Explore Galway's Darker Past

Discover a different side of Galway and the West of Ireland. The Oranmore Lodge Hotel, just 15 minutes from Galway City, is an ideal base for those curious about Ireland’s darker, more complex history—from famine and rebellion to tragic histories, forgotten ancient ruins and folklore that lingers.

Explore the Haunting History Around Galway

Delve into the darker threads of Ireland’s past from your base at Oranmore Lodge Hotel. Just 20 minutes away, the Galway Workhouse Memorial tells a harrowing story of loss and survival during the Great Famine, where thousands of destitute souls perished in heartbreaking conditions. The silence here is deafening — a stark reminder of the cruelty of poverty and neglect.

Step into the shadows of Galway’s past with a guided dark history evening walking tour that unearths chilling tales of murder, ghostly apparitions, and witchcraft. Wander through the Galway city’s most haunted corners where tragic history lingers in the cobblestones. Feel the goosebumps rise and the chill crawl up your spine. This tour is not for the faint-hearted. (these places can be visited independently or you can book a tour with an external provider)

Continue your journey to Kilmacduagh Monastery near Gort just 30 minutes from our doorstep — a hauntingly beautiful 7th-century ruin with leaning towers, weathered gravestones, and whispers of strange happenings. Local legends speak of ghostly monks wandering the grounds at dusk, and strange lights seen hovering among the gravestones. Said to be cursed to never stand straight, it’s a place where time seems frozen, and the air thick with old sorrow.

For those intrigued by Ireland’s layered legacy, Portumna Castle reveals stories of fire, rebellion, and downfall, its walls once echoing with the collapse of noble fortunes. Nearby, the Quaker Burial Grounds, stark and unmarked, hold the quiet dignity of lives lived by those who refused violence and were often exiled by silence.

Follow the myths into Coole Park, where Lady Gregory once strolled through fairy-haunted woods. The trees here are said to whisper if you listen long enough — not all stories from this land end happily.

And for the truly curious, the Cliffs of Moher, just over an hour away, are not only breathtaking in scale, but steeped in centuries-old tales of shipwrecks, ghostly lovers, and souls lost to the waves. Mist clings to the cliffs, veiling secrets in the air.

Whether you’re a history lover, a seeker of the strange, or simply looking for an experience off the beaten path, Oranmore offers the perfect launchpad into the West of Ireland’s shadowed and storied past.

Make a Night of It

At the end of your day of exploration, return to the warmth of the Oranmore Lodge Hotel — a comforting contrast to the haunting tales you’ve uncovered. Relax in our cosy guest rooms, unwind in the leisure centre with pool, sauna and steam room, savour a delicious meal in our restaurant or bar, or simply enjoy a quiet moment by the fire. After a day steeped in history, myth, and mystery, our hotel offers the perfect sanctuary to recharge and reflect.