Oughterard Heritage

Oughterard has a long and proud heritage. From megalithic tombs,  12th Century monastic ruins with links to St. Patrick, Viking raids and sunken boats, the fierce O'Fflahertie (O'Flaherty) Castle,  the Workhouse, the Army Barracks and literary links to Walter Macken & James Joyce ... there is a wealth of local history and monuments to explore.

We are very lucky to have a group of dedicated locals who have put their passion and knowledge to use in creating a wonderful website full of local knowledge and history:
Check out their amazing site here:

Here are some local highlights:

On Inchagoill Island, Lough Corrib, Co Galway, facing the front of a small church , named Templepatrick, believed to have been built by St Patrick, lies a memorial stone with the inscription, "Lie Luguaedon macci Menueh" (Stone of Luguaedon son of Menueh),This is the oldest inscription in Ireland done in Roman letters. This is said to be the burial place of St Patricks nephew. This dates back to around 500 AD

The church is worth a visit to see the famous Harry Clarke stained glass window, depicting the Crucifixion, behind the main altar. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – alpha and omega are in two panels on the left and right hand bottom corners of the window. The altar was made from Connemara marble and was designed by Mr Hughes of Galway Marble Industries. The organ was built by L. Isaac, 20 Forster St. Galway.

Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flaherty's motto "Fortune favours the strong" and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys Motto "Powerful by land and by sea", were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O'Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O'Malley. 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.