Dunguaire Castle — Attraction in County Galway

Dunguaire Castle, an exquisite 16th-century tower house situated in County Galway, Ireland, presides over a breathtaking location on the banks of Galway Bay, endowing visitors with a panoramic vista of the surrounding terrain. The castle's formidable walls, adorned with battlements and enduring stonework, epitomize medieval architecture and bear witness to the castle's cultural import. The castle, purportedly erected in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan, occupies a pivotal place in Irish history.

Accessible to the public, Dunguaire Castle provides visitors with a propitious opportunity to scrutinize the castle's interior and unveil its opulent past. The veritable furnishings and decor within the castle create an immersive and didactic experience, effectively transporting visitors to a bygone era. Additionally, the castle frequently hosts medieval banquets and events, proffering visitors with a unique and indelible glimpse of the past.

The castle's pastoral setting is further embellished by its impeccable gardens and tranquil lake, furnishing visitors with a serene refuge. Moreover, the castle's strategic location affords convenient access to other prominent attractions in the area, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

In summation, Dunguaire Castle is an indispensable destination for individuals with a penchant for Irish history and medieval architecture. Its grandeur, awe-inspiring location, and cultural eminence render it a resplendent and inimitable...

RICH SYMBOL OF IRISH STORY TELLING TRADITION: Dunguaire Castle lies near Galway bay and is said to be one of the most photographed castles of Ireland, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in western parts of Ireland. It is considered as the delight of the photographers, especially because of the reflections caused by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The castle is believed to have been built in 1520 by O Hynes clan and is said to have met both strategic and trade needs. The castle is said to have changed several hands over the last five centuries and one of the proud owners of the castle was Martyns family, which are recognised as one of the Tribes of Galway. The tower of the castle is over 75 feet tall. An important point to note is that, in subsequent years, the castle has served as a meeting point of several revivalists including the famous George Bernard Shaw, the castle thus functioning as a cultural symbol of Irish Republic. More than the mere stone walls, the Castle is a symbol of the rich story telling traditions of Ireland, effectively combining myth, history and literature. Unfortunately, we could see the castle only from outside, as the visits inside are currently...

We basically checked google maps for interesting things close-by and then I spotted this castle here. We parked at the parking spot which is not far and first checked out the store and the craft studio upstairs where I could watch how they make hand fired enamels.

I then headed into the castle, first looked at the ground floor before it was time to climb those stairs! I reached the first floor with the banquet hall. I read that you can actually book a medieval banquet here? Which definitely sounds interesting, but sadly we didn't have the time for that.

One floor higher, there was another room filled with old furniture and from here you can already see the top. The upper part is filled with more modern furniture and it seems to be used as some sort of studio?

From here you can then reach the outside, but eh… well. The view is stunning, that much is true. But the path around the tower is so narrow, that I actually didn’t walk all around it. I only squeezed myself through one area and then headed...