Aughnanure Castle, located 3.5 km from Oughterard off the N59 Galway road in Co. Galway (H91 PX20), is a strikingly well-preserved 16th-century Irish tower house and National Monument managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Built around 1500 by the O’Flaherty clan, the Gaelic lords of Iarchonnacht (West Connacht), it sits on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Drimneen River, near Lough Corrib. This picturesque setting, surrounded by lush Connemara countryside, makes it a stop for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, families, and those exploring Galway’s medieval heritage.
- Historical and Architectural Highlights: Aughnanure Castle is a testament to Gaelic engineering and the fierce O’Flaherty clan’s dominance. Key features include:
- Six-Storey Tower House: The heart of the castle, with four floors open to the public, showcasing the O’Flaherty’s living quarters. Narrow, uneven spiral staircases, designed to trip invaders, lead to upper chambers with panoramic views of Lough Corrib and the surrounding landscape. The top floor, though not accessible to the roof, offers a glimpse into medieval life.
- Double Bawn and Defenses: The castle features an unusual double bawn (inner and outer walled enclosures), with the inner bawn having gun-loops and the outer bawn fortified with five wall towers for defense. A gatehouse, drawbridge remnants, and a “murder hole (meurtrière)) at the entrance highlight its fortified design.
- Banqueting Hall and Trap Door: The restored banqueting hall includes a notorious trap door, known as the “flagstone of treachery,” used to dispatch unwanted guests into the river below. Historical records document its grim use, such as drowning an Anglo-Norman lord’s son in the 16th century.
- Watch Tower and Dry Harbour: Additional structures like a watch tower and a dry harbour (for boat access) reflect the O’Flaherty’s strategic control over waterways. The castle’s rustic Gaelic design, with rough stonework, contrasts with more polished Anglo-Norman castles like Athenry.
Built on a site first fortified by Walter de Burgo in 1256, Aughnanure became the O’Flaherty stronghold after they reclaimed their lands. It played a key role in resisting Norman and English incursions, notably during the Cromwellian era, until its fall in 1572 due to betrayal by Morogh na dTuadh O’Flaherty.
The 1546 marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O’Flaherty and Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol, Grainuaile) adds historical intrigue, merging two powerful Gaelic families. The castle offers both self-guided and guided tours (45 minutes, maximum 20 people), with guides like Liam praised for their engaging, passionate storytelling.
A small permanent exhibition in the keep covers the castle’s history and local context, supplemented by information boards detailing the O’Flaherty clan’s feuds with Galway’s citizens, who feared them as “mountainous and wild people.”
The scenic grounds, with the Drimneen River and a centuries-old yew tree (from which the name Aughnanure, meaning “field of yews,” derives), are ideal for picnics and exploration. Visitors can spend 1–2 hours, with children enjoying a free printable activity sheet from the OPW website and space to play in the bawn. The castle’s serene, less touristy vibe compared to Bunratty or Blarney makes it a “hidden gem,” earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for its top 10% ranking.
Practical Details:
- Open from early April to late October, daily 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (last admission 5:15 PM), with May to mid-June and October limited to weekends. Admission is €5 for adults, €3 for seniors/groups, €1 for children over 6, and free on the first Wednesday of each month. The castle is 25 km from Galway city, accessible by car (via M6/N6) or bus (Bus Éireann to Oughterard). A car park and picnic area are available, but there’s no café, and payment is cash-only. Toilets are basic but clean. Access is restricted for wheelchair users due to uneven grounds and stairs, though the grounds are partially accessible. A small book and souvenir shop is at reception. Photography is allowed (commercial use requires a permit). Contact +353 (0)91 552 214 or athenrycastle@opw.ie for inquiries.
- Atmosphere and Surroundings: The castle’s dramatic setting on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the river and lush greenery, creates a romantic, tranquil ambiance. Visitors praise its well-preserved state, restored in 1963 by the OPW, and the chance to connect with Gaelic history. The nearby town of Oughterard offers dining and pubs, while attractions like the Connemara countryside, Glengowla Mines (23 km), or the Aran Islands (via ferry) complement a visit. Some note the lack of medieval furniture as a missed opportunity to visualise castle life, but the raw, authentic structure adds to its charm.
Visitors to Aughnanure Castle can expect a 1–2-hour immersion into Ireland’s turbulent history, with a well-preserved tower house, atmospheric grounds, and engaging guided or self-guided tours. The castle’s affordability (€5 adult entry), scenic riverside setting, and family-friendly activities (e.g., scavenger hunts, picnic areas) make it ideal for history lovers, families, and those tracing O’Flaherty ancestry. Its quieter vibe compared to larger castles ensures an intimate experience, enhanced by potential new events or exhibits. Visitors should book guided tours in advance, bring cash, and check heritageireland.ie for updates on seasonal events or maintenance changes. Pairing the visit with Oughterard’s dining scene or a Connemara tour (e.g., Kylemore Abbey, 37 km away) creates a full day of exploration.
