Castle Ellen House: A Glimpse into Irish History
Discover the charm of Castle Ellen House in County Galway, a beautifully restored 19th-century estate with rich history and tranquil gardens.
Castle Ellen House, dating back to 1810, was constructed by the Lambert family when their growing family outgrew their original castle. The house is located 2.5 miles from Athenry and 13.5 miles from Galway City. The most famous member of the Lambert family was Edward Carson, known as the architect of Northern Ireland. His mother was Isabella Lambert, and young Edward spent much of his holidays in Castle Ellen. The current owner, Michael Keaney, purchased the then-derelict property in 1974 and has been slowly restoring it to its former grandeur ever since. Michael is maintaining the house as close as possible to the way it was at the end of the 19th century. The house has been home to many artists, sculptors, and poets, and provides an oasis of calm and reflection in the busy modern world. Visitors can explore the house and grounds, relax, and browse around. Castle Ellen is also a venue for social events, such as the annual New Year's Eve Ball and a military ball on St Patrick's Day. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and learn about the history of the house and the Lambert family. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape, with a variety of flora and fauna.
Local tips
- Castle Ellen is open from 12 PM to 4 PM each day from Sunday to Thursday for June, July, and August.
- Contact Michael Keaney at 087-2747692 to arrange a visit outside of the normal opening hours.
- Consider making a donation to support the maintenance and upkeep of Castle Ellen House.
A brief summary to Castle Ellen House
- Townland, Pollagh, Co. Galway, H65 AX27, IE
- +353872747692
- Visit website
- Monday 12 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Getting There
-
Driving
From Athenry, head north on the Tuam Road (R347) for approximately 3 miles. The entrance to Castle Ellen House will be on your right. Parking is available on the grounds. There are no tolls on this route.
-
Public Transport
Take a Bus Éireann bus from Galway city to Athenry. From Athenry, you can take a taxi to Castle Ellen House, which is approximately 3 miles away. The taxi ride should take about 10-15 minutes and cost approximately €15-€20.
-
Walking
From Athenry train station, Castle Ellen House is approximately 3 miles away. Follow the Tuam Road (R347) north. The walk will take approximately 45-60 minutes.
