Ballyshrule brings together a historic spinning mill, local cheese production and a marina with services for boats. These features provide a local context for finding accommodation, spanning traditional working methods, the development of a cheese and practical services on the water.
Spinning History and Cheese from Ballyshrule
About 35 years ago, Ballyshrule had a spinning mill where farmers spun flax they had grown themselves and wool. Flax was processed by foot, while wool was spun by hand. The local connection lies both in the home-grown raw materials and in the different spinning methods.
Another local speciality is Killeen Farmhouse Cheese. The business makes cheese on its own farm from the milk of its 200 goats; a local farmer also supplies cow’s milk for cheese-making. At the Irish Cheese Awards, Killeen Farmhouse Cheese was named Supreme Champion in 2011, 2014 and 2019.
Killeen Goat is a Gouda cheese whose flavour changes as it matures. After three months, it is fresh, mild and milky, with a slightly tangy finish. As it matures for up to five months, it develops more fruity notes and gradually becomes nuttier. Different stages of maturation therefore offer distinct flavour profiles.
Dinner and Services for Boats
At Red Oak, guests can dine by the fire. Dinner is served from 5 pm; serving times may change, so check the current start time before your visit. Payment is cash only.
Cloondavaun Bay Marina is on the western shore of Lough Derg, near Portumna in County Galway, and is considered quiet, sheltered and scenic. It offers moorings for cruising yachts, sailing boats and smaller watercraft. A boat-lifting service is also available for cruising yachts and sailing boats, and comprehensive maintenance services are offered on site.
The marina also offers different storage options depending on the season and type of space: during the winter months, boats can be stored in a covered facility measuring 24,000 square feet or in a paved outdoor area. Moorings, boat lifting, maintenance and winter storage address a range of practical needs for boat owners.
More places to explore in the wider Galway destination
Across the wider Galway destination, individual places offer further natural and cultural highlights. At Coole Park, 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 two routes differ both in length and in the sights described along the way.
Another highlight is DĂşn Aonghasa, which is over 3,000 years old. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours. The upgraded centre is at the start of a 1 km footpath to the cliff-top fort.
Kylemore Abbey also adds to Galway’s historical appeal: in the 1860s, the abbey began as a lakeside castle that Mitchell Henry had built for his wife, Margaret. An admission ticket includes the abbey, church, mausoleum, woodland and lakeside walks, and the Victorian walled garden.
Discover more destinations: Letterfrack, Furbo, Castlerea, Corrandulla, Caherlistrane, Cloghbrack, Kilronan, Roundstone.
Back to the wider travel overview: Galway.
