Aughnanure Castle

Map Reference: M153416 (1153, 2416)











This castle was built by the O'Flahertys around 1500. It is a six-storey tower with a vault over the fourth storey. Within the springing of the vault there is a secret chamber, which may be entered from above. There are two corner bartizans at third floor level. The castle has two bawns. The inner bawn has a round turret at the SW corner. The outer bawn also has a round turret at the SW corner and it encloses the 16th century banqueting hall. Most of this has collapsed but some of the remaining windows are decorated with vine-scrolls and other motifs. The castle was destroyed by Sir Edward Fitton in 1572 but was granted to Hugh O'Flaherty by James I in 1618. His family held it until the Williamite wars.