Newtown Castle: A Burren Sentinel
Discover a unique 16th-century tower house in the Burren, blending history, art, and stunning Irish scenery.
Newtown Castle, a unique 16th-century cylindrical tower house rising from a square base, stands near Ballyvaughan in County Clare's Burren region. Originally an O'Brien stronghold, it later became an O'Loghlen family residence, and now serves as part of the Burren College of Art.
A brief summary to Newtown Castle
- Newtown, Co. Clare, H91 H299, IE
- +353657077200
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the Burren College of Art's website for the most up-to-date visitor information and opening hours.
- Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the castle's history and significance.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and beautiful Burren landscape.
Getting There
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Driving
Newtown Castle is located off the N67, approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) southwest of Ballyvaughan. From Ballyvaughan, follow the N67 towards Lisdoonvarna. The castle will be on the right. There is no fee to visit the castle. Parking is available near the Burren College of Art.
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Public Transport
From Galway, take Bus Éireann route 350 to Ballyvaughan. From Ballyvaughan, it is approximately a 30-minute walk (1.5 miles) to Newtown Castle along the N67. A taxi from Ballyvaughan is also an option. Bus Éireann single fares from Galway to Ballyvaughan typically cost around €10-€15. A short taxi ride from Ballyvaughan to the castle will cost approximately €8-€12.
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Walking
From Ballyvaughan, Newtown Castle is approximately a 30-minute walk (1.5 miles) along the N67. Follow the N67 southwest out of Ballyvaughan. The castle will be on your right, just past the Burren College of Art. Be aware that the N67 can be a busy road, so exercise caution while walking.
Discover more about Newtown Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monks Ballyvaughan
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Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren
3.2 km
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Gleninagh Castle
4.5 km
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Clochán Monuments of Clare
6.3 km
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Ó'Dálaigh Monument
7.1 km
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Poulawack Cairn
8.1 km
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Galway Bay
11.5 km
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Spectacle Bridge
12.7 km
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Kilfenora Cathedral, Church of Ireland
13.0 km
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The Burren Visitor Centre & Cafe
13.0 km
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Bothar nA hAillite
13.1 km
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Burren Castle Hotel Lisdoonvarna
13.6 km
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Doolin Cave
13.7 km
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Parknabinnia Wedge Tomb
13.8 km
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Holy Well
13.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Burren Hill Walks
1.9 km
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Ballyvaughan Historic Fountain
1.9 km
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Ballyvaughan Pier
2.1 km
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Aillwee Burren Experience
2.4 km
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The Pinnacle Well
3.7 km
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Corkscrew Hill
3.9 km
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Bishop's Quarter Beach
3.9 km
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Caher Bridge Garden
5.7 km
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Muckinish West Tower House
5.9 km
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Poulnabrone Dolmen
6.4 km
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Doughbranneen
6.7 km
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Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
7.2 km
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Burren Mountain Tours
7.6 km
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Caherdoonerish Stone Fort
7.7 km
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Flaggy Shore
8.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Burren Fine Wine & Food
1.5 km
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Hylands Burren Hotel
1.8 km
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L'Arco Italian Restaurant
1.9 km
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Linnane's Lobster Bar
8.5 km
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O'Donohues Pub
8.5 km
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Cassidys Pub and Restaurant
9.8 km
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The Ritz
11.5 km
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The Burren Takeaway
11.6 km
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Roadside Tavern Lisdoonvarna
11.7 km
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Burren Storehouse
11.7 km
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Sheedy's Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
11.7 km
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Wild Honey Inn
11.9 km
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Parlour Restaurant
13.1 km
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The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant
16.0 km
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Fox's of Kinvara
16.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quinn's Craftshop
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Burren Seafoods
8.5 km
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The Burren Butcher- Neil Hawes
10.8 km
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The Burren Pharmacy & Treatment Rooms
11.5 km
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The Burren Smokehouse
11.8 km
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The Burren Flower Farm
15.0 km
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Clare Woollen Mills
16.2 km
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Aran View Filling Station
16.3 km
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GoldLeafPastry
16.4 km
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Russells Coffee Shop
16.8 km
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Liscannor Stone Company
17.0 km
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Irish Crafts - Doolin
17.2 km
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The Sweater Shop
17.6 km
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Traditional Music Shop
17.7 km
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Doolin Dinghy Books
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
O'Loclainn's Irish Whiskey Bar
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The Fountain Bar
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The Wild Atlantic Lodge
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Linnanes Pub
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Vaughan's Pub
13.1 km
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Keogh's Cafe, Restaurant, Kinvara
16.0 km
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Greens Bar
16.0 km
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McDermott's Pub
16.5 km
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McGann's Pub
16.6 km
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Fitz's Pub
17.0 km
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Atlantic Bar
18.1 km
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Lonergan's Atlantic Bar
18.3 km
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The Oslo Bar
18.4 km
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The Office
18.5 km
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Barnacles Seafood Bar & Restaurant
18.5 km
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