Newtown Castle in Ireland

Castles are often enormous and grand, but Newtown Castle in Ireland is a small fort with big historical charm

. The Castle is a round "tower house." It's not very wide, but has five levels that provide expansive views of the Irish countryside and Galway Bay.

Newtown Castle was built in the 16th Century near Ballyvaughan in County Clare. The Castle is a fortified tower house built for the O'Brien Clan and later passed to possession of the local O'Loghlen family. The family lived in the Castles until the early 1900s. It later fell into ruin, but was restored by the nearby Burren Art College.

The castle's levels were used for storage and defense. The ground floor was used for storing food, with twelve foot thick walls helping to preserve the food. The first floor uses narrow windows and gun loops for defense. The second floor has three gun loops and an escape door with a ladder that stretches 30 feet to the ground. The third floor is the main hall. The balcony provides views in all directionsnorth to Galway Bay, south to Corkscrew Hill, east to Ailwee Cave and west to Newtown Trail.

The drive through the Burren to get to Newtown Castle makes the trip even more satisfying. The striking rocky ground is stark against the Irish sky. The nearby Poulnabrone Tomb is an interesting burial site to visit. The Burren Art College still operates in a beautiful location near the Castle.

My family and I recently toured the area near Newtown Castle. We stayed in Doolin and drove through the Burren on the coast road Highway R477 to Ballyvaughan. The rocky landscape near the sea is stunning. There are many places along the road to stop and take photos.

When we reached Ballyvaughan, we ate a delicious seafood meal at Monk's Bar and Restaurant. On the return drive, we took route N67 and stopped to tour Newtown Castle. We continued back to Doolin by way of Lisdoonvarna. We ended the evening by stopping in at Guss O'Connor's pub to listen to a traditional music session.

Newtown Castle stands in County Clare near many wonderful destinations. The famous Cliffs of Moher and the ferry to the Aran Islands are within a short drive. You can take a cave tour at the popular Aillwee Cave, near the castle on the R480. The tea room and restaurant serves great snacks and lunches.

Newtown Castle's location may not be the biggest in Ireland, but the location and views make it well worth the visit.

Copyright, Patricia McKinney-Lins. All rights reserved.

Newtown Castle in Ireland

By: Patricia McKinney-Lins

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