Aughnanure Castle

Nestled near the picturesque village of Oughterard, Aughnanure stands as one of Connacht's finest examples of a 16th-century tower house. Constructed around 1500 by the powerful O'Flaherty Family,  it reflects the architectural style favoured by wealthy landowners of the time - fortified yet elegant residences designed to assert status and withstand conflict.

Perched on a cliff above the Drimneen River, the castle enjoyed strategic access to Lough Corrib, allowing supply boats to reach it with ease. This waterway connection was vital as overland travel in the region was both treacherous and unreliable.

​In 1952, Peadar O'Flaherty donated the castle to the Office of Public Works (OPW). Following carful restauration, it was officially designated a National Monument in 1963.

Today, Aughnanure castle offers visitors a captivating glimpse into ireland's medieval past. One of its standout features is the well preserved watchtower, once used as both a guard room and weapons storage. Built into the inner bawn wall, it marks the original outermost corner of the fortification. 

To the south of the tower house and along the western face of the larger courtyard stands the remains of the banqueting hall. Commonly found in most Irish castles, it was a less secure but more comfortable building than the heavily fortified tower house.

Once a grand space for feasting and celebration, the banqueting hall at Aughnanure castle met a dramatic end when the natural stone arch spanning a subterranean river beneath it gave way. The collapse not only destroyed the hall, but revealed the hidden watercourse that had quietly flowed beneath the castle's foundations.

Despite this loss, the east wall still bears witness to the hall's former grandeur. Its windows, adorned with richly detailed carvings remain a striking feature.

The tower house itself was well secured. There is only one entrance door into the tower with a guard room immediately on the right. A spiral stairway gave access to all floors, the first being living quarters and administration and the second floor being the Chieftan's main hall.

Should the castle have come under siege, its design offered formidable layers of defence.
Even if attackers managed to breach the only entrance door, they would find themselves trapped in a small lobby facing not one, but three additional doors, each positioned on a different side. This clever architectural feature created confusion and delay, giving defenders a crucial advantage in repelling the assault. 

But that's not all, while the confused attackers struggled to breach the doors, from above through a slit , (or murder hole) in the ceiling,  the castle defenders would pelted their vulnerable attackers with missiles or would have shot arrows.   Over the entrance are two bartizans that project providing additional defence against attackers.

Aughnanure Castle is worth a visit and allows you to step back in time. The castle is open from March to November with entrance fees as follows:

Admission:

Adult: €5.00
Group/senior: €4.00
Child/student: €3.00
Family: €13.00