On the shores of Lough Corrib, Oughterard combines local history with a range of ways to explore: a heritage project featuring a booklet and podcasts, and seasonal trips offered by Corrib Cruises. There are also two routes with distinct directions and destinations, as well as activities in the village. If you’re looking for accommodation in Oughterard, these differences can help you plan your stay around your interests and travel dates.
Oughterard’s history in different formats
The Oughterard Kids’ Heritage Trail and Podcast Project includes a heritage trail booklet and a series of podcasts. Students researched, wrote and recorded the podcasts. The project invites locals and visitors to discover Oughterard’s history through the places, people and stories that have shaped it.
The Oughterard Heritage Walk, also known as the “Golden Mile Storymap”, offers a digital way to experience the Heritage Walk. While the Kids’ Project includes a booklet and podcasts, the Storymap provides a digital way to explore the walk. These different formats help you explore the village’s history in different ways.
Lough Corrib: seasonal trips and routes
On Lough Corrib, Corrib Cruises offers trips from Oughterard to Cong, among other options, from June to September. As these trips are seasonal, it’s advisable to check the timetable before travelling. Oughterard is also considered the main angling centre on Lough Corrib. If fishing is part of your plans, check the regulations and fishing seasons separately.
The routes also differ in direction and destination. The Western Way starts in Oughterard and follows the shore of Lough Corrib for about ten kilometres northwest towards Maum. The scenic Lough Corrib route starts at the village square and runs 13 km along the lakeshore to the wooded Hill of Doon. Check local road conditions. The destinations differ: Maum on the Western Way, and Hill of Doon on the 13 km route.
Park and weekly run
Corribdale Park has a children’s playground, a youth area, a walking and running path, a sensory garden, a wooded area and open green spaces. Its facilities range from play and youth areas to paths, a garden, woodland and open spaces.
Oughterard parkrun is a free, friendly, weekly 5 km community run that is open to everyone. You can walk, jog or run; if you’re not taking part, you can volunteer or spectate. There are various ways to participate in or support the community run.
A network of trails near Oughterard
The Galway Wind Way in Galway Wind Park is near Oughterard and offers 48 km of recreational trails on six different routes. Unlike a single named route, this gives you several routes to choose from. Check trail availability and access conditions before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Oranmore, Furbo, Leenane, Kylemore, Inisheer, Farmerstown, Recess, Kinvarra
For the main travel overview: Galway.
