Headford: Lace, Churches and History
Accommodation in Headford
Headford in County Galway looks out over the northern shores of Lough Corrib. Lace-making, churches and castle history give the town a distinct cultural focus. If you’re looking for a hotel in Headford, these themes can help you decide whether the town suits your travel interests.
Lace-making: a craft with a long history
Headford Lace is a bobbin lace-making tradition from the Headford area of County Galway, dating back to around 1765. Headford Lacemaking was added to Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. The two dates reflect different aspects of its cultural history: a long-standing craft tradition and its later inclusion on the list.
The Headford Lace Project was founded in 2016 as a volunteer community initiative. It researches, revives and reinterprets Headford’s lace-making heritage. Activities include workshops, demonstrations, community collaborations and events. Since the project began, more than 80 people have learned bobbin lace and other Irish lace-making techniques in its workshops. If you’d like to attend a workshop, check current availability in advance.
A bench in the Lacemakers Garden at Headford’s Community Orchard also reflects this theme: inspired by Headford Lace, it was designed and made by Kilkee Forge.
Churches, castle history and landscape
Saint Mary's Catholic Church is a detached, cruciform Gothic Revival church made of cut limestone and dated to 1865. Notable features include high-quality stonework and a well-crafted interior. Another chapter in the area’s history is linked to the Church of St. John the Baptist, which opened in 1674 and served as a place of worship for almost 300 years.
The history of Headford’s castles begins in 1238: after Richard De Burgo transferred the lands of Headford to Walter De Riddlesford, Walter began building a castle there. Headford Castle is a modern building constructed on the ruins of an older castle. The estate includes extensive landscaped grounds, with access from the town.
Headford lies at the edge of the UNESCO Global Geopark Joyce Country & Western Lakes and looks out over the northern shores of Lough Corrib. Nearby is Ross Errilly Franciscan Friary, one of Ireland’s best-preserved and most complete ecclesiastical sites. The wider Headford and geopark area also has scenic walking routes. Check specific route details locally.
More destinations in the wider Galway destination
In the wider Galway destination, two marked trails in Coole Park cover different distances and landscape features. The easy 1.75 km Family Trail runs from the site of the former house through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint over Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. You can compare the trail lengths with the stops and landscape features mentioned for each route.
Another point of comparison is the Diamond Hill Walk in Connemara National Park: the 6.5 km route leads to a summit 445 m high. DĂşn Aonghasa offers a different focus. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours; a 1 km footpath to the clifftop fort begins at the centre. DĂşn Aonghasa is more than 3,000 years old.
Discover more destinations: Ballynahinch, Castlerea, Kilkieran, Corrandulla, Craughwell, Athenry, Inishbofin, Clarinbridge.
Back to the main travel overview: Galway.
