Newtown Castle, Cliffs Of Moher Travel Guide

Newtown Castle, situated in the heart of the Burren near Ballyvaughan, County Clare, is a distinctive 16th-century fortified tower house with a unique cylindrical shape rising from a square base. This design makes it a striking landmark in the Irish countryside. Originally built for a branch of the O'Brien clan around 1550, the castle later passed into the hands of the O'Loghlen family, a powerful local dynasty. In the 19th century, Charles O'Loghlen, known as the "King of the Burren," resided here, followed by Peter O'Loghlen, dubbed the "Prince of the Burren". The castle remained in their possession until the late 1800s, after which it fell into disrepair.In 1989, Michael Greene and his wife Mary acquired the property and began its restoration. The castle was carefully rebuilt, including the installation of a new roof cone made of seven tons of Irish oak in 1994. Today, Newtown Castle is part of the Burren College of Art, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and events. Visitors can explore its five levels via a spiral staircase, discovering features like the ground floor's vaulted ceiling and the main hall with its panoramic views. The castle also serves as a venue for weddings and conferences.