Fiddaun Castle: A Hidden Gaelic Stronghold

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Explore Fiddaun Castle, a remarkably preserved 16th-century Gaelic tower house near Tubber, offering a unique glimpse into Ireland's medieval past.

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Fiddaun Castle

Fiddaun Castle, near Tubber, Co. Galway, is a remarkably preserved 16th-century tower house and National Monument of Ireland. Built in 1574 by the O'Shaughnessy clan, it features an intact inner bawn wall, offering a glimpse into medieval Irish life. Once the largest castle in Ireland, it's a hidden gem worth exploring.

A brief summary to Fiddaun Castle

Fiddaun, Co. Galway, IE
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Obtain the key from the owners at Fiddaun House before visiting the castle.
Wear sturdy shoes for the walk across fields to the castle.
Supervise children closely when exploring the castle due to the presence of unprotected heights.

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Getting There

Driving

From Galway, take the N18 south towards Gort. In Gort, follow signs for Tubber. From Tubber, follow local roads towards Fiddaun House, where you can obtain the key to the castle. Parking is available at Fiddaun House with the owner's permission. Note that the final approach involves driving on narrow country lanes. There are no tolls on this route. Taxi from Galway to Fiddaun Castle is approximately €70-€85.
Public Transport

Take a Bus Éireann Expressway from Galway Bus Station to Gort. The bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs €11-€17. From Gort, you will need to take a taxi to Fiddaun House to get the key, as there is no public transport directly to the castle. The taxi from Gort to Fiddaun House will cost approximately €20-€30. Alternatively, you can take a train from Galway to Gort for €20-€26.
Walking

After obtaining the key from Fiddaun House, the castle is a 15-20 minute walk across fields. Follow the path from Fiddaun House towards the castle. Be prepared for uneven terrain and wear appropriate footwear. There are no additional costs associated with walking to the castle.

Discover more about Fiddaun Castle

Fiddaun Castle, located near the village of Tubber in County Galway, close to the Clare border, is a remarkably well-preserved 16th-century tower house and a designated National Monument of Ireland. Built around 1574 by Sir Roger Gilla Dubh O'Shaughnessy, a chieftain of the powerful O'Shaughnessy clan, it was one of four castles guarding their Kiltartan barony. The name Fiddaun translates to “wood of the fort” in Irish. Fiddaun Castle is noted for its exceptionally intact inner bawn wall, a defensive enclosure surrounding the main tower. The outer walls, which once enclosed nearly 12 acres, are mostly in ruins, but in its time, this made Fiddaun the largest castle in Ireland. The six-story tower house includes features such as a vaulted basement, spiral staircase, and chambers. The bawn features corner towers, gun loops, arrow slits and machicolations. The castle witnessed turbulent events, including attacks in 1597 and 1642. In 1697, Sir William O'Shaughnessy fled to France, resulting in the castle's forfeiture. The O'Shaughnessy family occupied Fiddaun until 1727, after which it fell into ruin. Today, the castle is maintained by the Office of Public Works (OPW) but is located on private land. To access the castle, visitors typically need to obtain the key from the landowners at Fiddaun House. The walk to the castle from Fiddaun House takes about 15-20 minutes across fields.