Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard

One of the best castles I've ever been in. Great to be able to get inside the structure and see all the different rooms. Would love to have got out on the roof but the very knowledgeable guide informed us it had to be closed because of regular "jumpers". Very good visit and not expensive on a family ticket. Really enjoyed it and the guide even directed us to a tree on the way in that was over a thousand years old.

Very much worth the trip! Entrance fee was $5 per adult, and the information throughout was really interesting and informative. Very narrow staircase to the top of the tower but that is optional-the whole area gives perspective on the daily lives of this clan. Recommend to go early as it's a popular place.

Very informative self tour. The welcoming gents manning the entrance were very open to questions and it was obvious they love their jobs as we discussed the castle with them. Not busy at all, off the main road a bit this was an impulse visit based on seeing the sign for it and we are so glad we did!

Beautifully restored and maintained. Well worth a visit to view the castle both inside and outside. There are informative history displays inside and you get to experience the spiral staircase to all four floors.

The fearsome O’Flaherty family, whose motto was ‘Fortune favours the strong’, ruled west Connacht for 300 years from this fine six-storey tower on the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flahertys joined forces with the Mayo O'Malleys when Donal an Chogaidh O’Flaherty married Grace O'Malley, later known as Granuaile, the formidable pirate queen. The O’Malley motto, ‘Powerful by land and by sea,’ showed the awe in which that family, too, was held. At Aughanure today you can inspect the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour. Well worth the visit great to see beautiful places like these opened to the public. It was so peaceful you kind of felt yourself in the moment. The grounds are fabulous and a huge amount of information pictures along your visit.