Kinvara, Co. Galway

Kinvara (Irish: Cinn Mhara, meaning "head of the sea") is a sea port village next to the border with the Burren and County Clare located at the head of Kinvara Bay - which is an inlet in south east Galway Bay - in the south of County Galway in the province of Connacht.

Kinvara was once a thriving port to which the necessities of life, such as turf fuel, were brought by the traditional Connemara sailing craft (Galway Hookers) in the 19th century, the port was also a significant exporter of corn and seaweed. This trade is recalled each Summer in Cruinniu na mBad, as sea festival organisd by the village, which sees the old boats compete in a host of exciting races and events.

Dun Guaire Castle guards this end of the bay, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in County Galway. Medieval-type banquets are held each summer in this old 16th century tower house, and recall the stirring times when the O'Heynes, O'Shaughnessy and Martin clans were lords of this impressively restored castle.

Just to the east of the building are the probable remains of the dun or earthen fort of Guaire, the 7th century King of Connacht, who gives his name to the present castle.

To the west of the village stands the early 19th century church which contains restored paintings by Count de Basterot, a famous writer and traveller of the time. His residence, Doorus House, now a youth hostel, lies 5 km further west again and it was here that W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, in association with Edward Martyn, planned the foundation of the Irish National Theatre.

 

Gardens

Ardcarraig Garden Galway
Ardcarraig
Galway City, Co. Galway
There is nothing quite like Ardcarraig, perhaps because people don’t try to garden in such apparently inhospitable spots among the rocks and heather. Yet the sights to be seen in this 5 acres of hillside where Lorna McMahon has developed he ...

Golf

Glenlo Abbey Golf Club - Galway City County Galway Ireland
Glenlo Abbey Golf Club
Galway City, Co. Galway
Course Type: Parkland
This unique 9 Hole Double Green Golf Course offers a challenging test to all golfers. A lake side golf course, although fair to the beginner can also be a great test to the low handicapper. With the many lakes, trees, large greens, and the wi ...

Self Catering

Selfcatering
Kinvara Suites
Kinvara, Co. Galway
"The luxury of a hotel suite, the privacy and freedom of home together with a beautiful design." Kinvara suites are situated within a newly converted 18th century stone hayloft. They are set back from the road in a secluded garden in ...

What's On

Ennistymon Farmers Market - Co Clare - Saturday Morning
Saturdays 10am-2pm

Address:

West Clare Art Gallery on the Ennis Road Ennistymon

Contact:

Cate Conway - 086 053 6644

Tourist Attractions

Galway City Museum - Galway Ireland
Galway City Museum
Galway City, Co. Galway
Galway City Museum is is a spacious, modern building, situated in the heart of Galway on the banks of the River Corrib, overlooking the famous Spanish Arch. The Museum houses a variety of permanent and touring exhibitions dealing with archaeo ...

Wedding Venues

Wedding
Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Set in gardens and wooded grounds overlooking Galway Bay and the Burren mountains, the Haden family’s lovely country house hotel has a fascinating history going back to the 10th century, and parts of the present house date from the late 18t ...
  • By Distance
  • By Category

There are currently no comments

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment
Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
Or leave a comment by logging in with: