Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
1 March - 10 November 2024
Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
1 March - 10 November 2024
Site Closed
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
Follow us
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 Aughnanure 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.
Coming to visit us? Why not download and print off our Aughnanure Castle Family Quest Activity and get a chance to win an OPW Annual Family Heritage Card worth €90
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
1 March – 10 November 2024
Daily 09:30 – 18:00
Last admission 17:15
*Seasonal Opening Times apply from 24 October 2024.
Notice
Overnight camping at Aughnanure car park is strictly forbidden
Seasonal Opening Times
- 24 October - 10 November
Daily 09:30 – 17:00
Last admission 16:15
Getting Here
3.5km from Oughterard off N59 – Oughterard to Galway road.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Brochure
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- River Walk
- Toilets
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Hold hand rail
- Limited Access
- Stay back from edge
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Aughnanure Castle
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Conamara- Pearse’s Cottage and Visitor Centre
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 – Ancient Stone Fort
One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts
Approx. 46.1 km from Aughnanure Castle
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Aughnanure Castle. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Aughnanure Castle.
Social Guide Aughnanure Castle