RARUDDY CASTLE

Raruddy Castle, also known as Rathready Castle, is believed to be a 15th century tower house that was once a stronghold of the MacHubert Burke family, one of the branches of the powerful Clanricarde dynasty that ruled much of Connacht.

Raruddy Castle is located about 3 km from Loughrea, a town that was founded by the Clanricarde in the 13th century and became their main seat. The castle is now in ruins, but some of its architectural features can still be seen, such as the corbels that supported the roof, the remains of a spiral staircase, and the traces of a bawn wall that surrounded the tower.

The history of Raruddy Castle is not well documented, but it is likely that it was built by one of the MacHubert Burkes, who were also known as MacWalter or MacWilliam. They were descended from Hubert de Burgh, a Norman knight who married a daughter of King William I of Scotland and became Lord of Connaught. The MacHubert Burkes were loyal to the Clanricarde and often fought against their rivals, the O’Kellys and the O’Maddens.

The castle may have been involved in some of the conflicts that plagued Connacht in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the Nine Years’ War, the Cromwellian conquest, and the Williamite wars. However, it seems that it was abandoned by the end of the 17th century, as it does not appear in any maps or records from that period. It may have been destroyed or confiscated by the English authorities, who suppressed the Gaelic lords and their castles.

Today, Raruddy Castle is a hidden gem of Galway’s history, a reminder of the medieval past of this region. It is not open to the public, but it can be seen from the roadside or with the landowner’s permission.