Newtown Castle: A Burren Gem
Explore a unique 16th-century tower house in the Burren, offering history, art, and stunning views of the Irish landscape.
Newtown Castle, near Ballyvaughan in County Clare, is a unique 16th-century cylindrical tower house rising from a square base. Once home to the O'Brien and O'Loghlen clans, it now serves as an exhibition space for the Burren College of Art, hosting events and offering a glimpse into Ireland's past.
A brief summary to Newtown Castle
- Newtown, Co. Clare, H91 H299, IE
- +353657077200
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the Burren College of Art's website for the most up-to-date visitor information and opening hours.
- Dress in layers and bring a raincoat, as Irish weather can be unpredictable.
- Take your camera to capture the unique architecture and beautiful Burren landscape.
Getting There
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Car
From Ballyvaughan, head south on the N67. After approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will see signs for Newtown Castle. Follow the signs to the castle, which is located off the N67. Parking is available near the castle. There are no tolls on this route.
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Public Transport
Take Bus Éireann route 350 from Galway or Ennis to Ballyvaughan. From Ballyvaughan, it is approximately a 30-minute walk (2.4km) to Newtown Castle. Alternatively, take a local taxi from Ballyvaughan to the castle. Bus fare from Galway to Ballyvaughan is approximately €10-€15. A taxi from Ballyvaughan to Newtown Castle will cost approximately €10-€15.
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Walking
From Ballyvaughan, follow the N67 south towards Lisdoonvarna. After approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), you will see signs for Newtown Castle. Follow the signs to the castle, which is a short walk from the main road. The walk from Ballyvaughan takes approximately 30 minutes.
Discover more about Newtown Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monks Ballyvaughan
2.0 km
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Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren
3.2 km
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Gleninagh Castle
4.5 km
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Clochán Monuments of Clare
6.3 km
Explore the ancient Clochán Monuments of Clare, remarkable dry-stone structures offering a glimpse into Ireland's Celtic past and early Christian heritage.
Ó'Dálaigh Monument
7.1 km
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Poulawack Cairn
8.1 km
Discover the ancient mysteries of Poulawack Cairn, a historic landmark in County Clare, Ireland, where history and nature intertwine beautifully.
Galway Bay
11.5 km
Experience the captivating beauty of Galway Bay, where stunning landscapes meet vibrant marine life on Ireland's west coast.
Spectacle Bridge
12.7 km
Discover the historic Spectacle Bridge in County Clare: a unique architectural marvel offering stunning views and a peaceful escape into Ireland's past.
Kilfenora Cathedral, Church of Ireland
13.0 km
Discover Kilfenora Cathedral: a medieval masterpiece in County Clare, rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for culture and history enthusiasts.
The Burren Visitor Centre & Cafe
13.0 km
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Bothar nA hAillite
13.1 km
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Burren Castle Hotel Lisdoonvarna
13.6 km
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Doolin Cave
13.7 km
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Parknabinnia Wedge Tomb
13.8 km
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Holy Well
13.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Burren Hill Walks
1.9 km
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Ballyvaughan Historic Fountain
1.9 km
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Ballyvaughan Pier
2.1 km
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Aillwee Burren Experience
2.4 km
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The Pinnacle Well
3.7 km
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Corkscrew Hill
3.9 km
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Bishop's Quarter Beach
3.9 km
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Caher Bridge Garden
5.7 km
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Muckinish West Tower House
5.9 km
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Poulnabrone Dolmen
6.4 km
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Doughbranneen
6.7 km
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Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
7.2 km
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Burren Mountain Tours
7.6 km
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Caherdoonerish Stone Fort
7.7 km
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Flaggy Shore
8.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Burren Fine Wine & Food
1.5 km
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Hylands Burren Hotel
1.8 km
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L'Arco Italian Restaurant
1.9 km
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Linnane's Lobster Bar
8.5 km
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O'Donohues Pub
8.5 km
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Cassidys Pub and Restaurant
9.8 km
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The Ritz
11.5 km
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The Burren Takeaway
11.6 km
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Roadside Tavern Lisdoonvarna
11.7 km
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Burren Storehouse
11.7 km
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Sheedy's Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
11.7 km
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Wild Honey Inn
11.9 km
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Parlour Restaurant
13.1 km
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The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant
16.0 km
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Fox's of Kinvara
16.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quinn's Craftshop
1.9 km
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Burren Seafoods
8.5 km
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The Burren Butcher- Neil Hawes
10.8 km
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The Burren Pharmacy & Treatment Rooms
11.5 km
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The Burren Smokehouse
11.8 km
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The Burren Flower Farm
15.0 km
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Clare Woollen Mills
16.2 km
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Aran View Filling Station
16.3 km
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GoldLeafPastry
16.4 km
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Russells Coffee Shop
16.8 km
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Liscannor Stone Company
17.0 km
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Irish Crafts - Doolin
17.2 km
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The Sweater Shop
17.6 km
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Traditional Music Shop
17.7 km
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Doolin Dinghy Books
17.7 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
O'Loclainn's Irish Whiskey Bar
1.9 km
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The Fountain Bar
1.9 km
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The Wild Atlantic Lodge
1.9 km
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Linnanes Pub
13.0 km
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Vaughan's Pub
13.1 km
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Keogh's Cafe, Restaurant, Kinvara
16.0 km
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Greens Bar
16.0 km
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McDermott's Pub
16.5 km
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McGann's Pub
16.6 km
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Fitz's Pub
17.0 km
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Atlantic Bar
18.1 km
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Lonergan's Atlantic Bar
18.3 km
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The Oslo Bar
18.4 km
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The Office
18.5 km
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Barnacles Seafood Bar & Restaurant
18.5 km
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