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Heritage Ireland

Aughnanure Castle

A historical gem in the heart of Connemara

See all opening times

Aughnanure Castle

A historical gem in the heart of Connemara

See all opening times

Admission

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Overnight camping at Aughnanure car park is strictly forbidden 

Getting here

Aughnanure
Oughterard
Co. Galway
H91 PX20

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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

Opening Times

2 Márta – 12  Samhain 2023

Gach lá 09:30 – 18:00

Cead isteach deireanach 17:15

 

Tá cosc ​​iomlán ar champáil thar oíche i gcarrchlós  Achadh na nIúr

Notice

Overnight camping at Aughnanure car park is strictly forbidden 

Contact

Aughnanure
Oughterard
Co. Galway
H91 PX20

091 552 214

Getting Here

3.5km from Oughterard off N59 – Oughterard to Galway road.

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Facilities

  • Brochure
  • Car park
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Interpretive exhibit
  • River Walk

Restrictions

  • Dogs on lead
  • Hold hand rail
  • Limited Access
  • Stay back from edge
  • Uneven walkways

Nearby sites to visit

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