Major city · Ireland
Oughterard
Sleep 1 night here only if you want a quiet Lough Corrib stop on the N59 between Galway and Clifden; otherwise pass through.
Oughterard is a small town on the north-east shore of Lough Corrib, 26 km north-west of Galway city and the last service town before the Connemara hills. It has a handful of sights, a golf course, trout fishing on the lough and a cluster of B&Bs and one hotel. Most travellers use it as a one-night stop on the N59 to Clifden, or skip it entirely and stay in Galway.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, some places closed)
- Airports
- SNN · DUB · NOC
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Oughterard112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Oughterard, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are wet, unlit rural lanes at night, fast traffic on the N59 and cold water on Lough Corrib.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance, coast guard · 999 police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSNN Shannon Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car via the M18 and N59; no direct bus to Oughterard.).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealDinner, main course€16–26 (≈ US$19–35)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, town to Aughnanure Castle€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketAughnanure Castle entryAdult €5 (≈ US$6), child €3 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel or shared room, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€170 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SNN Shannon Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car via the M18 and N59; no direct bus to Oughterard.) · DUB Dublin Airport (About 3 h by car; bus to Galway city, then change to the 419 or 923.) · NOC Ireland West Airport Knock (About 1 h 30 min by car; limited onward public transport.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jun (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Oughterard: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
16 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
17 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
17 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
19 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
19 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is small enough to walk. For Aughnanure Castle, Glengowla Mines, Brigit's Garden or anywhere off the N59 you need a car or a taxi; there is no local bus beyond the main road. O'Halloran Taxi is the local operator.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Citylink 923 or Bus Éireann 419 from the town centre stop
Runs every hour or two; the city is the obvious half-day or evening trip.
Clifden
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Same buses west on the N59
Connemara's main town; four services a day continue to Cleggan for the Inishbofin ferry.
Leenane
goDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Car via Maam Cross, or bus towards Clifden then change
Fjord and mountain scenery; better with your own wheels.
Carraroe and Rossaveel
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car south-west via the coast lane
Rossaveel has Aran Islands ferries, but public transport from Oughterard is poor.
Inishbofin Island
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Bus to Cleggan, then ferry
Too long for a return day; sleep on the island.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Main St)
Walk to pubs, shops and the bus stop; Connemara Lake Hotel and several B&Bs.
Glann Road
500 m–1 km (0.6 mi) north of the centre; Crossriver B&B and Currarevagh House.500 m–0.6 mi (1 km) north of the centre; Crossriver B&B and Currarevagh House.
Golf Course Road / lough shore
South side towards the water; Waterfront House and Corrib View.
Cregg Road and Billamore
Quiet edges of town, 5–10 min walk in; Woodlands and Carrown Tober House.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–140 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Bus Galway ↔ Oughterard, both ways2 × €16 | €32 |
| Car hire, one day1 × €55 | €55 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €44 |
| Trip total≈ €241 per person per day, bed included | €481≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub lunch or bar food | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Dinner, main course | €16–26 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi, town to Aughnanure Castle | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Aughnanure Castle entry | Adult €5 (≈ US$6), child €3 (≈ US$4) |
| Glengowla Mines guided tour | Adult €15.50 (≈ US$19), child €8 (≈ US$10) |
| Brigit's Garden entry | Adult €11 (≈ US$13), conc €9.50 (≈ US$12), child €7 (≈ US$9) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Public transport is limited to the Galway–Clifden corridor; without a car you are stuck in town.
- Many B&Bs and Currarevagh House close in winter — check before booking a November–February stay.
- Lough Corrib weather turns fast; hire a boat with a local guide rather than going out alone.
- The Quiet Man bridge is on a narrow lane with no parking or facilities.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coast guard
- 112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
OughterardOughterard
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- All services (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassy in Oughterard; US, UK and most other embassies are in Dublin, with consulates in Galway city for some countries (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Galway → Oughterard: about €8 (≈ US$10) one way, 45 min (check)
- Taxi in town: €8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- Car hire, one day: from about €55 (≈ US$65)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Gabh mo leithscéal — Excuse me (gov muh lesh-kayl)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-rass)
Garda station is in town; hours vary (check).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Oughterard. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, some places closed) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SNN, DUB and NOC: last bus times from Galway, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: Main St, Glann Road, Golf Course Road, Cregg Road.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (Aughnanure Castle, Glengowla Mines, Brigit's Garden) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter-closure fixtures for B&Bs and Currarevagh House so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialHeritage Ireland — Aughnanure Castle
- officialBrigit's Garden
- officialGlengowla Mines
- officialCitylink timetables
- secondaryWikivoyage: Oughterard, revision 5069799 (CC BY-SA 4.0)