Kinvara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kinvara showing a river or creek
Enjoy a jolly feast in the medieval castle and hear fascinating tales in the abbey of this quaint fishing village known for its Irish music.

Kinvara is a serene fishing village with rocky outcrops and rugged beaches. Its highlight medieval castle offers stunning views of Galway Bay and rural Ireland’s green meadows. Walk along the coast and visit the quaint pubs and old buildings that give this village its charm.

Attend a traditional medieval banquet at Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century treasure overlooking grassy islands peeking above the water. Entertainment includes a harpist, a poet and costumed hosts helping to place you in the 1500s. Learn from docents about the history of the castle as you peruse its rooms. Hear about the writers who gathered here in the 1920s to discuss literature.

Travel west for 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Kinvara to discover the fascinating ruins of Corcomroe Abbey. Inspect the intricate carvings in this 12th-century religious complex. Legends say that the king who commissioned the building murdered the five builders so they couldn’t replicate it elsewhere. Spot his tomb effigy in the medieval cemetery beside the church and chapel.

Chat with locals as you get to know this quaint village. Capture photos of the colorful houses typical of Irish fishing villages. Watch fishermen at work in the port and admire traditional reddish-brown-sailed Galway hooker sailing vessels.

In Irish, the village is spelt Cinn Mhara, which means “head of the sea.” Learn about the Terry Alt resistance movement, active in this region and unsuccessful in challenging the English crown.

Arrive for the Cuckoo Festival in May for Irish music and the Gathering of the Boats in mid-August. The regional climate is fairly mild and wet with pleasant summers.

The village is on an inlet on the southern shore of Galway Bay, directly across the water from the city of Galway, about 30 minutes away by car. Drive west for about 2.5 hours from Dublin to reach the village.

Let Kinvara transport you back in time with its entertaining castle, legendary abbey and quaint port setting.

Menlo Park Hotel
Menlo Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Terryland, Headford Road, Galway, Galway
The price is NZ$229 per night from 28 May to 29 May
NZ$229
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"A good hotel to stay"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Menlo Park Hotel
Kinvara Guesthouse
Kinvara Guesthouse
4 out of 5
The Square, Main Street, Kinvara, Galway
The price is NZ$233 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$233
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly guesthouse in Kinvara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (544 reviews)
"Unassuming entrance reveals a very high quality B&B. Close walk to multiple pubs with food. Sits over a grocery store. We used the free laundry room. One of our nicest stays in Ireland!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Kinvara Guesthouse
Leonardo Hotel Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway
4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$378 per night from 14 May to 15 May
NZ$378
per night
14 May - 15 May
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and helpful. We had a very late check in and the beds were so comfortable. It was the best nights sleep of our trip. Room was clean and spacious. Breakfast was worth every penny."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Leonardo Hotel Galway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Artists Cove Perfect location in the Heart of Kinvara Explore and Unwind.
Artists Cove Perfect location in the Heart of Kinvara Explore and Unwind.
Kinvara
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Kinvara. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
Magical stay
"What an amazing place to spend Christmas! There was a Christmas tree in the window, right next to the fire. We slept great, enjoyed wonderful meals with the fully equipped kitchen, explored the area, walked to a pub or two and just relaxed. Loved our visit. Bernie, that checked us in, was the sweetest. ..."

Reviewed on 27 Dec. 2023

Artists Cove Perfect location in the Heart of Kinvara Explore and Unwind.
Premium private eco-cabins located in a rewilded nature sanctuary
Premium private eco-cabins located in a rewilded nature sanctuary
Kinvara
Stay at this cabin in Kinvara. Enjoy in-room fireplaces and a spa tub. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Coole Park are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
A peaceful sanctuary
"We had an excellent stay in the cabins. They were clean, quiet, private, very well equipped, and in a fantastic location. The art workshop with Lorraine Fletcher in the nearby Burren Sanctuary was also a great experience and I'd recommend it to anyone staying in the cabins."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2023

Premium private eco-cabins located in a rewilded nature sanctuary
Right in the Village of Kinvara. Hot Tub Luxury!
Right in the Village of Kinvara. Hot Tub Luxury!
Kinvarra
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Kinvara. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
Kinvara is a good location
"Kinvara is a good location for exploring Galway and County Clare. The property is fine with plenty of space and well equipped. We even managed to use the Hot Tub which was very rewarding as the weather forecast for the week was not very very good."

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2023

Right in the Village of Kinvara. Hot Tub Luxury!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Activities

Reviews of Kinvara

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Nov 2019

Galway was a nightmare to drive in, but a great place once you found parking for atmosphere and amenities.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Jun 2019

Nice little village. The two nights we ate at two of the local pubs, we were very impressed.

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