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The 1691 Battle of Aughrim (Irish: Cath Eachroma) was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland.

It was fought between the largely Irish Jacobite army, loyal to King James II, and the forces of William of Orange
on 12th July 1691 (equivalent to 25th July in the modern calendar) near the village of Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

HISTORY

A definitive Battle

The battle was a definitive one of Cogadh an Dá Rí (War of the Two Kings) which changed the balance of power in Europe and the world. Repercussions are still being felt today (Northern Ireland, Brexit, etc).

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre vibrantly brings to life the most significant and devastating battle fought on Irish soil as part of the wider struggle for the Throne of England in the 1690s.  Since this battle is often called the “forgotten battle”, the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre is truly a hidden gem!

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A historic Battle of Aughrim scene with soldiers in red and green uniforms fighting on horseback and on foot, amidst smoke, chaos, and wounded soldiers lying on the ground.

Martin Joyce

Local historian and local school headmaster, the late Martin Joyce, had a huge interest in the Battle of Aughrim and he established a museum in the national school, which contained artefacts associated with the battle, local farming and domestic implements as well as coins and documents.

Martin worked tirelessly to gain recognition for the important legacy of the Battle of Aughrim. After his retirement from teaching in 1975, he devoted much of his time to unearthing the folklore and history of the battle sites around Aughrim. His last years were devoted to the effort to raise the money required to have the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre built, which would provide a permanent home for the historical collection he had built up over the previous five decades.

An older man with glasses and a white beard stands in front of lush green foliage, wearing a light plaid shirt and smiling gently with his arms crossed—his calm demeanor reminiscent of a historian reflecting on the Battle of Aughrim.

Purpose Built

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre has been owned, operated and managed by Galway County Council since 1996.

Purpose‑built in partnership with Fáilte Ireland (then Ireland West Tourism) and local community development groups in Aughrim Village, the Centre forms part of Galway County Council’s wider commitment to protecting, interpreting and promoting the county’s cultural and built heritage.

The Centre was formally opened in 2002, having previously been operated by Ireland West Tourism between 1992 and 1996. It is now administered by Galway County Council and supported through the Council’s structures, working in collaboration with relevant internal services and external stakeholders to enhance the visitor experience, develop programming, and increase visitor numbers in a sustainable manner.

Further information on the Centre may also be found on the Galway County Council website.

An older man smiles while wearing a historical military costume with a tricorne hat, beige coat with red cuffs, and a white neck scarf—evoking the era of the Battle of Aughrim. People stand behind him, adjusting his outfit.
Two mannequins in historical attire evoke the era of the Battle of Aughrim: one seated at a desk writing with a quill, wearing a curly wig and wide-brimmed hat; the other stands behind in an ornate dress and lace headdress, holding a fan.
A man in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a large hat and curly wig sits at a table draped with a white cloth, next to a yellow and red flag, in a historical setting suggestive of the Battle of Aughrim, with a mural behind him.
Small toy soldiers in blue uniforms are arranged on a green surface, recreating the Battle of Aughrim with cannons and cotton for smoke. A horse and more figures add depth to this historic scene.
An old book displayed on a shelf, open to a page titled “Account of the Routing the whole Irish Army at Aghrim,” features aged, yellowed pages and printed text recounting the historic Battle of Aughrim.
A stone Celtic cross stands outdoors against a backdrop of green trees and a cloudy sky, with yellow-blurred flowers in the foreground—evoking memories of the Battle of Aughrim.

Step Into History at the Battle of Aughrim

Discover the site of one of Ireland’s most pivotal battles. Book your guided tour today and experience the stories, artefacts, and landscapes that shaped history.
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Two people smile with their faces showing through cutouts in a painted board depicting figures in elaborate royal costumes, reminiscent of those worn during the Battle of Aughrim, set against a vivid red background.
Two mannequins in elaborate 17th-century attire—one seated at a desk with a quill and paper, the other standing behind in a patterned gown—set against a backdrop featuring a historic Battle of Aughrim flag.
A diorama features miniature figures arranged on a terrain model, depicting the Battle of Aughrim with information panels and illustrations along the front edge.