Search Results for 'Norman castle'

The one thing that distressed Prince Hermann von Puckler-Muskau, during his visit to Galway in the summer of 1828, was that ‘the dirt, the poverty, and the tattered clothing of the common man was beyond belief.’ He finds this hard to accept. He has just come from London, which was then possibly the most prosperous city in Europe, with its great shops, merchandise, theatre, and visitors. After Trafalgar (1805), British ships could sail the seas, and extend its empire unchecked; and after Waterloo (1815), its armies were triumphant and feared.

Cloonacauneen castle is a stunning 15th century Norman castle situated on the outskirts of Galway city in idyllic countryside surroundings. The castle is located less than 10 minutes from Galway city centre on the Tuam Road before Claregalway.

Athenry, one of Ireland’s hidden jewels, is medieval heritage town surrounded by five towers of the town’s ancient walls and full of picturesque ruins. One place worth having a look at is Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre which has plenty of hands-on activities to illustrate life in the old days. Children can dress up in period costume, take out a long bow and arrows, and act out a scene from medieval battle. A selection of displays and puppets help to explain the history and significance of the walled town and the buildings that will survive. The restored Norman castle, the only one of its kind in Ireland, should be your next stop. Nearby is also a beautifully preserved Dominican priory dating from 1241, and the original market cross.