whiskey.

Here you will start the proceedings with two local Irish whiskeys. After this the venues are kept a secret which is part of the excitement.

Bar number 2 is a short walk away, your next whiskey bar awaits you for two more beautiful Irish whiskeys.

To finish off proceedings you will be taken on a stroll through the historic streets to your last venue. Now it’s time to enjoy two more tipples of Irish whiskey.

From here who knows where the night will take you, but you’ll be sure to go home with a smile on your face as well as some great stories.

Galway Races

One of the greatest weeks in Galway, crowds in their tens of thousands flock religiously each year in August to celebrate this festival of horse racing.

Ladies Day is saved for the Thursday and here you will see the best of the best in fashion being displayed by all the ladies. A lavish prize is bestowed upon the best dressed lady on the day.

The race course dates back to 1869. What is unique about this course is that the last two fences are the closest together than any other race course in the world.

As part of his visit to Ireland in 1979 Pope John Paul 11 celebrated mass at the racecourse for two hundred and eighty thousand people. Afterwards the mayor of Galway then conferred the Freedom of Galway upon the Pontiff.

Walking Tour

What a great way to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Galway city. The good thing about Galway is that it’s fairly compact and easy enough to get around on foot.

Whether you choose to go with a tour company or make your own way around the cobblestone streets, it’s a great way of being part of the hustle and bustle.

The advantage of going on your own steam is you can stop and start as you please without feeling you are delaying the group.

However, a tour company would have the advantage of a guide to answer those burning questions and also to add their personal touch with in-depth local knowledge.

Whichever way you choose to go and explore the city, the following should feature highly on your must-see list.

Oh, and don’t forget a good Galway map if you’re opting for a self-guided tour of the city.

InishBofin

Come and discover Inishbofin or (Inis Bo Finne-Island of the White Cow in Irish), which lies seven miles off Galway’s north-west coast.

The island is five by three miles long and the main activities on the island today are tourism, farming and fishing.

There are five villages: West Quarter, Fawnmore, Middle Quarter, Cloonamore and Knock.

Inishbofin has lots of interesting things to see and do, such as many species of birds, historical sites, white beaches, swimming, hill walks and shore angling. It is also a centre for traditional Irish music and song with its own Ceilí band.

With this tour you take a bus trip from Galway city to Cleggan Harbour, then a ferry trip over to the island to experience the unique life of this magical island.

Enjoy a delicious light lunch of local foods and craft beer, with a walk around the island before departing by ferry then bus back to Galway city.

Dunguaire Castle Banquet

An evening of superb food and wines along with renowned music, song and storytelling. Also there’s intimate bench seating, dim candlelight and long oak tables.

In the tradition of the medieval King Guaire you are welcomed to savour a delicious four course dinner at Dunguaire Castle on the majestic shores of Galway Bay.

Enjoy fine wines, stories and excerpts selected to lift the soul and lighten the heart. When you arrive on the Castle steps the Butler will welcome you and show you into the Castle.

Savour a goblet of mead in the inner quarter while mingling with the Ladies of the Castle.

After a brief history of the Castle and a musical introduction by the Castle Singers, guests climb the stairs to enter the Banquet Hall.

Let the castle’s superb artists inspire you with extracts chosen from the works of great literary writers such as Yeats, Shaw, O’Casey and Synge.

Adare Manor – Afternoon Tea

This is a magical setting for an indulgent and unforgettable dining experience, afternoon tea at Adare Manor an absolute delight.

The Gallery at Adare Manor is the perfect marriage of grand scale and exquisite detail. As a result people are flocking to the manor.

Surrounded by magnificent stained glass and ancient wood-carvings and delighted by exceptional tastes and flavours what more would you want.

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are 3 rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay and only 75 minutes from Limerick to Doolin Harbour.

The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff.

A true Irish experience awaits, locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance.

Easiest way around the Islands is by mini bus where a drop and pick up service is available or on bike at your own leisure.

Bunratty Castle

This is the fourth castle, the present structure, was built by the MacNamara family after around 1425.

The castle was opened to the public in 1960, sporting furniture, tapestries and works of art dating to around 1600.

Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction, along with Bunratty Folk Park. Both the castle and Bunratty House are open to the public.

The castle is famous for its medieval banquets. Bunratty Folk Park is an open-air museum featuring around 30 buildings, including the Ardcroney Church of Ireland church, which moved here and reopened in 1998.

Cliffs Of Moher

Only 90 minutes from Limerick the Cliffs Of Moher are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland.

It also topped a list of attractions in 2006 by drawing almost one million visitors the total visit number is now around 1.5 million per annum.

Furthermore the cliffs are also a signature point on the official Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail.

While the cliffs can be accessed at multiple points there is also an 18km Cliff Walk. Consequently the majority of visitors come to the official visitor centre.

Greyhound Racing

A night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium provides, live, adrenaline pumped entertainment.

Top class facilities ensure it is comfortable to watch the action from inside and out. A lot of people like to make an evening by going greyhound racing as what they require is at their fingertips.

Available at the Stadium is a restaurant and bar.

Racing takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Gates open at 6:30pm and the first race is at 7:45pm. So, get your friends together and head off for a night at the dogs.

The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities.

Dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century, works included are by Renoir, Picasso and Yeats.

The Hunt Museum started up in 1978 in one room, not as old as you think it would be.

John and Gertrude Hunt were collectors and advisors to other collectors of fine art. As John got older he found he had amassed a considerable amount of art.

He asked the Irish Government if they would like the collection but declined.

Two members from what is now University Limerick took the collection and stored in that one room in 1978. The Museum officially opened in 1997.

King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is situated in the heart of medieval Limerick City.

Visitors of all ages will find something to inspire and excite them at the brand-new visitor experience at King John’s Castle.

The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history.

John was of course brother to Richard, also known as Richard The Lionheart. There was never any real love between these two brothers.

John was a bad king hated by his people, where Richard was loved but was never home for the people.

Lough Gur Heritage Centre

The exhibition provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.

Lough Gur is at the heart of a remarkable archaeological landscape. In Addition it features sites that represent every major period of human history in Ireland.

The exhibition is suitable for all ages and brings the visitor on a journey through the history of Lough Gur.

Starting during the Mesolithic Era, and progressing until the 19th century.

Visitors to the Centre have an opportunity to actively engage with the exhibition. For Instance they can play a role in forming their individual experience at the centre by choosing which interactive elements to investigate.

Thomond Park

Follow in the footsteps of the Munster heroes by taking a look behind the scenes at the historic Thomond Park Stadium.

The stadium tour takes you to places usually only accessible to players and officials.

When you walk through the tunnel and up to the pitch you can imagine the crowd shouting Munster Munster from the stands.

Before or afterwards you can enjoy a look round the Museum which shows Munster’s history including that famous win over the All Blacks in 1978.

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