History
Dunguaire Castle resides on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay, just north of the village of Kinvara in western Ireland. The castle was one of the strongholds built by Guaire's descendants, Lords of Aidhne, O'Heyne, or O'Hynes, chieftains in 1520. Its name is derived from Dun (fort) of King Guaire. It was one of at least nine fortifications constructed in the region.
In 1588, Hugh O'Heyne took residence in the castle. As resistance to English rule became too expensive, Hugh surrendered his land to Queen Elizabeth on a grant/regrant basis, which was quite common at the time.
In the 17th century, Dunguaire Castle passed to Martyn's of Galway. The Mayor of Galway, Richard Martyn, lived at the castle until 1642.
Dunguaire Castle was purchased in 1924 by Oliver St. John Gotary, a famous literary figure who subsequently performed repairs on the castle. At this time, there was a tremendous Celtic resurgence in Irish literature. Thus Dunguaire Castle became a popular venue for meetings of literary revivalists such as Synge, Yates, Shaw, and O'Casey.
In 1954, the castle was purchased by Christobel Lady Amptill, who completed restoration work begun by Oliver St. John Gotary. Currently, Dunguaire Castle is managed by Shannon Development and still depicts a fine example of 16th century living.
Castle Highlights
Dunguaire Castle is relatively small and built in the traditional Irish Tower House style, whose most predominant external feature is its 75-foot tall keep. There is also an outer curtain wall or bawn surrounding a courtyard. The bawn was primarily used to contain livestock rather than provide defensive measures. The structure also includes a towerlet or guard room at the courtyard's southwestern corner. At one time, only a single tower stood until it was joined to the main keep via an enclosed extension added during the 20th century. The Banquet Hall, with its thick stone walls and heavy oak tables, represents the best portion of Dunguaire Castle to visit.
The castle is open to daytime visitors during summer months with evening medieval banquet-style dinners hosted to commemorate the limitless hospitality of Guaire the Generous, 7th century King of Connaught, who feasted with numerous guests in the nearby ruins of Rath Durias. This includes food, wine, music, and storytelling within the candlelit Banquet Hall, similar to medieval "King Guaire."
The Dunguaire Castle can be visited in an hour or two. For visitors who choose to return for an evening banquet dinner, the nearby fishing village of Kinvara is lovely to see. Additionally, Bunratty Castle is close enough to visit on the same day.
