Augnanure Castle

            Aughnanure Castle was built in the 16th century by the O’Flahertys, one of Connacht’s most notable families. Their family motto was “fortune favours the strong.” The famous pirate queen Grace O’Malley married a member of the O’Flaherty family, thereby uniting the two families. The name of the castle, Aughnanure, translates to the “field of the yews.” At one point in history, the castle was used as a blockade during the Cromwellian invasion. Just above the entrance to the castle, there is a murder hole, which was used to drop stones on invaders in order to keep them out. Some people stood next to the murder hole and shouted at the people passing below, which Kelly found amusing. There was also a trap door that was used to capture uninvited guests and send them down to the river. 

 

(The weather was horrible, but the castle was still beautiful.)

            When visiting the castle, we saw a well-preserved example of an Irish tower house, the remains of a banqueting hall, and a watchtower. Ethan enjoyed climbing on one of the courtyard battlements. Katy thought the river beside Augnanure was beautiful. This was a great way to end our trip because we got to see a piece of history and how Ireland has evolved since then. 

 

(The river next to Augnanure)