Home > Counties > Co. Galway > Kinvara

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

Caher Bridge Garden

Fanore, Co. Clare

The karst limestone region of the Burren is a natural wonder , with a lunar-like landscape and mysterious vanishing lakes and underground rivers.. Among the most wonderful things about it are the rare wildflowers that grow between the karren pave ...

View all Read on

Golf

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 ...

View all Read on

Self Catering

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 ...

View all Read on

What's On

Athenry Farmers Market - Co Galway - Fridays

Athenry Farmers Market - Friday 9.30am-4pm

Market Cross, Athenry, Co Galway

Contact: Sinead Courtney 087 627 2017

View all Read on

Tourist Attractions

Caherconnell Fort

Kilfenora, Co. Clare

Caherconnell Stone Fort is an exceptionally well preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts, which are to be found in the Burren Co Clare. The fort is in its original state and its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding area ...

View all Read on

Wedding Venues

Ardilaun Hotel Galway

Galway City, Co. Galway

This comfortable wedding venues in a romantic woodland setting has a large 1840s house at its heart and, despite its proximity to Galway city and periodic extensions and renovations, it has not been over-decorated and retains a pleasant country a ...

View all Read on