Newtown Castle: A Burren Gem

Newtown Castle, a distinctive 16th-century fortified tower house, is located near Ballyvaughan in the Burren region of County Clare. Originally built for a branch of the O'Brien clan, it later passed into the hands of the powerful O'Loghlen family. In the 19th century, Charles O'Loghlen, known as the "King of the Burren," and later his son Peter, the "Prince of the Burren," resided in the castle. The castle's unique design features a cylindrical tower rising from a square, pyramid-shaped base, giving it a distinctive 'rocket ship' appearance. This makes it unlike most other tower houses in Ireland. The castle fell into ruin by the end of the 1800s but was lovingly restored in the 1990s. The restoration included the installation of a new roof cone made of seven tons of Irish oak. Today, Newtown Castle is part of the Burren College of Art, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and events. Visitors can explore the castle's five levels via a spiral staircase, discovering defensive features like narrow windows and gun loops. The main hall on the third floor offers stunning views of the Burren landscape and Galway Bay. The castle also serves as a venue for weddings and conferences. Newtown Castle is open to the public on weekdays and admission is free.