Aughnanure Castle

Stronghold of the Ferocious O’Flaherty clan

Aughnanure Castle was built in the 16th century by the O’Flaherty clan, and is renowned for its unusual double bawn. It lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib near the village of Oughterard, Co. Galway. In 1546, the O’Flaherty’s motto “Fortune favours the strong” and the powerful Mayo O’Malley’s Motto “Powerful by land and by sea”, were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chugaidh O’Flaherty and Grainuaile or Grace O’Malley. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. The Office of Public Works (OPW) have gradually resorted the castle to it’s former glory through a restoration programme which started during the 1960s. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, bastions, an underground stream and a dry harbour.

Photos by Jenny Young (OPW)

Opening Times

March – November
Open Daily from 9:30am – 5pm
Last admission 16:15

Admission fee

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
*Prices & opening times liable to change, confirm with OPW.

Haunted Castle

Aughnanure Castle is reported to have had a number of supernatural haunting events too. It is believed there have been four manifestations, including the appearance of the ghost of a gamekeeper at the castle, a head rolling across a floor, the sounds of someone choking and the wail of a banshee as documented in the book ‘Irish Ghosts’ by Peter Underwood.

Aughnanure Castle Video

Aughnanure Castle Map

Aughnanure Castle FAQs

What is the historical significance of Aughnanaure Castle?

Aughnanaure Castle embodies centuries of O’Flaherty rule and resilience in Connemara. The O’Flahertys thrived here in Oughterard for approximately four hundred years.

Who were the Ferocious O’Flahertys?

Driven from the fertile plains east of Lough Corrib by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century, the O’Flahertys found refuge in Connemara, shaping the region’s destiny for nearly four centuries. As a warrior clan, they were involved in livestock raids, piracy, and small battles.

When was Aughnanaure Castle built?

Aughnanaure Castle was built circa 1500 on a limestone outcrop along the Drimneen river’s south bank. The castle strategically offered access to Lough Corrib it’s rivers, continuing a tradition by the O’Flaherty of establishing strongholds near watercourses.

What does the name “Aughnanure” mean?

The name “Aughnanure” is derived from the Irish “Achadh na nlúr” or “field of the yews” and hints at a history of a once-vast yew forest, reduced now to just a handful of surviving yew trees near the castle.

Is Aughnanaure Castle worth visiting?

Definitely yes for history buffs. When exploring Aughnanaure Castle, visitors step into a bygone era where the echoes of O’Flaherty independence and their enduring connection to Connemara’s landscape resound through weathered stones and centuries of history. Children will particularly enjoy all the unusual battlement and castle features to play and hide in.

Aughnanure Castle