A 16th-century tower house on the shores of Galway Bay, Dunguaire was the literary meeting place of Yeats, Shaw and Lady Gregory — and one of the most photographed castles in the country. It is currently closed to visitors during a change of ownership.
The restored tower house sits on a rocky knoll surrounded by Galway Bay on three sides, linked to the shore by a narrow causeway — the classic viewpoint that made it one of Ireland's most photographed castles. Even while the interior is closed, it remains a worthwhile stop on the Burren coastline.
The castle grounds are open to wander at no charge, and the coastal path from Kinvara village runs along the bay to the castle. It is a short, flat stroll from the village on a pedestrian pathway that is narrow in places.
In normal seasons a self-guided tour takes you through period rooms: a banqueting hall, furnished chambers and rooms left as the last occupants knew them, plus a narrow rooftop walkway with bay and village views. It is temporarily unavailable while the site is closed.
The castle's signature evening is a four-course dinner in the tradition of King Guaire, with mead, Irish oak-smoked salmon, leek and potato soup, chicken in mushroom sauce, apple pie and coffee, served with stories, songs and poetry. It has traditionally run from April to October and should be booked in advance.
The castle is about 300 metres from the village of Kinvara, a good base for the Burren, Galway Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way, with the Bus Éireann 350 route linking it to Galway and Ennis.
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