Historical records place it firmly in existence by 1574, when it belonged to one ‘Murrogh ne doo’ O’Flaherty, a member of the powerful O’Flaherty clan who controlled much of Connemara during the medieval period. The castle’s strategic position on this natural crossing point would have given its occupants control over an important river passage, a valuable asset in an era when territorial disputes were common.

The fortress met its end sometime during the 18th century, when it was completely demolished to make way for the construction of a military barracks at Oughterard. This transformation reflects the changing political landscape of Ireland during this period, as traditional Gaelic strongholds gave way to British military infrastructure. The stone from the old castle was likely repurposed for the new barracks, a common practice that saw many Irish castles disappear stone by stone.

Today, no visible trace of Fough Castle remains above ground. The site near Ordnance Ground stands as one of many lost monuments to Ireland’s turbulent past, its story preserved only through historical documents and archaeological surveys. The natural limestone bridge that once supported this medieval stronghold continues to span the Owenriff River, though it now carries no hint of the fortress that once commanded this crossing for centuries.