Nestled in the scenic landscapes of East Galway lie two remarkable treasures that embody the region’s rich history and culture: Brackloon Castle and the Irish Workhouse Centre. These lesser-known landmarks offer visitors a captivating journey into Ireland’s historic past, and an insight into the lives of the people who lived here. Read all about them here...
Brackloon Castle: A Medieval Gem Reimagined
Brackloon Castle, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 Y8C7
Brackloon Castle is one of Ireland’s smallest surviving medieval castles still in use today. Located in a tranquil corner of East Galway, this castle is not just a relic of the past but a thriving family home. Under the leadership of its custodians, Donal and Alison, visitors are welcomed into a truly unique experience that blends five centuries of history with the warmth of modern Irish hospitality.
A private, two-hour tour takes guests on an intimate exploration of the castle’s five floors, each telling stories of its turbulent 500-year past and careful restoration. Starting at the kitchen table, visitors enjoy tea and refreshments while hearing about the O'Madden clan - the castle’s original builders- who ruled the area for hundreds of years until the mid-1600s.
above: photo courtesy of Brackloon Castle
As guests ascend the original narrow spiral stone staircase, they encounter fascinating defensive features from the 16th and 17th centuries, including gunholes that once protected the castle from invaders and now serve as a safe haven for nesting birds. These tours culminate on the battlements, which offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
The upper room of the castle features a surprising highlight. Here, visitors gather around an open fireplace as Donal and Alison share tales of the castle’s restoration journey, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of warmth and authenticity. For anyone seeking a hands-on, personal look back into Galway’s medieval history, Brackloon Castle is an unmissable gem!
For more information, visit their website bracklooncastleandfarm.com to begin planning your Brackloon Castle experience.
above: photo courtesy of Brackloon Castle
The Irish Workhouse Centre: A Window into the Past
The Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, Co. Galway, H53 EK74
On the outskirts of Portumna town, the Irish Workhouse Centre offers a stark and profoundly moving guided tour of Ireland’s most complete and best-preserved workhouse. It provides an unflinching look at the hardships endured by Galway’s poor during and after the Great Famine, all within the authentic setting of a real workhouse.
above: photo courtesy of The Irish Workhouse Centre
The guided tour takes visitors through a series of buildings that paint a vivid picture of what life was like in a 19th-century workhouse. Visitors will explore the boardroom, waiting hall, women’s dormitory, nursery, matron’s quarters, dining hall & chapel, girl’s schoolroom and laundry building.
Highlights of the tour include the workhouse museum, which features a holographic projection recounting the disappearance of the harsh Workhouse Master Ogle with workhouse funds in 1865, and the haunting ‘Dark Shadows’, a famine-themed sculpture exhibit by Kieran Tuohy. Visitors may also view artist David Rooney’s famine-themed artwork, permanently displayed in the entrance hall.
Visit their website irishworkhousecentre.ie to learn more.
Together, Brackloon Castle and the Irish Workhouse Centre offer visitors a chance to connect with East Galway’s history. From the cosy charm of a restored medieval home to the solemn structure of the Irish workhouse, these hidden gems provide a rich tapestry of Ireland’s heritage waiting to be explored.
above: photo courtesy of The Irish Workhouse Centre
