Aughnanure Castle

About the museum

Aughnanure is the best-preserved late-medieval tower house in Connemara. It was built in the late 15th century on a rocky outcrop above the Drimneen River, near Lough Corrib, as the stronghold of the O’Flaherty Gaelic lords, who held it for over two centuries.

In the 16th century an outer bawn and a banqueting hall were added. The castle helped to resist the Cromwellian blockade of Galway in the 17th century, but after the O’Flahertys took part in the 1641 Rebellion their lands were confiscated.

Peadar O’Flaherty gave the castle to the State in 1952. It was restored in the 1960s and has been open to the public since 1974. It is now run by the Office of Public Works, which offers an exhibition, guided tours and a walk along the river.

Highlights

• Best-preserved late-medieval tower house in Connemara
• Outer bawn and 16th-century banqueting hall
• Exhibition and guided tours
• River walk beside the Drimneen River

Permanent exhibition

• Aughnanure Castle exhibition – An exhibition and interpretive displays explain the history of the O’Flaherty stronghold and its buildings.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)

Admission & discounts

Heritage Ireland promotes the Heritage Card for unlimited access to its sites.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access is limited: the site has uneven walkways, handrails are provided on the stairs and visitors should stay back from the edges. Dogs must be kept on a lead. A downloadable visual guide helps first-time visitors, families and people with developmental or learning disabilities prepare for the visit.

Kids & families

A downloadable visual guide helps families prepare for the visit.

Getting there & parking

The castle is 3.5 km from Oughterard, off the N59 road between Oughterard and Galway. Heritage Ireland links to the Transport for Ireland journey planner for bus connections.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop: not available

Toilets and a car park are on site; card payments are accepted. No café, shop or Wi-Fi is listed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit