Invaded Ireland: Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle was built in the 16th century by the O'Flahertys, one of Connacht's most powerful families. It is one of over two hundred preserved tower houses in the Galway region, and is especially significant because of it's walls. In 1572 the castle was captured by Sir Edward Fitton and later used to blockade Galway during the Cromwell period. Finally it was restored to the O'Flaherty family and other owners until it became a national monument in 1952. The castle is currently managed by Ireland's office of public works.
The name Aughnanure literally means "the field of yews." In the 19th century yew trees were planed on the premises in order to perpetuate the Gaelic name. The tower house of the castle is partially restored with the ruins of its walls and outer buildings remaining in various stages of preservation. The castle itself is located near the shore of Lough Corrib on a rocky peninsula. On the grounds are a natural rock bridge and a sub-subterranean river that runs directly underneath the hall. Aughnanure Castle is an example of what Irish tower houses of this period looked like and how they were constructed.
Though our time at Aughnanure was brief, our group enjoyed exploring the various buildings and castle grounds. Max was intrigued by the fact that a river runs underneath castle, and Jennie was surprised at the interior structure of the tower house with it's many levels. To be honest, in some ways Aughnanure seemed like just another castle after the many we have seen on this trip; however, the setting was also picturesque and the structure unique to the time period in Irish history.