Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
Site Closed
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
Aughnanure Castle
The fearsome O’Flaherty family, whose motto was ‘Fortune favours the strong’, ruled west Connacht for 300 years from this fine six-storey tower on the shores of Lough Corrib.
In 1546 the O’Flahertys joined forces with the Mayo O’Malleys when Donal an Chogaidh O’Flaherty married Grace O’Malley, later known as Granuaile, the formidable pirate queen. The O’Malley motto, ‘Powerful by land and by sea,’ showed the awe in which that family, too, was held.
At Aughanure today you can inspect the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the three species of bat that now live in the castle.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
27 February – 15 November
Last Admission 45 mins before closing.
Seasonal Opening Times
- 22 August - 21 October
Open 22 August
Saturday – Wednesday only ( Closed Thurs & Friday)
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Last admission 16:30
- 22 October – 04 November
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Last admission 16:30
- 05 November – 15 November
Daily 09:30– 16:00
Last Admission 15:15
Contact
Aughnanure
Oughterard
Co. Galway
H91 PX20
091 552 214
aughnanurecastle@opw.ie
Facilities
- Brochure
- Car park
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- River Walk
Restrictions
- Hold hand rail
- Limited Access
- Stay back from edge
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Aughnanure Castle
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Connemara – Pearse’s Cottage
A cottage steeped in revolutionary history and Gaelic culture
Approx. 23.0 km from Aughnanure Castle
Athenry Castle
An emblem of Norman lordship
Approx. 37.6 km from Aughnanure Castle
Dún Aonghasa
One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts
Approx. 46.1 km from Aughnanure Castle