People LOVE to come to Ireland and visit castles so I’ve made a list of 5 of my favourites!
Newtown Castle
Located approximately 2km from the village of Ballyvaughan, this castle dates back to the 16th century. It is unique because of its cylindrical shape and has a pyramidical base.
It was originally built for the O Brien family but soon passed to the O Loghlen clan who were very powerful in the area. By the 19th century, Peter O Loghlen was living in the castle and he became known as ‘Prince of the Burren’
The castle fell into disrepair until it was bought in 1989 by a local couple who spent the next few years repairing it. It is now a very popular wedding destination and the Burren College of Art is on the same site.
It is free to visit but donations are always welcome. You can visit the website here; https://www.newtowncastle.com/history/
Gleninagh Castle
I only discovered this castle last year when I went out for a walk with (my good friend) Clodagh. She had broken her back and was recovering so we decided to go for a very short walk down to Gleninagh castle. It is located on the coast road from Ballyvaughan to Fanore but there are no road signs so you kind of have to know where you’re going to get there.
This castle also dates back to the 16th century and was home to the O Loghlens. It has a distinctive L shape and has beautiful views over Galway Bay.
You cannot enter the castle but it is well worth the visit if you are in the area.
Leamaneh Castle
This castle is believed to have been built in the late 1400’s by the O Brien family. It was home to Conor O Brien who was married to Maire Rua (Mary of the red hair). Maire Rua came from Dysart O Dea castle, featured below. You can find out more about the castle in this blog post; https://wildatlanticadventurescom.wordpress.com/?p=83
Dysert O Dea Castle
This castle is located just off the R476 between Corofin and Ennis. The Battle of Dysart O Dea took place here in 1318 and the castle was built in the late 1400’s. The Earl of Ormond stole the castle from the O Dea’s in the early 1500’s but by the end of that century, they had regained ownership. Eventually the castle fell to Daniel Neylon who was the protestant bishop of Kildare. Daniel Neylon was the first husband of Maire Rua and when he died, she went on to inherit this castle and marry Conor O Brien from Leamaneh castle.
The castle was restored in the 70’s and today you can visit it between May and September. There is also a wonderful archaeological trail on the site. There is a small cost to visit the castle and you can find out more on their website, http://www.dysertcastle.com/home.htm
Dunguaire Castle
Located in the town of Kinvara, this castle was built in the early 1500’s by the O Hynes family. It sits on a rocky mound and commands views over Galway Bay. In the 17th century, the mayor of Galway, Richard Martyn resided in the castle.
In the early 1900’s Oliver St John Gogarty bought the castle and turned it into a meeting spot for literary greats like W.B. Yeats, J.M. Sygne, Lady Gregory and George Bernard Shaw. Today, it is free to wander around the castle but there is an entrance fee if you want to go inside or take part in the banquets. You can find out all the details on their website, https://www.dunguairecastle.com/
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