These Athenry Castle travel tips are our latest contribution to your virtual tour of the castles of Ireland. The castle is nestled in Galway County, and part of the
Connacht Province. It is easily accessed from the Dublin
Airport simply by following road signs to Galway.
Shortly before you arrive in Galway via the M6, you'll take Exit 17 and drive just a few miles before arriving at this grand 13th century structure.
Here are some fun facts about this amazing Irish landmark. Hopefully they will entice you to pay a visit in person! But if that is not possible, you can always use them to impress your friends with your knowledge of one of the most-visited attractions in Ireland.
You can find more information and Athenry Castle travel tips at the official website here.
Ok, fine these tips are more useful if you ARE lucky enough to visit in person. But reading them will give you a fuller experience of the Castle either way:
1. Make sure to schedule your visit between April and November when tours are available.
2. Start your day early to avoid large tour groups and to experience the castle in a more serene setting. (Tip by: Andrea Smith, Lonely Planet)
3. Begin your tour at the Athenry Heritage Centre which is just a two-minute walk from the castle.
4. Be Prepared for Stairs: As part of the castle's security measures, visitors must climb a set of wooden stairs to enter the castle, so make sure you're comfortable with this before your visit.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes: As there is a lot of walking, climbing, and exploring involved, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. (Tip by: Siobhan Maguire, The Sunday Times)
6. Take Advantage of Photography Opportunities: Don't forget to bring your camera. The castle, with its impressive structure and beautiful surroundings, offers many great photo opportunities. (Tip by: Pól Ó Conghaile, The Independent)
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine: After your exploration, enjoy some local food at the Old Barracks, a restaurant using local products from throughout County Galway.
8. Take Note of Architectural Details: Pay special attention to the architectural details such as the window openings and topmost part of the columns carved using floral imagery. These details signify the room's importance to its residents.
9. Learn About the Castle's History: Research some background information about the history of the castle before your visit. This will give you more context and make your visit more meaningful. (Tip by: Fionn Davenport, Lonely Planet)
10. Respect the Castle: Although it's a must-visit tourist attraction, remember that Athenry Castle is a historical site. Be mindful and respectful of the site during your visit. (Tip by: Fáilte Ireland)
Remember to have fun exploring one of Ireland's most well-preserved castles in a 13th-century walled town.
It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish castles! The Emerald Isle is dotted with hundreds of these incredible structures.
Sharing pictures and stories about them gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!
We have captured the most amazing pictures and descriptions of Irish castles in an e-book we call "An Illustrated Guide to Irish Castles and Abbeys."
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Great question! As you can see, exploring the castles of Ireland offers many opportunities
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side!
For more information of this kind, you might pay a visit to our section on Ireland Sightseeing here!
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