What is recorded here

Castle Arkyne watched the water gate of Inis Mór, belonging first to O'Brien memory, then James Lynch, John Rawson and Teige na Buille O'Flaherty before Cromwellian hands broke it for a new fort. It is gone from the earth now, yet its room remains visible in the shape of the harbour road: a castle is not only stone, but the line of descent through which ownership and forgetfulness reveal themselves.

Strategically situated at Cill Éinne, covering the approaches to the natural harbour which was the old port of Inis Mór. Certainly in existence in 1574 when 'Arkyne' Castle is listed as being in the possession of James Lynch (Nolan 1901, 116). Prior to this, it was probably in the hands of the O'Briens, whose chief residence on Inis Mór was at 'Aircin' (Hardiman 1846, 78-9). Subsequently granted to John Rawson in 1594 (ibid.) and to 'Teige na Buille O'Flaherty of Arde' in 1607 (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 1, 399-401). Demolished in the 1650s to make way for a Cromwellian fort (GA119-005001-). No visible surface trace survives. 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 by James L in 1574, Castle at Cill Éinne controlled access to the natural harbour of Inis Mór, making it strategically significant for coastal defense and trade in the late 16th century.

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