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Aughrim Interpretative Centre: Ireland's Gettysburg

Explore the Battle of Aughrim, a pivotal clash in Irish history, at this engaging and informative interpretive center in County Galway.

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The Aughrim Interpretative Centre in County Galway commemorates the Battle of Aughrim (1691), one of the bloodiest battles in Irish history. Through exhibits and displays, the center explores the causes, events, and consequences of this pivotal clash between the forces of William of Orange and James II.

A brief summary to Aughrim Interpretative Centre

  • Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully experience the center and walk the battlefield trail.
  • Consider booking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the battle.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Aughrim Interpretative Centre is located in Aughrim village, off the R446, approximately 7 km from Ballinasloe and 22 km from Loughrea. From the M6 Dublin-Galway motorway, take Exit 15 and follow the signs for Aughrim. Free parking is available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    Aughrim is accessible by Bus Éireann's Route 20, which runs between Galway and Dublin. Request a stop in Aughrim village. From the bus stop, the Interpretative Centre is a short walk. A single fare from Galway to Aughrim costs approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Aughrim Interpretative Centre

The Aughrim Interpretative Centre offers visitors a chance to delve into a crucial moment in Irish and European history: the Battle of Aughrim. Fought on July 12, 1691, this brutal encounter saw the forces of William of Orange clash with the Jacobite army loyal to James II. The battle, resulting in over 7,000 casualties, marked a decisive victory for William and the end of James's hopes to regain the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Often called 'Ireland's Gettysburg,' Aughrim was a turning point in the Williamite War and had far-reaching consequences for the future of Ireland. The center uses a variety of methods to bring the battle to life. Exhibits include artifacts recovered from the battlefield, three-dimensional displays, and a film dramatizing the events. Visitors can explore the context of the battle, learning about the key figures involved – William of Orange, James II, and Louis XIV – and the wider European power struggles of the time. The center also offers insights into the lives of the soldiers who fought and died at Aughrim. Beyond the center itself, a battlefield trail allows visitors to walk the grounds where the battle took place. Signposts mark key locations and events, offering a tangible connection to the past. The surrounding landscape, now peaceful, bears witness to the dramatic events that unfolded here centuries ago. The Aughrim Interpretative Centre provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for anyone interested in Irish history.

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