The Best Castles To Visit In Galway

The Best Castles To Visit In Galway

Galway County in Ireland is known for its live music, friendly people, dramatic West coastline, and rolling hills. With the bustling city of Galway Nestled on the seaside coast, the surfing town of Lahinch, the dramatic mountain scenes of Connemara, and the famous Cliffs of Moher, there really is so much to see in and around County Galway.

One of the best things to do during your next Irish holiday is to check out some of the most beautiful and historical buildings in the country. Luckily for history buffs, there are no shortages of castles to wander through on a cold and rainy day — which is most days here in Ireland!

For those who have set a home base in the West — which we think is the best part — there are dozens of castles to see on your road trips and daily excursions. Check out these top castles to visit in County Galway for history buffs, families with children, and solo travelers who want to learn more about the history of this exciting country. 

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle Galway – By Boomur – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29063907

Located in the cute and quaint town of Kinvara in County Galway, Dunguaire Castle looks like it is centered on an island all on its own. In reality, it is nestled on a  small patch of land that is on the road from the city of Galway to the Cliffs of Moher, with the castle dating back to the 16th century. 

Plus, there is tons to do in Kinvara for an afternoon out of the city you can head here on your way to the local nature trails on the coast and take a little lunch stop at the nearby Keogh’s Bar and Restaurant, The Pier Head Bar and Restaurant, fox’s of Kinvara, or Tully’s Bar. 

Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle – By Christophe Meneboeuf – http://www.pixinn.net, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3260974

Aughnanure Castle was built during the 15h century near the Lough Corrib. The Lough Corrib is the river that bisects the bustling city of Galway, cutting the West End off from the busy Shop Street filled with bars and pubs. Plus, the Lough Corrib is great for kayaking during the summer, swimming during the hot months, and taking a ferry trip on the Corrib Princess for a fun evening party with your friends. 

To visit the tower, head here between 09:30 am – 6 pm between Monday to Friday and pay just 4 euros for admission! Just a 15 minutes drive from Galway city center in Oughterard, you can either take a bus or drive here for your afternoon out. 

Menlo Castle

Castles of Connacht, Menlo Castle – By Castles of Connacht: Menlough, Galway (2) by Mike Searle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104794018

Also known as Blake’s Castle, this historic structure is also located on the bank of the river Corrib. Situated right in County Galway in Menlo Village, the castle is a picturesque ruined building of the 16hth century grand structure. We recommend heading to Newcastle from Galway city center and taking the riverside trail on your bike or for a nice post-lunch walk. 

When you walk far enough and head to the NUIG sports fields along the river, you can sit on the pier and gaze out at the ivy-covered Menlo Castle. To get up close and personal, cycle or drive to the other side of the river from Galway city, climb over a farmer’s gate, and walk down the rough track to the nearby ruins. 

Portumna Castle

Portumna Castle – By No machine-readable author provided. Bogman assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1694887

Portumna Castle in County Galway was built in the 17th century and is located on the shore of Lough Derg, a freshwater lake near Shannon, Ireland. Constructed by Richard Burke, the 4th Earl of Clanricarde between 1610 and 1617, this castle is a Renaissance-style structure that features the extravagant doorway, expansive courtyard, gate lodges, gateposts, and flower-filled yard. 

Open between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm between Monday and Friday, the admission for an adult is just 4 euros to explore the expansive grounds and intricate interior decorations! 

Claregalway Castle

Claregalway – By Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=434100

Claregalway is a beautiful country-like suburb of Galway city. Just a 20 minutes drive from Eyre Square, Claregalway feels like you have stepped back in time and want to enjoy the simpler side of life. Therefore, it is no wonder that one of the best castles in County Galway would be located here.

With friendly hosts, knowledgeable guides, complimentary wine, modern rooms, and medieval-themed decor is the name of the game here. Not only can you visit the castle from the outside and marvel at the architecture, but staying the night can give you a more authentic experience! 

Open between 12 pm and 4 pm between Thursday to Sunday from June to September, it is just 6 euros per person. 

Lough Cutra Castle

Lough Cutra and Parsons Island – By A McCarron, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13517202

This private family home has extensive traditions, an idyllic location, numerous pieces in an art collection, and plenty of history that make it the ideal stop for a castle-centric road trip. Located in Gort, County Galway, the Lough Cutra Castle is typically referred to as the ‘lodge’ since it is possible to grab a drink here and stay overnight. 

Designed originally by John Nash, the intricate designer, and architect who helped with the famous Buckingham Palace, this castle is home to numerous important guests such as Lady Augusta and Prince Charles. 

Tracing back to 886 AD, this intricate castle has expansive views over the nearby countryside, access to the sparkling blue waters of Lough Cutra, and activities like biking, walking, afternoon tea, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, and pheasant hunts.