Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle is a knight's tower, i.e. a building that combines residential and defense functions. It is one of the best-preserved examples of this type of architecture in Ireland. The tower has six floors, and visitors will see the remains of the banquet hall, watchtower, and city walls. It is possible to visit the facility with a guide.

Aughnanure Castle was built by an important local O'Flaherty family in the 16th century. They remained in the possession of the castle until 1572. During the following centuries, the building changed owners several times. The name of the fortress means "yew field" in Irish.

The tower gained special strategic importance in the mid-17th century during Cromwell's campaign in Ireland and the siege of the port city of Galway. Currently, the castle is owned by Dúchas, the Irish state institution responsible for the conservation and protection of monuments.