About Headford
Heart of Heritage, Headford Gateway to the West
Nestled in north County Galway, Headford is a vibrant market town where heritage, community, and nature meet.
Just 25 minutes commute from Galway city and close to the Mayo border, Headford occupies a unique position between Ireland’s east-west corridors, making it easily accessible from both Ireland’s Capital, Dublin and the Wild Atlantic Way. Overlooking the northern shores of Lough Corrib, Headford serves as a natural gateway to the West, offering visitors the tranquility of rural life alongside easy routes to the coast, Connemara, and beyond.
The story of Headford is one of deep historical roots and enduring spirit. Established as a market town in the 18th century under the St. George family estate, its wide streets and fair green still echo with the life of traditional markets and local fairs, and a short distance away lies Ross Errily Friary, one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval Franciscan monasteries, founded in the 14th century and now a hauntingly beautiful monument to Ireland’s monastic past. Around the town, remnants of ringforts, holy wells, and old stone walls tell of centuries of settlement, faith, and craftsmanship that have shaped the Headford landscape.
Today, Headford proudly stands on the threshold of the Joyce Country & Western Lakes UNESCO Global Geopark, an area celebrated for its stunning geology, cultural heritage, and storytelling tradition. Visitors can explore scenic walking routes, discover the waters of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, or follow winding roads through Joyce Country into the heart of Connemara. Whether you come for history, hospitality, or the breathtaking landscapes of the west, Headford offers a rare blend of authenticity and accessibility – a place where the past and present flow together as easily as the waters that lap its shores.