Aughnanure Castle: O'Flaherty Stronghold

Aughnanure Castle, located near Oughterard, County Galway, is a captivating 16th-century tower house that once served as a stronghold for the O'Flaherty clan. The name Aughnanure comes from the Irish 'Achadh na nlubhar', meaning 'the field of the yews'. This well-preserved castle offers a glimpse into the turbulent history of Ireland and the lives of the powerful Gaelic lords who controlled this region for centuries. Constructed in at least two phases, the castle features a 15th-century tower house, an inner walled enclosure (bawn), and a 16th-century outer bawn, banqueting hall, and other buildings. The O'Flahertys strategically positioned the castle near Lough Corrib, allowing them to control waterways and trade routes. The castle played a role in resisting the Cromwellian blockade of Galway in the 17th century. Visitors can explore the castle's six floors, accessible via a narrow spiral staircase with uneven 'trip steps' designed to disorient attackers. The castle also features a banqueting hall, watch tower, and a double bawn, a rare concentric defensive wall. The remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, bastions, an underground stream and a dry harbor can also be seen. Legend has it that the 'flagstone of treachery' in the banqueting hall was used to drop unwelcome guests into the stream below. Today, the castle is managed by Heritage Ireland and is open to the public from late February to early November.