AILLE CASTLE

Located south east of Loughrea, lies the Anglo/Norman tower house of Aille Castle, which is believed to have been built by the famous De Burgo family in the 12th century. Records show (the Carew Manuscripts) that the tower house was also held by MacWilliam Roe Burke in 1574.

The tower house stands over 40 feet tall and consists of square bartizans in the north and south west corners. The tower house also features slit windows which were common from the 15th century while the larger ogee headed windows date from late medieval age. Perhaps one of the more impressive features which still remain is the castle’s stone staircase, which gives access to the upper levels of the castle. Stories of old have it that a famous skilled tradesman, An Gobán Saor, had a hand in building the castle. Despite some of the castle wall missing on the upper storey, folklore has it that An Gobán Saor outlined that Aille Castle would not fall unless the sky collapsed on the earth.

The castle now lays dormant and on private land so no trespassing is allowed due to livestock grazing in the nearby fields. However, viewing of the castle is possible upon arrangement with the local landowner, Pat Stapleton.