Yesterday I visited Aughnanure Castle (“OCK-na-nure”), a restored tower house (built c. 1500) in a tranquil riverside setting not far from Galway City, and as you can see I couldn’t have asked for better weather. (Bats, murder holes, secret chambers…I imagine it might be rather spooky to visit when the weather’s not so fine.)
That pepperpot-tower-type thing used to be a watch tower, but most of the wall that connected it to the others is gone (or under grass). Too bad they don’t allow picnics here!
The forty-minute walk from Oughterard is do-able but not ideal, since there are a few spots along the busy N59 without a shoulder to walk on—and Oughterard isn’t the most happening spot anyway. Seems there are as many closed (some quasi-derelict) shops and restaurants as there are ones still open for business. If you don’t have a car, going by Citylink (as I did) may be your best option. Ask to be dropped off at the castle turn-off, which is about 1.5km before you reach Oughterard. It’s a very pleasant 2km (20-minute) walk from there.
(Edit: Alas, it seems Citylink has discontinued this service.)
Oooh, pretty. Kelly loves you!
This seems like one of those hidden gems that not many people go to, but is even better because of that.