Top 20 Castles in Connacht

Directly at the pier of Easkey you will find the impressive remains of Roslee Castle (Easky Castle), built in 1207. This robust tower has defied the fierce Atlantic winds for centuries and is one of the absolute highlights along this part of the coast. For the adventurers: via a hidden staircase in the wall you can (at your own risk!) climb to the top for an unforgettable view over the ocean. From the pier, also be sure to look down at the surfers who are mastering the famous 'left-hand break' here. A perfect place to get some fresh air and breathe in the salty sea air. dominated for centuries.

On the facade of this imposing medieval manor house (15th century), in which the Allied Irish Bank (AIB) is located, the gargoyles and graceful lintels stand out, as well as the medallion with the coat of arms of King Henry VII of England. The manor house was confiscated in the 17th century when Cromwell conquered the city (the Lynch family had supported the opposing royalist faction). Under the veranda, you can read the famous (and incorrect) legend of the son who was hanged here by his father, James Lynch, mayor of Galway in the 15th century.

The understated landscape is dominated by the sober silhouette of Dunguaire Castle, a tall, four-story tower, built in 1520 by a descendant of the kings of Connaught. This castle served as a backdrop for the film *The Sea Wolves* (starring Roger Moore and Anthony Perkins, 1979) and has retained its cinematic appeal. Since 2023, the castle interior has been closed to the public, and no reopening date has been announced, but you can still wander around the grounds and experience the special and magical atmosphere of the place.

The castle is a great photo opportunity and the circular path offers sea views

A circular path leads around the castle in a beautiful location by the sea

At the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, archaeologists have discovered the remains of more than 60 tombs, of which more than 30 have been excavated. The oldest tombs are about 700 years older than Newgrange and date from around 3800 BC.

The building is stunning and still shows the old Southern Ireland.

A Caisleán / O'Briens Castle Caisleán Uí Bhriain (O' Briens Castle) was built in the 14th century. It was built within an older ring fort called Dún Formna, which is thought to date from 400 BC. As well as fantastic views of the island, there are also magnificent views from the Cliffs of Moher, stretching to the left to the Burren, across Galway Bay to the 12 Pins of Connemara and to the west to Inis Meáin and Inis Mór. On a fine day you can even see the Kerry Mountains in the distance. It's worth taking your camera, especially for a spectacular sunset. The castle is a rectangular keep built by the O'Briens. They were a clan from County Clare who ruled the islands and large parts of Clare in the Middle Ages. From this castle they were able to control the shipping routes to Galway and are said to have operated protection rackets there. Due to its strategic location the castle was the subject of numerous competing interests. It was captured by the O'Flahertys around 1582 and was in use until it was supposedly captured and destroyed by Cromwell in 1652. The original entrance led to the first floor and was accessed via an external wooden staircase. Inside there was a hall taking up the whole of the first floor with an internal staircase in the SW wall leading up to the parapets. The ground floor was originally a basement with three vaulted chambers accessed from the first floor. Look out for the corbel of a watchtower which survives on the external wall and has a human face carved into it. The original Dún Formna has been restored a number of times throughout its history. It dates from the same period as the more famous Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór and probably contained some clocháns, of which no trace remains today. (Source: https://www.rothai-inisoirr.com/an-caislean/)