RUINS SERIES

PAGE FOUR

The heart of Gaelic Ireland

The O'Flaherty family were a a Gaelic clan originally from east of the Corrib, who were given Lordship over west Galway by agreement with the Anglo-Normans. They left many fine castles, including their principle stronghold at Aughnanure. 

Killaclogher Castle, near Monivea, was the 14th century centre of the O'Mannion clan.  Their family crest still remains in the walls.

Killimer was a Daly tower house much altered by conversion to a smaller house.  The left half of the building is the remains of the earlier castle. 

Killora Castle close to Craughwell, was a 14th century Burke keep.

Kilmacrah castle close the Craughwell was a Burke castle from the 14th century.

Kiltullagh Castle was a massive Blake castle, built in 1427, and lived in by them until 1780. Much of it collapsed in 1912.

Leitrim Castle was a minor Burke fortress South-East of Loughrea.  Now smothered in ivy.

Lismoyle, also known as Castleconnel, was another O'Shaughnessy castle close to the Clare border. 

Loughrea had extensive Clanricard fortifications, of which only this 15th century gateway remains.

Ballymacreg was an early hall house, now much demolished and home only to the rooks.

Milltown castle north of Tuam was a Lally castle now in a sad state - every cut stone has been removed. 

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