What is recorded here

Killaclogher Castle stood on a natural rise in County Galway by 1574, held by Donell O Kelley within an extensive field system. Only fragments of its west and north walls remain today, marking a three-storey tower house with a stone vault that has mostly surrendered to grass and time. The ruin still suggests a carved coat of arms once set into its exterior, hinting that pride and identity mattered even as the structure decayed.

On a natural rise, it is surrounded by an extensive field system (GA071-043----). In existence in 1574 when it was in the possession of 'Donell O Kelley' (Nolan 1901b, 122). All that survives are part of W and N walls (L c. 10m, Wth 5.3m), and the largely grassed-over foundations of E and S walls. These indicate a structure of at least three storeys with a stone vault between 1st/2nd floors. No definite trace of the original doorway survives unless it was situated in N wall where the remains of a slight projection are visible. Some evidence for alteration/repair to the fabric exists, including the insertion of a carved stone plaque bearing a coat of arms in the external face of W wall. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Built by the O'Kelley family, Killaclogher Castle was held by Donell O'Kelley in 1574. It is remembered as a medieval stronghold associated with the Gaelic aristocracy of the region.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.