As it was a common thing to make the castles fortified and secure, the Ardamullivan Castle was bordered by a defensive wall.

Standing on the brow of a secluded valley and surrounded by trees, this is a well-preserved early 16th-century tower house of the O'Shaughnessys.

The castle is first mentioned in 1567 on the death of Sir Roger O'Shaughnessy. He was succeeded by his brother Dermot, "the Swarthy", known as "the Queen's O'Shaughnessy" for his support of the Crown.
 

In 1579 his nephew John, popular heir to the family estates and title, fought with Dermot outside the south gate of the castle and both claimants were killed. In the last century the ruin was renovated.

Now, tourists can enjoy this castle not for its original purpose but as a national monument.
 

See more Castles in County Galway