In Ballydavid, traditional sayings, plant lore and stories offer a distinctive insight into local culture. Nearby, a medieval town moat, a freshwater beach and other leisure activities add to the possibilities for planning your trip around Loughrea. In the wider destination of Galway, you’ll also find walking routes, landscapes and historic sites. You can make Ballydavid a cultural focus and add other destinations to suit your interests.
Traditions from Ballydavid
In 1837, Ballydavid was the residence of A. Gore Daly. The saying “That we may live to see it again” is recorded as having been spoken when a sheep was shorn for the first time. “God save all here” was a known greeting when strangers entered a house, while “God bless the cow” was said when drinking milk. The distinct occasions—sheep shearing, entering a house and drinking milk—give these sayings concrete links to everyday life.
Traditional plant lore is also part of these traditions: Praisaec spreads and damages oat and wheat fields; Gloran grows in meadows and poisons turkeys. Black-heads grow on poor land, Flagger on wet land and clover on good soil. Garlic was used against jaundice and was considered harmful to cows. These accounts form part of historical folklore and are not medical advice.
A single recorded Halloween story tells of a woman who wanted to find out whom she would marry by preparing a meal and having a hidden observer. It adds a story about the future to the sayings and plant associations.
Places to visit around Loughrea
Long Point has a freshwater beach with Blue Flag status. As the status can change from season to season, check the current designation before your trip. Loughrea is also home to the medieval Town Moat: a water-filled town moat dating from the mid-13th century that is considered functional.
Turoe Pet Farm is also nearby. This traditional petting farm combines indoor and outdoor play areas. Visitors can see farm animals, and the facilities also include adventure playgrounds, zip lines, go-karts and seasonal activities. Details may change, so check what is currently on offer before visiting.
Bus services in Loughrea are also relevant when planning journeys in the area: a Citylink shuttle bus runs between Galway and Loughrea, and regular daily bus services are also available there. Check routes and timetables before travelling, as transport services may change.
More places to visit in the wider destination of Galway
Coole Park offers two walks that differ in length and destinations along the way. The Family Trail is an easy, 1.75 km walk. It passes the site of the former house and goes through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint overlooking Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. The different distances and destinations give you two specific ways to shape your visit to the park.
Another hiking option is the 6.5 km Diamond Hill Walk in Connemara National Park, which leads to the 445 m summit of Diamond Hill. On Inis MĂłr, DĂşn Aonghasa is more than 3,000 years old. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours; it is at the start of a 1 km walking path to the cliff-top fort.
Galway’s cultural attractions also have distinct focuses. The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre shares the history, legacy, traditions and culture of the Connemara pony through stories, visual displays, digital and traditional images, and films. Kylemore Abbey began in the 1860s as a lakeside castle commissioned by Mitchell Henry for his wife, Margaret. An admission ticket includes the abbey, church, mausoleum, woodland and lakeside walks, and the Victorian walled garden.
Discover more destinations: Maam Cross, Moycullen, Loughrea, Ballynahinch, Oughterard, Clonbur, Drumkeary, Indreabhán.
Back to the wider travel overview: Galway.
