o flahertys castle

O'Flahertie's Castle, Oughterard

Little is left of the castle that belonged to the O'Flahertie clan. The castle dates from the 16th century, among the best features of the ruins are the tower and the main hall with it's stonework, with carved vines.

The O'Flaherties were not popular in Galway and were considered a threat. Over the West Gate of Galway in the Middle Ages was the following inscription: "From the furies of the O'Flaherties, Good God deliver us." The Clan were silenced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

Manuscripts give an account that the castle contained the following entourge to keep the O'Flaherties in comfort:1 physican, one collector of revenue, one master of the horse, two brehons, (judges) one file (poet) one person in charge of entertainment and two other attendants.