Kinvara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kinvara featuring boating, sailing and a river or creek
Kinvara which includes a river or creek
Kinvara showing signage
Kinvara showing a river or creek, boating and sailing
Kinvara showing 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 ₹14,306 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹14,306
₹16,237 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly guesthouse in Kinvara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (666 reviews)
"Excellent."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Kinvara Guesthouse
Fallons Bed and Breakfast

Fallons Bed and Breakfast

3 out of 5
Main Street, Kinvara
The price is ₹10,984 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹10,984
₹12,467 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Kinvara. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay at Fallons B&B. The welcome was warm and enthusiastic! Rooms were clean and the traditional Irish breakfast fueled our day of hiking perfectly."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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 ₹17,502 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹17,502
₹19,865 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (442 reviews)
Amazing anniversary stay at The Dean
"Amazing anniversary stay, the staff were lovely. They upgraded our room and left us a celebratory bottle of wine which was so kind. We’ll definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (57 reviews)
Great for a few days away
"All good apart from the mattress was far from comfortable (very springy and not soft!) But the space is great and you have the ability to use the kitchen, fridge etc which is very handy if you're staying for a few days. Didn't really bump into anyone either so it felt quite private despite it being ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Cúirt na Coiribe Self Catering
Citypoint Apartments

Citypoint Apartments

4 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (431 reviews)
"Great location and lovely, clean apartment. It was quiet but still near all the pubs and restaurants."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Citypoint Apartments
Galway Bay Sea View Apartments

Galway Bay Sea View Apartments

3 out of 5
The Promenade, Salthill, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Quay Street and Eyre Square are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (255 reviews)
"Loved the location and the views from the apartment. Local transit very easily accessible. The condition of the apartment however needs improvement. Also does not provide tea coffee, paper towels laundry soap etc. so make sure you account for that. No shampoo conditioner either. The kitchen otherwise ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Galway Bay Sea View Apartments
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

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
0
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

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