Kinvara

Travel Guide

Kinvara featuring boating, a river or creek and sailing
Kinvara featuring a river or creek
Kinvara which includes signage
Kinvara which includes a river or creek, sailing and boating
Kinvara which includes signage

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 CastleOpens in a new window, 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 kilometres) 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 colourful 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.

Kinvara Guesthouse

Kinvara Guesthouse

4 out of 5
The Square, Main Street, Kinvara, Galway
The price is €140 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€140
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Kinvara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (684 reviews)
"Our room was clean and quiet. The reception clerk was exceptional. She went over and above to help us with another upcoming reservation at a hotel we would be staying at in a different city."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Kinvara Guesthouse
Fallons Bed and Breakfast

Fallons Bed and Breakfast

3 out of 5
Main Street, Kinvara
The price is €135 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€135
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Kinvara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
"Great comfort and space. Suite."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Fallons Bed and Breakfast
The Dean Galway

The Dean Galway

4 out of 5
80 Prospect Hill, Galway
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €161 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€161
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (472 reviews)
"The service was excellent from the moment we entered the hotel, from reception, bar staff, spa/gym facilities were all very welcoming and helpful. The room was immaculate and the shower was amazing! Very quiet and relaxing hotel. Very accessible to walk into the Latin Quarter but far enough to be ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Dean 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.
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 hot tub. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Coole Park are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (3 reviews)
Unique experience
"Evening fires, friendly animals, lovely walks thought the landscape. I hope we can return someday."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2024

Premium private eco-cabins located in a rewilded nature sanctuary
Charming 2-bedroom shabby chic cottage in beautiful Kinvara.

Charming 2-bedroom shabby chic cottage in beautiful Kinvara.

Kinvarra
Stay at this vacation home in Kinvara. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Kinvarra
"Great place to be based for touring around Galway, Connemara, and Mayo. Just took our time to discover all the small places and talk to people."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Charming 2-bedroom shabby chic cottage in beautiful Kinvara.
Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering

Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering

2.5 out of 5
Headford Rd, Galway, Galway
Stay at this aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (70 reviews)
"Good facility. Safe location near park and shopping options. 30 min walk to downtown."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering
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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