Aughnanure Castle – (Oughterard – County Galway, Ireland)

Steeped in history since circa 1500 AD this medieval castle is an authentic fortified tower house which protected the wealthy land-owning O’Flaithbheartaigh family who were well known for attacking the Anglo-Norman defenses at Galway. The tower house is a defensive structure in every way, arrow slits, a murder hole, narrow spiral staircases and a keep were all included to keep intruders out and its occupants safe inside. All these measures were during a brutal and violent era in history which is almost inconceivable today. The castle includes a dark dungeon hole which is connected to the old latrine so prisoners would suffer in more ways than merely from the cold, damp and the darkness. Built on a river the castle provided strong defenses until the years where artillery and gunpowder became more commonplace. The castle fell to English cannons in 1572 and was subsequently granted to Murrough na d’Tuadh O’Flaherty who refortified the castle. After some years of decay the castle was donated to the Office of Public works in 1952 when it was declared a monument and restored to as near to its original state as possible. More information is available online by searching “Aughnanure Castle”. For those seeking there is plenty of information on well presented boards and maps throughout the castle grounds, I have included photographs of some of them. Arriving at the castle there is a large parking lot displaying the castle entrance price and opening / closing times. Walking down a footpath along the river reveals the tower through the trees. There is a small coffee shop selling provisions. After crossing a bridge, one arrives at the castle entrance and pay point. I found the charge to be very reasonable for what you receive, this will vary over time so consult online sources regarding the entrance fee. The castle grounds can then be explored at your leisure. Be sure to visit the far ends of the fortified wall for some of the best views of the tower. The inside of the castle is fascinating so you might need quite some time to explore and read. Keep an eye out for the water drainage spouts near the castle roof, they are decorated as faces with open mouths which the rainwater would flow out of, this might be easier to spot with a camera with a good zoom lens or binoculars. Bathrooms are available. Take care when climbing the castle’s narrow staircases especially when there has been some rain. As a disclaimer, please note that I am not in a position to be giving local driving, hiking or walking recommendations as I am not a trained guide or even knowledgeable about the routes, difficulty, weather or safety conditions in this area. These trails, like all my recorded activities on Wikiloc, are merely a journal or recollection of my experiences with some information which I personally would consider interesting. The information provided about this hiking or walking trail and its associated GPX recording is for the purpose of entertainment or reading and review only, the information presented may not be up to date or comprehensive. Trail and safety conditions, routes, difficulties and weather-related risks can change over time and vary from individual to individual. Any activity undertaken is therefore done at your own risk and requires you to verify information with local authorities, guides or experts in the field or local area before embarking on any such activity that may pose risks. As per the terms agreed to when signing up for this application or website, I or Wikiloc assume no responsibility for damages that may arise from using this information in any way, shape or form.