Richard de Burgo granted a charter to Meiler de Bermingham in 1235 and shortly afterwards de Bermingham started building his castle at Athenry. Probably completed by 1250, it consists of a three-storey tower surrounded by the remains of a strong outer wall and is entered at first floor level through an unusually decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior now contains an audio-visual room and exhibition. Special offer, courtesy of the Office of Public Works. Admission to OPW sites is free on the first Wednesday of every month until the end of 2011