‘There’s a murder hole up there’: The 600 year old fortress in a Co Galway walled town

Athenry, a historic town in County Galway, has revealed its well-preserved medieval walls, some 600 years old, to residents and visitors alike. These ancient fortifications, part of the town's rich heritage, continue to inspire stories and memories among locals. Among those who recall the walls vividly is Anne Zonenblick, who grew up in the area and remembers playing near them as a child. She recounts how she once climbed the walls, driven by a desire to prove herself equal to the boys who often did so. Her childhood adventures included taking photographs of the walls from the top, though the images have since gone missing. Another resident, Frank Brody, shares his own recollections of the walls, particularly how they obstructed his view of the railway line he cherished during his youth. He describes the experience of climbing the walls, using ivy for support, and feeling a sense of security amidst the historical structure. His family, living adjacent to the walls, even used the area behind them to dispose of unwanted items, a practice that has long since ceased. During a recent guided tour of the town, Gerry Burke, a former teacher, led a group through the streets, highlighting the architectural significance of the walls. The tour took place on an unpredictable Irish summer morning, marked by sudden downpours of rain. At one point, the group sought refuge beneath a tree on private property, with prior permission from the landowner. As they navigated through an overgrown field, Burke introduced the segment of the wall known as the "Ramparts." This section, still standing tall, separates the public spaces from the residential areas, including the back gardens of homes on Old Church Street. Frank Brody, whose home was among those bordering the wall, described the community's relationship with the structure. He noted that while families occasionally discarded household waste over the wall, it was not a common practice. Instead, the walls served as both a physical barrier and a symbol of the town's past. The presence of the walls continues to shape the daily lives of residents, offering a tangible link to history. The walls, which have stood for centuries, remain a focal point of interest for both locals and tourists. Their preservation reflects the dedication of the community to maintaining its cultural and historical identity. As the sun breaks through the clouds, casting light upon the aged stone, the walls stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time and the enduring legacy of Athenry's medieval past.