The Area
Things to Do Near
Ballinderry Park
Heritage, walks, distilleries and a city of festivals — all within easy reach of the estate.
Ballinderry Park sits in quiet countryside in East County Galway, near Ballinasloe — but you are never far from something to do. A 1691 battlefield and a craft distillery are minutes from the gate; medieval Athenry, the monastic city of Clonmacnoise and the lakeside town of Portumna are a short drive; and Galway city, with its festivals and seafood, is an easy day out. Whether it is a hen weekend, a family reunion or a quiet escape, here is what is around — grouped by how far you will need to travel.
On the Doorstep
Under about 15 minutes from the estate.
Battle of Aughrim
Just minutes away, Aughrim was the site of the decisive 1691 battle that ended the Williamite War — the bloodiest single day of fighting in Irish history. The interpretive centre tells the story of the three kings and their armies, and a waymarked trail runs across the battlefield itself.
Ahascragh Distillery
A craft whiskey and gin distillery set in a restored 19th-century mill in the village of Ahascragh — one of Ireland’s most sustainable distilleries. Guided grain-to-glass tours and tastings make a characterful outing for a group; book ahead.
Ballinasloe & Garbally Demesne
The nearest town, on the River Suck — shops, pubs, restaurants and riverside walks, with the wooded avenues of Garbally Demesne on its edge for an easy ramble. Each October the town hosts the Ballinasloe Fair, one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe.
The Suck Valley
The estate sits in the heart of the Suck Valley — quiet lowland countryside laced with walking and cycling routes, including the long-distance Suck Valley Way, plus some of the finest coarse fishing in Ireland along the river and its lakes.
A Short Drive
Roughly 15 to 35 minutes from the estate.
Athenry
One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Ireland — Athenry still has its 13th-century castle, more than two-thirds of its town walls with a standing gate, and a Dominican priory. The interactive Athenry Heritage Centre lets visitors try on armour and archery, good fun for families and groups.
Loughrea
A lakeside town with a rare water-filled historic town moat and St Brendan’s Cathedral, a treasure-house of Celtic Revival stained glass and carving. Loughrea Lake on the town’s edge has a freshwater beach and pleasant lakeshore walks.
Athlone
On the River Shannon, Athlone has a Norman castle and Sean’s Bar — recognised by Guinness World Records as Ireland’s oldest pub. Replica-Viking boat tours run on the Shannon, including downriver toward Clonmacnoise. Athlone Castle has been undergoing redevelopment, so check before visiting.
Clonmacnoise
Founded in 544 on a bend of the Shannon, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s greatest early-Christian monastic sites — round towers, high crosses, churches and one of Europe’s largest collections of early grave-slabs. A genuinely moving half-day out; the visitor centre is being redeveloped, so check access ahead.
Portumna
A lakeside town where the Shannon meets Lough Derg. Portumna Castle is an early-17th-century semi-fortified house with a restored walled garden, and the adjoining Portumna Forest Park has waymarked lakeside trails, fallow deer and a buggy-friendly route.
Worth a Day Trip
About 40 minutes or more — easily done in a day from the estate.
Galway City
Ireland’s cultural capital of the west — the cobbled Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and the Salthill promenade, with a renowned seafood and traditional-music scene. An easy day out, and at its liveliest during the summer festivals.
Coole Park
The former estate of Lady Gregory, co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, now a free nature reserve near Gort. Walk the woodland trails to the famous ‘autograph tree’ carved with the initials of W.B. Yeats and other figures of the Irish Literary Revival.
Connemara & the Cliffs of Moher
For a bigger day out, Connemara’s mountains, Atlantic coast and Kylemore Abbey lie beyond Galway city, while the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are an easy run south into County Clare. We’re happy to help guests plan a route.
FAQ
Exploring the Area — Your Questions
How far is Galway city from Ballinderry Park?
What is right on the doorstep of the estate?
Is there anything to do on a rainy day?
Is the area good for a hen party or a group weekend?
Do we need a car to get around?
“The most beautiful, welcoming place we've ever stayed”
4.97 average across Airbnb & Google · 250+ guests hosted
“We had the BEST weekend at Ballinderry House! Rowan and Joel went above and beyond — Joel actually created a full murder mystery party for us, complete with characters, clues, and a completely decked-out main house. It was so thoughtful and creative, and we had an absolute blast.”
Sarah Mulcahy
4 months ago
“From the whimsical artwork to the ample gardens, Ballinderry Park was a treat through and through. Upon our arrival, Rowan started a fire in both outdoor and indoor fireplaces and invited us to use all of the amenities of this lovely B and B.”
Karyn Miller Brooks
8 months ago
“We had a fantastic weekend. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home. The food was outstanding — the ratatouille on the first night and the roast dinner the next day were both delicious. The views were breathtaking.”
Lucky Horse
1 year ago
“We booked Ballinderry Coach House for a friend's birthday. When we arrived the accommodation was clean, warm and very comfortable. The host Ro and his family were very welcoming and accommodating.”
Eoin
1 year ago
“I stayed here for a weekend with friends for a board game event. It was an incredible venue for it. Many rooms, and big tables, and we were kept warm and cosy throughout. The facilities were perfect.”
