About midway between Galway City and Athlone, just off the M6 motorway, lies this interesting little museum, dedicated to a battle between two kings that took place here in 1691. When James II became king of England in 1685, his days on the throne were already numbered. He had a “flaw” that the Protestant establishment simply couldn’t live with: He was a convert to Catholicism. In 1688, James was deposed by Parliament, in favor of his own son-in-law—the Protestant William III. Retreating to Ireland, James led a rebellion that was to have far-reaching consequences for Irish history. Aughrim wasn’t the most famous nor arguably the most important battle of that war, but it was the last. With the defeat of the so-called Jacobite forces loyal to James, the prospect of a Catholic Ireland was crushed for almost two and a half centuries. The center does a competent job of telling the story through displays and exhibits, plus the obligatory visitor-center film.
Counties Galway, Westmeath and Offaly
Travel Guide
Counties Galway, Westmeath and Offaly› Attraction
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre
R446, Aughrim, near Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Our Rating
Hours
May–Aug Tues–Sat 10:30am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm. Closed early Sept–Apr
Phone
090/967-3939
Prices
Admission €5 adults; €4 seniors and students; €3 children 11 and under; €12 families
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.