Galway Castles

Ballylee Castle

Ballylee Castle Galway, in which poet W.B. Yeats lived for 12 years was a 16th C Norman castle built by the family de Burgo, or Burke. After the Yeats family moved out in 1929 it fell into disrepair, but Thoor Ballylee was restored as 'Yeats Tower' in 1965 and fitted out as a Yeats museum. Today it contains an interesting collection of first editions as well as items of furniture. The adjoining cottage is fitted out as a tea room and shop. Ballylee Castle, Co Galway is a 16th C Tower House ,Home of William Butler Yeats 1918 - 1929.

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Co Galway

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara was built around 1500, for the O' Hynes family.The first record of Kinvara, as a market place dates back to 1615, when Oliver Martyn, residing in Dunguaire Castle was granted a licence to hold a Saturday market in Kinvara. During the 1600's, access to Kinvara would have been a lot easier by sea than by land and as a result of the growth in business and commerce in Galway.

Dunsandle Castle and Woods, Co Galway

Dunsandle Castle was built in the 15th Century by the De Burgos, a Norman family of that area. The reasons for building it at that position were good arable grazing land, elevated / strategic site and proximity of castles (18 castles between Craughwell and Kiltullagh).

Fiddaun Castle

Fiddaun Castle, 13 km from Corofin on the Gort road, right, just beyond Lough Bunny and over the Galway border. A well preserved O'Shaughnessy castle.(16th century).

Galway Cathedral, Co Galway

Gaway Cathedral situated on the banks of the River Corrib in Galway city is the most recently built of Europe's great stone cathedrals, and is the centre of a vibrant community. Galway Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora.

Glinsk Castle

Glinsk Castle, reputed to be the last castle built in this country, stands as an impressive reminder of the architectural skills and styles of the Norman era, while nearby Ballinakill Abbey holds the remains of the earliest Gothic church in Connacht. This Castle was the principal residence of Mac David Burke, lord of Clonconway. It was built in the mid 17th century on the site of an earlier castle.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens, Connemara, Co Galway

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain (1,736ft) on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, the heart of the Connemara Mountains. Originally built in 1867 .Today it is open to visitors all year and the main areas to be visited are; the Abbey, the Gothic Church, the Victorian Walled Gardens, the Craft Shop, Pottery studio, Restaurant and Tea Rooms as well as the Lake and Woodland walks.

Portumna Castle & Gardens

Portumna Castle was built prior to 1618 by Richard de Burgo (Burke), the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, and a member of the Anglo-Norman de Burgo (Burke) family. Located in eastern County Galway near the north shore of Lough Derg, the partially-fortified castle is Jacobean in design. The immense structure is built in a rectangular block with a tower on each corner