Discover O'Brien's Castle: A Historic Fortress on Inisheer
Explore the majestic O'Brien's Castle on Inisheer, a historic fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into Ireland's rich heritage.
Nestled on the charming island of Inisheer, O'Brien's Castle stands as a testament to medieval architecture and Irish history. This fortress, with its stunning coastal views and rich history, offers tourists a unique glimpse into Ireland's past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
A brief summary to O'Brien's Castle
- Oir, Inisheer, Inisheer, Co. Galway, IE
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain around the castle can be uneven and rocky.
- Don't forget to bring a camera; the views from the castle are breathtaking.
- Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the history and legends of the castle.
- Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change quickly on the island.
Getting There
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Ferry and Walking
To reach O'Brien's Castle in Inisheer from Ennis, start by taking a bus or taxi to Doolin Pier. The bus service from Ennis to Doolin is available but check the local schedule for timing. Once you arrive at Doolin Pier, purchase a ticket for the ferry to Inisheer. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Inisheer, follow the main path towards the village center. From there, ask locals for directions to O'Brien's Castle, which is a short walk away. The castle is located on the western side of the island, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Walking from Inisheer Ferry Dock
Once you disembark from the ferry at Inisheer, head straight from the ferry dock towards the village. Keep walking until you see signs pointing towards O'Brien's Castle. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes, and the path is well-marked. Enjoy the scenic views of the island as you make your way to the castle, which is set on a hill and provides a great vantage point.
Discover more about O'Brien's Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Trá Inis Oirr (Inisheer Blue Flag Beach)
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Trá Inis Oirr, a Blue Flag beach on Inisheer, County Galway, where nature and culture converge.
Tigh Ruairi (Rory's Pub) Bed & Breakfast, Inis Oirr, Aran Islands
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Tigh Ruairi Bed & Breakfast on Inis Oirr, where authentic Irish hospitality meets stunning natural beauty in the heart of the Aran Islands.
Wanderly Wagon Tours
0.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Inisheer with Wanderly Wagon Tours, showcasing stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage on the Aran Islands.
Brú Radharc na Mara (Sea View Hostel), Inis Oírr, Aran Islands
0.8 km
Experience the breathtaking views and warm hospitality at Brú Radharc na Mara, the perfect sea view hostel on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands.
South Aran House
1.0 km
Experience the charm and tranquility of Inisheer Island at South Aran House – your cozy retreat in the heart of the Aran Islands.
Inis Meáin Island Stays
5.1 km
Experience the authentic flavors of the Aran Islands at Inis Meáin Island Stays, where local ingredients meet stunning coastal views.
An Dun B&B Inis Meain, Aran Islands.
5.5 km
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Ard Einne House
10.1 km
Experience authentic Irish hospitality at Ard Einne House, your charming retreat on Inis Mór, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Viewing point Cliffs of Moher
10.5 km
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Tigh Fitz
10.8 km
Discover the charm of Inishmore at Tigh Fitz, a cozy bed & breakfast surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich Irish culture.
Visit Aran Islands
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Fáilte Bus Tour, Aran Islands.
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Cliffs of Moher
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Pier House Guesthouse
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Discover Aran Islands
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Unmissable attractions to see
Caislean Ui Bhriain (O' Brien's castle)
0.0 km
Explore O'Brien's Castle on Inisheer Island, a historical gem offering stunning views and a rich tapestry of Irish heritage.
Teampall Caomhán
0.4 km
Explore Teampall Caomhán, the ancient sunken church on Inisheer Island, rich in history and stunning coastal views.
Cnoc Raithní
0.4 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Inis Oirr (Port)
0.5 km
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Blath na Greine
0.7 km
Discover the cozy charm of Blath Na Greine, a delightful cafe in Inisheer offering local flavors and stunning coastal views.
Chris’ Orchard
0.8 km
Experience the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Chris' Orchard on Inisheer, a hidden gem in County Galway, ideal for nature lovers and foodies alike.
Cill Ghobnait (Church Ruin)
0.8 km
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Aras Eanna Arts Centre
0.8 km
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An Loch Mór
0.8 km
Explore the beauty of An Loch Mór, a peaceful lake on Inisheer Island surrounded by lush landscapes and rich history, perfect for nature lovers.
Inisheer
1.0 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of Inisheer, the enchanting smallest island of the Aran Islands in Galway, Ireland.
Plassey Shipwreck
1.3 km
Discover the haunting beauty of the Plassey Shipwreck on Inisheer, a captivating blend of maritime history and stunning coastal scenery.
An Plassey
1.3 km
Explore An Plassey, a captivating historical landmark on Inisheer Island, showcasing Ireland's rich heritage amidst stunning coastal scenery.
Tobar Einne (Sacred Well)
1.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tobar Einne, a sacred well on Inisheer Island, rich in history and natural charm, perfect for spiritual reflection.
Inis Oirr (Inisheer) Lighthouse
1.8 km
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Trá Leitreach
4.1 km
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Essential places to dine
An Currach
0.5 km
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Inis Oírr Hotel- Flaherty's
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Café Úna
0.6 km
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Tigh Ned
0.8 km
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Gus O'Connor's Pub
10.5 km
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The Ivy Cottage
10.5 km
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Anthony's at Doolin Inn
10.6 km
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Glas Restaurant
10.8 km
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STONEWALL WOOD-FIRED PIZZERIA, ORGANIC WINE BAR & COFFEE HOUSE
10.8 km
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Oar Restaurant & Rooms
10.9 km
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Russell's Fishshop
10.9 km
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Russells Seafood Bar
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Homestead Cottage
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Riverside Bistro Doolin
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Tigh Joe Mac
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Craggy Ices
0.5 km
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Aran Sweater House
0.5 km
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Siopa XL
0.5 km
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'Teach an Tae', Café Aran & Tea Rooms
0.5 km
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An Ceard Shiopa
0.7 km
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CLEAS Inis Oírr
0.8 km
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Siopa Ruaidhrí Beag
5.2 km
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O'Briens Crafts & Knitwear
10.4 km
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Traditional Music Shop
10.5 km
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Doolin Dinghy Books
10.5 km
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The Sweater Shop
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Irish Crafts - Doolin
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Liscannor Stone Company
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GoldLeafPastry
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Russells Coffee Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Teach Ósta
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Innismann
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Fitz's Pub
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McGann's Pub
11.0 km
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McDermott's Pub
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Poki's prosecco pitstop
12.0 km
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Egans Pub
16.2 km
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The Edge
18.4 km
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P Frawley's Bar
18.4 km
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Flanagans Bar
18.5 km
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The Nineteenth Bar
18.5 km
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Kenny's Bar
18.6 km
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The Claremont Bar & Nightclub
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Slatterys bar
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Cullinans Bar
20.2 km
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