Headford

Lace, Gothic Revival architecture and the landscape around Lough Corrib give Headford a distinctive character in County Galway. The town combines a long craft tradition with historic churches and a location at the edge of the UNESCO Global Geopark Joyce Country & Western Lakes. This means you can choose different focuses for your trip, from cultural discoveries to scenic experiences.

Lacemaking as a Living Tradition

Headford Lace is a lacemaking tradition from the Headford area that dates back to around 1765. The craft’s long history is also part of the town’s profile today: Headford Lacemaking was added to Ireland’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage in 2021. This places the tradition alongside its official recognition as intangible cultural heritage, without reducing the craft’s history to a single building or a single point in time.

The Headford Lace Project plays a distinctive role. This volunteer-led community initiative was founded in 2016 to research, revive and reinterpret Headford’s lacemaking heritage. Its work includes workshops, demonstrations, community collaborations and events. Since its founding, more than 80 people have learned bobbin lace and other types of Irish lace in its workshops. If you are interested in regional craft traditions, Headford offers more than a look back at history: the project is also dedicated to researching and passing on the craft of lacemaking.

A lace-inspired bench in the Lacemakers Garden is a visible sign of the connection between the town and its tradition. The garden is located in Headford’s Community Orchard; the bench was designed and made by Kilkee Forge. Its design draws inspiration from local lacemaking. This lets you encounter the theme not only through its history but also in a tangible piece of design.

Churches and Architectural History

Saint Mary's Catholic Church is a detached, cruciform Gothic Revival church built of cut limestone and dating to 1865. Its notable features include high-quality stonework and a fine interior. Its design, materials and craftsmanship give you concrete points of reference if you are interested in Headford’s architecture.

The Church of St. John the Baptist represents a different historical period: it opened in 1674 and served as a place of worship for almost 300 years. The history of the older castle is also part of the town’s story. After Richard De Burgo transferred the lands of Headford to Walter De Riddlesford in 1238, Walter began building a castle there. Headford Castle is now a modern building constructed on the ruins of an older castle. The estate has extensive landscaped grounds with access from the town.

Ross Errilly Franciscan Friary is also nearby and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved and most complete ecclesiastical sites. Together, these different places offer ways to explore religious architecture and history: from the Gothic Revival church dating to 1865 and the long use of the Church of St. John the Baptist to the older friary in the surrounding area.

Landscape and Choosing Where to Stay

Headford overlooks the northern shores of Lough Corrib and is situated at the edge of the UNESCO Global Geopark Joyce Country & Western Lakes. Visitors can explore scenic walking routes in and around Headford. As well as the themes of craft and architectural history, this offers a way to experience the town and its surroundings through the landscape.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which of these interests will shape your trip. If lace and historic buildings are your focus, the relevant themes are found in the town’s history and the Headford Lace Project. If you would also like to include nature and walking, the town’s position overlooking the northern shores of Lough Corrib, its location at the edge of the geopark and the scenic routes offer a different focus. You can discover Headford through its cultural interests, its landscape or a combination of both.

Discover More Places

For more destinations, you can also explore Ballyconneely, Moycullen, Carna, Caherlistrane, Loughrea, Kylemore, Inishmore and Cleggan.

For the main travel overview: Galway.