Aughnanure Castle

The origins of Aughnanure Castle may date back to 1256, when the Norman Walter de Burgo, the first Earl of Ulster, took possession of the area around Lough Corrib. The local O'Flaherty family, briefly expelled, regained control of West Connacht by the end of the 13th century and remained owners of the castle and its predecessors for three centuries. In the mid-16th century, Morogh na-dtuath O'Flaherty, known for his raids on English possessions, came to the attention of the English. After a victory over English troops in 1564, he received a general pardon from Queen Elizabeth I in 1569 and was appointed Lord of West Connacht, which angered the rightful O'Flaherty heirs. Morogh betrayed a planned uprising against the Queen, whereupon Sir Edward Fitton besieged and captured Aughnanure Castle. The castle was handed over to Morogh, who fortified it and made it his main residence. Later, the inheritance was granted by the Crown to the Earl of Clanrickard, who leased the land to Brian O'Flaherty in 1687 and sold him the freehold in 1719. Due to a lapsed mortgage, a large part of the land passed to Lord St. George. In 1952, Peter O'Flaherty handed over the castle to the Office of Public Works, which began restoration in 1963.

The ruin of Aughnanure Castle is located in Oughterard in County Galway in the Connacht region, Ireland, at an elevation of approximately 15 meters above sea level.

Visitors can explore the castle today. The site has been secured and made accessible to preserve this important national monument.

• Ashford Castle (Castle), approx. 12.9 km away
• Martello Tower Aughinish (Military Structures), approx. 31.1 km away
• Gleninagh Castle (Ruin), approx. 31.6 km away
• Shanmuckinish Castle (Ruin), approx. 33.2 km away