O’Dea Castle is an Irish fortified tower less than 5 km from Corofin in County Clare. It was built between 1470 and 1490 by Diarmaid O’Dea, Lord of the Cineal Fearmaic. It is located very close to the Dysert O’Dea Monastery.
Owned by an influential Irish clan in the 15th century (the O’Deas), the castle had a rather eventful history in the centuries that followed. It was the scene of numerous clashes with the Anglo-Normans, sometimes taken over by them, sometimes by the Irish clan.
Particularly damaged by the passage of time and the various sieges it had to endure, the castle has now been converted into a museum. Renovated in 1970 by the American John O’Day, O’Dea Castle has won awards for being the most authentically rebuilt.
Today, the building is open to the public, and features an extensive exhibition on the history of the castle, as well as local history from the Stone Age to 1922. The program features objects and relics that will take you back in time to discover Irish history, from the earliest settlers to the Anglo-Irish conflict of 1910-1920.
A visit to the castle is possible, and you can immerse yourself in typical medieval architecture, full of character. Alternatively, you can follow up with a visit to Dysert O’Dea Monastery, a monastery close to the castle.
4€ per adult – 2.50€ per child
daily, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm