Athenry Town, Galway

Athenry Castle

Built by the Anglo-Normans in 1235. The Hall-Keep was constructed by Meiler de Bermingham who is recognised as the founder of Athenry. A major battle was fought outside the walls in 1316 when Felim O'Connor, King of Gaelic Connacht faced William de Burgo and other Anglo-Normans including Richard de Bermingham 4th Lord of Athenry and were utterly defeated with the Irish falling to the constant hail of arrows from the Norman archers. The hall-keep is the oldest part of the castle. It is a large rectangular building with four floor, all of which are open to visitors. The grounds and remains of a substantial banqueting hall are open and guided tours are available. Pre-restoration excavations revealed the largest collection of deer bones in Ireland, the remains of peregrine falcons tell of high status sports and pottery sherds from the Saintonge region of Bordeaux in France tells of wealth, status and a busy trade between the Galway region and France. The medieval town walls of c. 70 acres has 70% of the walls remaining, the North Gate which was incorporated into the town's walls has been restored.

Opening Hours

Monday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Tuesday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Wednesday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Thursday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Friday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am to 6.00pm

Prices

FREE We don't charge students. Entrance is free!

Video

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Categories > Historic Buildings > Galway > Athenry Castle
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Further Info

athenrycastle@opw.ie
091 844797
heritageireland.ie
facebook.com
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