Once you reach Inisheer, the most diminutive of the three Aran Islands located off Ireland’s western coast in Galway Bay, you will be welcomed by a small community numbering about 250 people who mainly communicate in Gaelic. The moment you arrive, your eyes will immediately be drawn to a castle standing tall and proud on top of a hill. It is an awe-inspiring sight that will remain etched in your memory for many years to come.
Very little is known about the ancient structure, but it is believed to have been a tower house of some kind. It is highly probable that this was a stronghold of the O’Brien clan, who had considerable influence in the surrounding area at that time.
If you follow the age-old stone walls that have been standing in this village for centuries, you will eventually come across the ruins. However, it is quite easy to miss if you’re not paying attention; while traveling up towards the grand castle, there is a Bronze Age burial mound that goes by the name of Cnoc Raithní situated on the side of the path.
Once you arrive at the majestic castle, make your way through its petite entrance to discover the secrets that lie within. As you explore further, you’ll be able to observe the surviving elements of both the second and third stories, as well as enter some of the interior rooms that are adorned with a lush layer of moss. The collapsed ruins of Inisheer present an opportunity to climb to the top of the tower, providing a magnificent panoramic view. From this elevated position, one has a clear view of Inisheer, its surrounding bay, and some of the other ruins which are difficult to spot from ground level. It is quite feasible to make this climb and take in the beauty that these ancient structures have to offer. This picturesque area, which includes a medieval cemetery and the partially subterranean ruins of St. Kevin’s church, is well-known for its extremely ancient stone carving of Christ. The relic stands as an awe-inspiring reminder of the long history that lies beneath the surface of this beautiful place.
History of O’Brien Castle
A Castle, once proud and majestic, was sadly the victim of a merciless siege and then later subjected to the devastating effects of the Cromwellian Conquest. The stronghold, which had stood for centuries as a symbol of power and grandeur, was left in ruins after suffering the ravages of war. All that remained were its broken walls and shattered dreams; nothing but a reminder of what once was.
Constructed in the 14th century, O’Brien Castle stands as a reminder of the power held by its namesake family, the O’Briens, who reigned over Inisheer for a number of years – an impressive feudal stronghold. The O’Brien clan had been living in their castle for a long time, until 1582 when it was besieged by the much more powerful O’Flahertys. The O’Flahertys were already ruling certain parts of Connemara, and they had ambitions to take control of the castle too. After a prolonged struggle, the O’Flahertys eventually triumphed over the O’Brien family, marking an end to their reign at the castle.
After a lengthy and tumultuous siege, the O’Brien family eventually had to admit defeat and relinquish control of the castle to their opponents. The O’Flahertys were triumphant but unfortunately, their joy was fleeting; only a few decades later in 1649, Oliver Cromwell arrived with an army determined to quash the Irish claims on the castle in his campaign against them.
The O’Flahertys were completely unprepared for the onslaught of Oliver Cromwell’s troops who, without hesitation, utilized every weapon at their disposal to bombard and lay siege to the castle walls. The fight was intense and vicious but eventually overwhelmed by the sheer might of Cromwell’s forces, they were unable to resist and the castle was reduced to rubble as a result of numerous cannonballs.
Visit O’Brien Castle
The imposing structure of the Fort, situated atop a steep hill and overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean, was an impressive sight to behold. Constructed with sturdy materials, it provided a strategic vantage point from which its inhabitants could survey their surroundings for miles around. The glistening blue waters crashing against the cliff face below created a captivating atmosphere that made this location all the more memorable.
The castle, although slightly unsteady and precarious, is still accessible to visitors in certain areas, but they must take the utmost caution when walking around it to ensure that a catastrophic landslide does not occur. It would be ill-advised to attempt any sort of reckless exploration or activities within its walls; the potential for injury is too great for such folly and ultimately it could spoil your entire holiday.
To approach O’Brien Castle, you will have to traverse a series of ancient dry stone walls located around the castle. These walls are thought to be remnants of former structures which once stood in close proximity to the fortress. It is likely that the builders assembled these stones from nearby settlements and constructed them as defensive barriers for protection against any potential invaders. These ancient walls, which have stood for centuries, have miraculously withstood the ravages of time and the destructive forces of Oliver Cromwell during the 17th century. Despite his conquests, which left desolation in their wake, these walls were able to survive and remain standing through the passage of time.
When you approach the castle, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution; its ancient stone walls are crumbling and the structural integrity of the edifice is highly dubious. There have been reports of instability in certain areas, so it would be wise to tread carefully and keep a safe distance from these locations.
Know Before You Go
The remote island, situated far from the mainland, can only be reached by ferry from Doolin village on the coastline of Galway Bay or by taking one of the world’s most short-lived commercial flights, which takes approximately ten minutes to arrive at its destination located near to the shoreline of Galway Bay. Starting from the main village, follow the path that is clearly marked by stone walls – an easy trail to identify and traverse. This will take you directly to the castle whose imposing structure and presence can be seen miles away – a sight that’s hard to miss!
