Aughnanure Castle Built in the 16th century by the O'Flaherty's, one of Connacht's most notable lordly families, Aughnanure Castle is one of the noblest of all the tower houses of the Province and lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Aughnanure Castle is one of well over 200 tower houses in County Galway built by large,wealthy, land owing families, mainly of Gaelic but some of Old English (Anglo-Norman) stock.

Tower Houses are fortified residences and were places of power and control over the surrounding lands. The name Aughnanure comes from the Gaelic Achadh na nlubhar, the field of the yews, of which one old specimen remains nearby. Situated on the banks of the Drimneen River, which flows into the western side of Lough Corrib, 3km from Oughterard, the site was well chosen, as the river flows gently beneath the low cliff on which the castle was built, allowing boats bringing up supplies, to come right up to the gate of the fortification. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.