Brian OConnell
1 year ago
“This is a great spot. The house and grounds are beautiful, we were given really nice home cooked food. The common spaces were large enough for a group, comfortable and warm due to the log burning stove.”
James Cusack
1 year ago
“I stayed here for a stag do with a group of lads. The hosts provided dinners on Friday and Saturday and a fully stocked kitchen. It is a fantastic old manor house but is modernized with all mod cons and the grounds are beautiful.”
Paul Fitzsimons
11 months ago
“Absolutely gorgeous venue with great facilities, our hosts for the weekend were extremely nice (and cooked dinner for 18 people, twice!), had a wonderful time and would definitely come again and wholeheartedly recommend.”
Graham O'Malley
1 year ago
“Had the best experience ever. Phenomenal hosts. Highly recommend the murder mystery!”
Stephen O'Mahony
4 months ago
“We had the BEST weekend at Ballinderry House! Rowan and Joel went above and beyond — Joel actually created a full murder mystery party for us, complete with characters, clues, and a completely decked-out main house. It was so thoughtful and creative, and we had an absolute blast.”
Sarah Mulcahy
4 months ago
“From the whimsical artwork to the ample gardens, Ballinderry Park was a treat through and through. Upon our arrival, Rowan started a fire in both outdoor and indoor fireplaces and invited us to use all of the amenities of this lovely B and B.”
Karyn Miller Brooks
8 months ago
“We had a fantastic weekend. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home. The food was outstanding — the ratatouille on the first night and the roast dinner the next day were both delicious. The views were breathtaking.”
Lucky Horse
1 year ago
“We booked Ballinderry Coach House for a friend's birthday. When we arrived the accommodation was clean, warm and very comfortable. The host Ro and his family were very welcoming and accommodating.”
Eoin
1 year ago
“I stayed here for a weekend with friends for a board game event. It was an incredible venue for it. Many rooms, and big tables, and we were kept warm and cosy throughout. The facilities were perfect.”
Brian OConnell
1 year ago
“This is a great spot. The house and grounds are beautiful, we were given really nice home cooked food. The common spaces were large enough for a group, comfortable and warm due to the log burning stove.”
James Cusack
1 year ago
“I stayed here for a stag do with a group of lads. The hosts provided dinners on Friday and Saturday and a fully stocked kitchen. It is a fantastic old manor house but is modernized with all mod cons and the grounds are beautiful.”
Paul Fitzsimons
11 months ago
“Absolutely gorgeous venue with great facilities, our hosts for the weekend were extremely nice (and cooked dinner for 18 people, twice!), had a wonderful time and would definitely come again and wholeheartedly recommend.”
Graham O'Malley
1 year ago
“Had the best experience ever. Phenomenal hosts. Highly recommend the murder mystery!”
Stephen O'Mahony
4 months ago
“Brought my team here for a night and it was an incredible stay! The host Rowan organised a dinner and breakfast for us and we all had a blast.”
Zack O'Rourke
11 months ago
“A beautiful old country house in the heart of rural east Galway, it is a stunning retreat away from the noise of the towns and cities. The hosts were phenomenal, very welcoming!”
Eimhin Hick
1 year ago
“This is an amazing place to stay, really accommodating and welcoming. Food was beautiful, home cooked and healthy but v tasty. Had a ball at this place, really recommend it.”
Alan Ó Riada
1 year ago
“Wonderful house, food and location! Could not recommend it enough. Stayed here with a large group of friends and were expertly looked after.”
Ian Moss
1 year ago
“Brilliant space for events, Rowan is a great host would highly recommend!”
Daniel Hartshorn
10 months ago
“Amazing atmosphere, cozy surroundings, and an easy connection to nature!”
John Margetts
1 year ago
“Amazing house, food and hospitality. Thank you!”
John Hughes
6 years ago
“New owners are fantastic. Laoise and Rowan.”
BC Lynch
3 months ago
“Fantastic place with a wonderful host.”
John Hindley
7 years ago
“Brought my team here for a night and it was an incredible stay! The host Rowan organised a dinner and breakfast for us and we all had a blast.”
Zack O'Rourke
11 months ago
“A beautiful old country house in the heart of rural east Galway, it is a stunning retreat away from the noise of the towns and cities. The hosts were phenomenal, very welcoming!”
Eimhin Hick
1 year ago
“This is an amazing place to stay, really accommodating and welcoming. Food was beautiful, home cooked and healthy but v tasty. Had a ball at this place, really recommend it.”
Alan Ó Riada
1 year ago
“Wonderful house, food and location! Could not recommend it enough. Stayed here with a large group of friends and were expertly looked after.”
Ian Moss
1 year ago
“Brilliant space for events, Rowan is a great host would highly recommend!”
Daniel Hartshorn
10 months ago
“Amazing atmosphere, cozy surroundings, and an easy connection to nature!”
John Margetts
1 year ago
“Amazing house, food and hospitality. Thank you!”
John Hughes
6 years ago
“New owners are fantastic. Laoise and Rowan.”
BC Lynch
3 months ago
“Fantastic place with a wonderful host.”
John Hindley
7 years ago
make a weekend of it
Base yourself at Ballinderry Park and explore East Galway from your own private estate — perfect for weddings, hen weekends, group getaways and glamping escapes.