With its scenic landscapes and colorful building facades, County Galway has more to offer when it comes to best tourist destinations. If you fancy walking on the carpeted floor and admiring the grandeur of a medieval castle, then visiting some of the best castles in Galway is a must.
These Galway’s castles boast interesting history, artifacts, and treasures that lasted beyond generations. So without further adieu, here are the 10 best castles in Galway, Ireland.
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10 Best Castles in Galway, Ireland
1. Aughnanure Castle, Galway
Built by the O’Flaherty’s during the 15th century, the captivating and green surroundings of this Irish castle can be found near the shores of Lough Corrib. Take a picture with you and your friends on its ancient banquet halls, or even outside of the well-preserved tower itself.
The castle’s rich history, including the royal families and clans that have fought over and preserved it, will be told by expert guides found in the vicinity. Venturing further outside will take you the clean, green, and wide castle courtyards of Aughnanurre Castle.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission Fee
Adult: €4,
Child/Student: €2
Senior/Group: €3
Family: €10
Free guided tours with an admission ticket.
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (91) 552 214
Address: Aughnanure, Oughterard, County Galway, H91 PX20
Email: aughnanurecastle@opw.ie
2. Dunguaire Castle
Crowned as one of the most photographed castles in West Ireland, Dunguaire Castle awaits your visit near the shores of Galway Bay. Some of the biggest highlights of your tour around the castle is a four-course meal with the finest wine and honey mead in their grand banquet halls, with the spirit of the medieval Irish era.
Experience live Irish music and entertainment as you pass along the halls of this castle in Galway.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Admission Fee
€6/adult
€3.50/seniors/students
€3/children
€17.50/family (2 adults + up to 6 children)
Contact Information
Phone: +353 61 360788
Address: Kinvara Galway, Republic of Ireland
Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com
3. Menlo Castle, Galway
If you’re looking for an eerie, nature-inspired, and royalty-feel backdrop for your next wedding or vacation photos, then Menlo Castle is a good stop for your Ireland itinerary. The abandoned castle sits on the banks of River Corrib and is overgrown by moss and other green vegetation. It was the home of the Blake family and was established during the 16th century.
The castle is a bit difficult to spot due to the overflowing vegetation that covered its walls and edifices. But this uniqueness is the reason why this is one of the interesting castles in Galway
Opening Hours
Open 24 Hours
Contact Information
Phone: +353 91 536 547
Address: Menlo Castle, Galway, Ireland
4. Portumna Castle and Gardens
This historic estate and gardens were built by the late Richard Burke around 1618 and still remains as one of the most well-preserved castles in all of Ireland.
The Jacobean-style architecture of the building makes its façade more austere and formal-looking, but stepping inside of its intricate and geometrical courtyard will make you feel transported into an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed castle. A garden maze called the Willow Maze can be found here, with different varieties of willow trees and espalier fruit trees perfectly set in its gardens.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission Fee
Adult: €4.00
Sen/Group: €3.00
Child/Student: €2.00
Family: €10.00
Contact Information
Phone: +353 90 9741658
Address: Portumna Galway, Republic of Ireland
Email: portumnacastle@opw.ie
5. Claregalway Castle, Galway
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The fully-restored castle will make you feel like a King or a Queen for night, as it has lodging options fit for royalty. The friendly welcoming hosts and the expert guides will help you learn more about the rich history of the castle.
If you fancy staying for a night, you will not be disappointed. Their amenities include free parking space, free high-speed WiFi, hygiene essentials, with laptop-friendly workspaces, and a bottle of fine wine to top it all off.
The rooms are also sparkling clean, the floors are heated, and a healthy breakfast awaits you to this medieval-themed paradise. Various private events can also be held in the castle’s great halls, available upon reservation.
Opening Hours
Thursday to Sunday -12:00 pm to 4:00 pm from June to September 2019
Admission Fee
€6 per person
€4 per child, student, concession.
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0)91 799666
Address: Claregalway, Co.Galway, H91 E9T3, Ireland.
Email: info@claregalwaycastle.com
For the latest rate, click here.
6. Lough Cutra Castle
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The beautiful and long history of the Lough Cutra castle makes it even more exciting by knowing the His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla and the famous poet WB Yeats were once exclusive guests. The private family home houses a wide art collection in its galleries. Weddings, corporate events, and location shoots and photography are also available.
For those who wish a more luxurious lodging, the courtyard houses of Lough Cutra are excellent places to stay for a royal-themed night. The castle can accommodate up to 17 guests in its 9 luxurious bedrooms plus its 23 courtyard houses.
Contact Information
Phone: +353 86 2229184
Address: Lough Cutra Castle, Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Email: info@loughcutra.com
7. Ballindooley Castle, Galway
If you wish to lodge in one of the most ancient castles in Galway, Ballindooley Castle is available for castle or castle room rental on Airbnb. Guests can stay at the Old Mill as it overlooks the courtyard and a great lime lake near the castle. Guests can choose from six Medieval-inspired bedrooms, and stay at their homely reception, or explore its gardens, as you take in the beauty of this historic castle.
Opening Hours
Open daily for 24 hours
Contact Information
Phone: 087 2463748
Address: Ballindooley Castle, Ballindooley, Co. Galway
Email: helencassidyauctioneers@eircom.net
8. Carraigin Castle
Built 700 years ago, and still inspiring royal splendor in Galway until today is Carraign Castle. The castle has been authentically restored with the materials and techniques used by 13th-century foremen and architects. It is enclosed by woodland, meadows, and acres of green lawns.
The gothic details of the roofs of the castle and its lakeside setting make it a good place to take photos, and enjoy walking, boating, fishing, sightseeing, or just simply relaxing with family and friends.
The great hall of the castle features old oak and modern furniture. Pets are welcome to stay, and high-speed internet access is available in the castle, a good chance to upload your beautiful photos and moments inside and outside of the edifices of Carraigin Castle.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +44 207 736 9834
Address: Cargin Castle, Clydagh, Headford, Co. Galway, Ireland
Email: info@carraigin.com
9. Dunsandle Castle and Woods
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and interiors of the great Dunsandle Castle and Woods which was first owned by the De Burgo or Burke family. The castle is filled with unique architectural features, which includes a large banquet hall, an anti-clockwise spiral staircase, secret chambers, and the minstrel’s gallery.
The castle is surrounded by 20 acres of native woodland, which makes it perfect for picnics, walks, and spotting various wildlife that lives in harmony within Dunsandle Castle.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7
Admission Fee
Adult: €6.50
Students/OAP: €4.00,
Child: €3.50 (under 2’s go free).
Contact Information
Phone: +353 91 867651
Address: Dunsandle Castle & Woods Kiltullagh Athenry Galway, Republic of Ireland
Email: info@dunsandlecastle.com
10. Ballynahinch Castle
If you wish to stay in one of the most fascinating castle hotels in Galway, then Ballynahinch Castle is a good stop for you. Found in the middle of a 450-acre woodland, the four-star luxury hotel is a great lodging place filled with fun activities. These activities include hiking, pony riding, and game bird hunting.
The castle overlooks a sparkling salmon fishery. River and lakeside walk along the castle’s pathways is a popular activity among guests as well.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7
Contact Information
Phone: + 353 95 31006
Address: BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE RECESS CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY H91 F4A7 IRELAND
Email: INFO@BALLYNAHINCH-CASTLE.COM
For the latest rate, click here.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
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