Gort
Gort is a medium size market town on the N18 in close proximity to the Burren. The name in Irish is “An Gort” (the field) or Gort-Inse-Guaire (field of Guaire’s island) The town takes its name from King Guaire a 6th century King of Connacht. King Guaire granted lands to St Colman at Kilmacduagh where he built a monastery, one of the oldest in Europe.
Getting to Gort:
By Air: Shannon Airport http://wwwshannonairport.com is a forty minute drive to Gort on the M18 motorway.
Rail: Regular train services connecting Galway, Limerick, Cork and Dublin from Gort. For timetable visit http:// www.irishrail.ie
Bus Services: Bus Eireann provide daily services between Galway, Limerick , Cork and Shannon For timetable visit http://wwwbuseireann.ie/
While in Gort you can get around on foot, but there are several taxis available locally who will happily provide transport to the local visitor sites outside the town.
Sheila’s Cabs 086 8785241, 08769 77 271,086 60 97 051
Seamus Daly 08
Bill Moloney 087 99 20 407
Jason Kenny 087 640 8030
Artie Kenny 087 2351228
David Flaherty 086 88 78777
Rory O’Shaughnessy is a Failte Ireland approved Tour Guide and is available to give guided tours locally. Rory can be contacted on 0874065646 or rory_oshaughnessy @eircom.net
Things to do and see:
Gort has major architectural features to view. It has a distinctive impressive cultural heritage as expressed in the quality and variety of its built environment and architectural heritage. Gort’s principle significance lies in the combination of its street pattern, plot sizes, architectural coherence , distinctive landmark buildings. The majority of the buildings span the late 18th and 19th centuries. A large proportion are in the classical vernacular style ranged along two wide intersecting roads which focus on Market Square. The river and its banks, surviving military buildings, traditional shop fronts and narrow lanes are distinctive and important features. Many of the protected structures located in the town include the local St Colman’s Catholic Church, the Courthouse, and the Old Church of Ireland which is now the location of the local library.The 18th Century Weigh House in the Square was restored in recent years.
Browse through Honan’s Antique shop in Crowe Street which will give you a fascinating trip down memory lane.
Friday is traditional market day in Gort . Located in the Square from early morning until 2p.m.
The Community Centre at Lavally has excellent indoor sporting facilities.
Swimming and Leisure facilities are available at the Lady Gregory Hotel.
The town has a splendid 18hole golf club situated a short distance outside the town at Castlequarter, Gort. The course designed by Christy O’Connor Junior is within a short distance of Kilmacduagh Monastic settlement. For further information on the course email: info @gortgolf.com or phone 35391 632244
The local GAA Club will provide entertaining games throughout the summer months and there is a thriving Rugby Club and a Soccer Club.
Parents can take their children to the new playground on the Ennis Road opposite the Lady Gregory Hotel.
Visitor Information
Internet Access available at the local Library in Queen Street
Site Map: A site map of the town is located at the Square
Parking: Pay and display is in operation on most of the streets in Gort six days a week. Free parking is available for shoppers at Supervalu, Aldai and Lidl. Free parking also available in Church Street. Check the street signs for times.
Bureau de change: available at the Bank of Ireland and AIB in the town and at local post office in Crowe Street.
Restaurants: There are several restaurants and café’s in the town offering a varied menu including the Lady Gregory Hotel &Spa and Sullivan’s Hotel.
Gort Public Library: Situated in the Old Church of Ireland Building Queen Street.
Local Services
Local Doctors:
Dr Raymond &Dr Maire Piggott Church Street, Gort. Tel 091 632595
Dr Richard Joyce Bridge Street, Gort. Tel 091632311
Dr Brian Jennings Health Centre, Ennis Road, Gort. Tel 09163125
Quinn’s Pharmacy based in Bridge Street, Gilmartin Pharmacy in Bridge Street and Daly’s Pharmacy in Church Street.
Local Gardai:
Garda Station based in Barrack Street, Gort.Tel 091 636400
Hairdressers and Beauty Rooms:
There are several saloons throughout the town offering hairdressing and beauty treatments. Many cater for both male and female clients
