Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
Admission
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
Overnight camping at Aughnanure car park is strictly forbidden
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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
Highlights

Gallery
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
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
- 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
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