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

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Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Course Type: Links
Lahinch Golf Club has undoubtedly one of the world's great classic links. It has all the ingredients of greatness: a glorious setting, a rich history, superb natural terrain and, where man has 'intervened', it has been through the hand of an outs ...

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

Oranmore Farmers Market - Co Galway
Oranmore Farmers Market - Thursdays 1pm-6pm

Behind Church, Oranmore, Co Galway

Contact: Ray Lavery - 087 666 2070

Tourist Attractions

Athenry Castle - Athenry County Galway Ireland
Athenry Castle
Athenry, Co. Galway
Meiler de Bermingham built Athenry Castle c.1250,  it is a large rectangular building originally containing only a hall at first-floor level and dark storerooms at ground level, the oldest part of the castle is the hall-keep. The fine carvi ...

Wedding Venues

Wedding
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Galway City, Co. Galway
Originally an eighteenth century residence, Glenlo Abbey is just two and a half miles from Galway city yet, beautifully located on a 138-acre estate, with lovely views over Lough Corrib and its own golf course and Pavilion, it offers all the adva ...
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