Skip to content

Heritage Ireland

Aughnanure Castle

A historical gem in the heart of Connemara

1 March - 10 November 2024

See all opening times

Aughnanure Castle

A historical gem in the heart of Connemara

1 March - 10 November 2024

See all opening times

Admission

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

Getting here

Aughnanure
Oughterard
Co. Galway
H91 PX20

Get Directions

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

Opening Times

1 March – 10 November 2024

Daily 09:30 – 18:00

Last admission 17:15

 

 

Notice

Overnight camping at Aughnanure car park is strictly forbidden 

Seasonal Opening Times

01- 10 November

Daily 09:30 – 17:00

Last admission 16:15

Contact

Aughnanure
Oughterard
Co. Galway
H91 PX20

091 552 214

Getting Here

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

Open location in Google Maps

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

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

Nearby sites to visit

You might also like

Heritage Card

Unlimited access to Ireland’s past

Buy one today

Join our mailing list

Subscribe

Keep up to date on our news, events, activities and publications.