Information Ahascragh Ireland
The former Clonbrock Estate featuring a late eighteenth century mansion of the Dillon family is nearby. This estate was the seat of an important landed gentry family. Another seat of the landed gentry was Castlegar, where the Mahons lived. The Mahons intermarried with the Browne family on a number of occasions. Both families (the Dillons of Clonbrock Estate and the Mahons of Castlegar) feature prominently in official documentation of the nineteenth century period. They were central to events in the County Galway area, owning a great deal of land in the surrounding area. Saint Cuan is the village’s saint – his death is recorded in 788, but little else is known of him. He is said to have lived almost a century. As an abbot he founded many churches and monasteries in Ireland. To have lived for almost one hundred years in the eighth century draws St Cuan’s very existence into question. The name Ahascragh would be recognised by most Irish people, suggesting that the little village punches above its weight in terms of fame. Although small, its community is successful with five public houses, supermarkets and auctioneers among the businesses that are located in the town itself. A parish hall provides bingo games and ceilis among the social activities that can be attended by locals. It is also regarded as one of the safest places in Ireland – a fact that was reported in the Irish Daily Mail in 2008.
Attractions Ahascragh Ireland
Athenry - Mediaval Town with Arts and Heritage Centre - Athenry
Amedieval town situated 23km from Galway City is steeped in history. Founded in the 13th century by Meiler de Birmingham, who surrounded the town with a curtain wall with towers and a moat. It is the only walled town in Ireland whose still-intact walls are clearly visible to the approaching visitor
Athenry Castle - Athenry
Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition.
Aughnanure Castle Galway - Oughterard
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. 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.
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre - Aughrim
Relive the bloodiest battle in Irish history fought in a small Connaught village. Move back in time and place to that fateful day in 1691 through an audio-visual show based on the moving account of Captain Walter Dalton who fought at the Battle of Aughrim.
Clifden in West Galway - Clifden
The location of the landing of the first Trans-Atlantic air crossing by Alcock and Brown. A very scenic part of Ireland.
