Fiddaun Castle: A Hidden Gaelic Stronghold

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.