Rumoured to be Ireland’s most photographed Castle, Dunguaire Castle, located just outside the picturesque fishing village of Kinvara, sits perched on the shores of Galway Bay.
Shannon Group is delighted to announce that this stunning 16th tower house will reopen its doors to visitors from June 1.
A tour of the castle tells its fascinating story. Built in the 16th century by the O’Hynes clan, the castle’s name derives from the Dun of King Guaire, the legendary king of Connacht.
In the early 17th century the castle passed into the hands of the Martyns of Galway, with Richard Martyn, Mayor of Galway living there until 1642.
In the early 20th century poet and playwright Oliver St John Gogarty purchased the castle and began to repair and restore the site. This was the time of the great Celtic revival in Irish literature exemplified by the works of writers such as Synge, Yeats, Shaw and O'Casey. During this time the castle became the venue for meetings of the literary revivalists such as WB Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin and JM Synge.
In 1954 the castle was acquired by Christobel Lady Amptill who completed the restoration started by Oliver St John Gogarty. Today the restored castle gives an insight into the lifestyle of the people who lived from 1520 to modern times.
In advance of reopening, Shannon Group has announced it has been accredited with the Fáilte Ireland Covid 19 safety charter, a Government-endorsed initiative that seeks to recognise businesses that are compliant. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be purchased at www.dunguairecastle.com
