The Castle was founded in the 13th century during the Anglo-Norman colonization. Much of the medieval town wall survives, together with the keep of the castle and part of the Dominican priory (founded 1241), which was specifically exempted from Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.
There was an Irish settlement at Athenry on the Clareen river probably as
far back as the seventh or eighth century.
This interesting castle has been very carefully restored by the Office of.
Public Works. It was linked to the town that expanded beside it during the
Middle Ages, which itself was enclosed by a comprehensive system of walls,
towers and gates, much of which remains to be seen today. Among the buildings
enclosed was a Dominican friary (priory), which is in ruins.
Chuck Daisy
Celtic Links Tours 4U LLC
celticlinkstours4u@comcast.net
