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 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.

Kinvara Guesthouse
Kinvara Guesthouse
4 out of 5
The Square, Main Street, Kinvara, Galway
The price is €150 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
€150
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (656 reviews)
"A nice location"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€135
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (64 reviews)
"Conveniently located but there are closer hotels and bnbs toward the Galway city"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Fallons Bed and Breakfast
The Dean Galway
The Dean Galway
4 out of 5
80 Prospect Hill, Galway
The price is €170 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
€170
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (415 reviews)
"The Dean was a great spot to stay. Really convenient to the city parking (which they validate for a cheaper rate), downtown shops/restaurants, and the ferry. The room was very clean and comfortable. We didn’t have time to check out the pool or gym, but they looked awesome"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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.
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 patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located nearby.
Charming 2-bedroom shabby chic cottage in beautiful Kinvara.
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.
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
Studio Apartment sleeps up to 4 guests in Kinvara
Studio Apartment sleeps up to 4 guests in Kinvara
Cappaghmore
Stay at this apartment in Kinvara. Enjoy a garden and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
Studio Apartment sleeps up to 4 guests in Kinvara
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kinvara

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were here for the annual "Cuckoo Fleadh" (festival). Plenty of traditional music sessions in all of the pubs over 4 days (Friday till Monday). Lovely, friendly atmosphere, made even better by glorious weather!

5/5 - Excellent

db

Can there be a better spot in Galway?