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Claregalway Castle: A Medieval Marvel

Discover Claregalway Castle: A beautifully restored medieval tower house offering a unique glimpse into Ireland's rich history and culture.

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Explore Claregalway Castle, a beautifully restored 15th-century Anglo-Norman tower house near Galway. This historical landmark offers a glimpse into Ireland's turbulent past and is a vibrant cultural hub hosting various events and festivals.

A brief summary to Claregalway Castle

Local tips

  • Visit the castle between June and September when it's open to the public seven days a week.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Franciscan Friary to visualize medieval Claregalway.
  • Check the Claregalway Castle website for events, concerts, and festivals held throughout the year.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Claregalway village, the castle is within walking distance. Head towards the River Clare and follow the path along the riverbank. The castle is located just off the R339 road, about a 20-minute walk from the village center.

  • Public Transport

    From Galway City, take a bus to Claregalway. Several bus routes serve Claregalway, including the 52, 64, 65, 417, 425, 427, 428, 429, 433 and 435. From the Claregalway bus stop (Baile Chláir), walk approximately 15 minutes along the R339 road to reach the castle. Bus fare from Galway to Claregalway ranges from €2 to €14.

  • Car

    From Galway City, head towards Claregalway on the N17. At the Claregalway roundabout, take the first exit onto the R339. The castle is located on your left after about 1 kilometer. Free parking is available on site.

Unlock the Best of Claregalway Castle

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Discover more about Claregalway Castle

Claregalway Castle, a fully restored 15th-century Anglo-Norman tower house, stands as a testament to Ireland's rich and often turbulent history. Built in the 1440s by the powerful de Burgo family, the castle strategically controlled land and water trade routes on the River Clare. Technically a tower house, it served as both a fortified residence and a military stronghold. Throughout the centuries, Claregalway Castle has been a key site in numerous battles and sieges, witnessing clashes between rival clans, English invaders, and Irish rebels. Notably, it played a role in the Battle of Knockdoe in 1504. In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell's army captured the castle, using it as their headquarters in Galway. The castle later fell into disrepair but was partially restored in the 1800s. In the 20th century, the castle served as a garrison and prison during the War of Independence. The famous actor Orson Welles even stayed there as a teenager in 1931 and claimed to have seen a ghost. In 2000, Dr. Eamonn O'Donoghue purchased the castle and began a major restoration project, bringing it back to its medieval glory. Today, visitors can explore the castle, view the restoration work, and even stay overnight in the castle grounds via Airbnb. The castle hosts events, concerts, and the annual Claregalway Garden Festival.

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