Athenry Castle is a tower house and National Monument located in Athenry, Ireland.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
The castle is one of the oldest Norman castles in Ireland and as one can see the design is very basic and yet the enclosure back in the day was huge in relation to the size of the castle as it encompassed the old medieval town. The town itself can only be described as a planning nightmare, with (bad planning verging on the criminal) all over the place. As you approach the town from the motorway you are greeted by a combination of scrap yard and farmers Co op, and old rusty silos. At the back of this horror story is the remains of a beautiful old Abbey that must have been a joy in it's day covered in weeds and rubble: at the front of the Abbey there are three houses right on top of it, "I kid you not". And it's the same throughout the town. This town can only be described "as an assault on the senses" for all the wrong reasons, so much potential, wrapped up in neglect and gross...
Read more
Loved this Castle. Each year we tour a few heritage sites. This is possible our favourite. 6 of us arrived. Grand parents, parents and two kids (12 & 8). Everyone enjoyed it. Walking into each room, looking out the windows and seeing the bathroom/cloakroom (you need to see this to believe it) was great. My 8 year old just needed a small helping hand walking up the stairs but that was fine. My daughter asked could the attic be used as a dance studio. Outside was lovely too. Using the map, you could make out each structure. It was a pleasure and a enjoyable walk. The staff were amazing. They explained about the town and thanks to them, we spent the day in Athenry visiting other attractions, the play ground. Well...
Read more
Located about 15 miles east of Galway off the M6, the Athenry Castle dates back to the 13th century. Stone walls, a keep and the restored hall are impressive and a fabulous opportunity to look back into medieval life. Check the doorways and arches and battlements and enjoy the castle's impressive artistry.
The structure stands at a ford on the Clareen River. After the castle, walk the grounds. Impeccably maintained and there is free parking. Lots of opportunity for photo ops. The Priory down the street is also impressive.
If you stop and listen carefully, maybe you can hear the voices of those who were...
Read more
