Castle (in ruins)

Close to seashore on E side of Oileán Leitir Mealláin, commanding the narrow tidal channel connecting Cuan Chuigéil and Cuan Chaisín. In existence in 1574 when it was in the possession of 'Ochaghy' (Nolan 1901, 116): in 1584 it is recorded as the residence of Morogh MacHugh (Hardiman 1846, 64). Apparently demolished by time of OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 84, 86-7). All that survives today is a fragment of a once-substantial mortared wall (L 5.2m, Wth 1.25m, H 3m), running E-W, the inner face of which has been completely robbed. (Killanin and Duignan 1967, 348) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Built or held in 1574 by a member of the O'Kelly (Ochaghy) family, Castle Leitir Mealláin is remembered for its strategic position controlling a key tidal channel, reflecting the importance of coastal defenses in early modern Gaelic Ireland.