The heart of Gaelic Ireland

PHOTO SERIES

Page One

Athy family

The The Athy family of Galway were an Anglo-Norman family, credited with being the first to erect a stone building in Galway city, in the 13th century. They went on to become one of the 14 Tribes of Galway, and erected several castles & great houses over the centuries, including that at Rinville. The family survived in Galway up the the middle of the 20th century.

Ballylee Castle

This is Ballylee Castle in south Galway. Fully restored, it is a fine example of a 14c Irish Tower House erected by the deBurgos. W.B. Yates lived here for a time in the 1920's.

Carrigín Castle

This is Carrigín castle on the North-east shore of Lough Corrib. Don't let the plaster fool you - it's an authentic late 13c Manor Castle, in perfect condition. Lived in continuously for 700 years, mostly by the Gaynard family.

Glinsk Castle

Here is a view of Glinsk Castle, in the North East corner of County Galway. One of the many deBurgo mansions, this one by Ulick Burke from 1615.

Castletown Castle

Cromwell's artillary left very little of 13c Castletown castle in the 1650's. You'll find it near Kiltartan in South Galway. Lady Gregory loved this place. South of Gort, there are very extensive ruins.

Renville Castle

Renville castle is now part of a recreation park area near Oranmore, and is fully restored. The Athy family lived here up to 1819, and it was previously owned by the Lynch & Burke families.

Claregalway Castle

Here is Claregalway castle, on the river Clare. The Coogans should have an affinity for this one. Another 15c Clanricard castle.

Ardamullivan

This is the O'Shaughnessey's old stronghold at Ardamullivan. Nicely restored, now it's a National Monument and in great shape. Built in 1567.

deBermingham's Castle

This was deBermingham's castle at Athenry - now also a restored National Monument. It was the centre of the medieval walled town of Athenry, and was erected in1250.

Aughnanure

This is Aughnanure, near Oughterard. Formerly the home of the O'Fflaherty chieftans. Constructed around 1500.

Castledaly

Here's Castledaly, not far from Gort. The Daly family, of course. The 18c house incorporated a 15c tower house, originally known as Corbally.

Don't go away yet - there are more Galway Castles here...

Content by Patrick Larkin

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