Photo credit: Duane Brink
Personal reflections…
voluntary additions to the automated email… thank you to every single one of you! You know who you are.
“As a regular visitor to Kinvara, I am very disappointed to find Dunguaire Castle, which if memory serves has been closed since 2022, is still closed to the public! The Castle is an impressive heritage site and properly operated could be a fantastic tourist attraction and amenity for the local community”
(D.S., Ireland)
“What we could see was stunning - coming from New Zealand where our country is so young, places of this historic significance should be treasured and available to view. Even charging a fee - I’m sure tourists such as myself would be happy to pay to assist with running costs.”
(I & MW, New Zealand)
“We came today with our children to see Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara but it was closed to the public. The kids were so disappointed! And so were we. More so, because it seems that it is closed since 2023 because different agencies struggle to work things out…. It would be a reason for us to return to Ireland, because it adds to the attractiveness of the area. And we are sure, that is true to many others as well.
You can do it!”
(U, J N, W. & F., Germany)
“This is an amazing historic site and educational resource. The renovation, restoration, and operation of this impressive heritage site should be your priority.”
(S.C., USA)
“The Castle is an impressive heritage site and properly operated could be a fantastic tourist attraction and amenity for the local community…. Thanking you in anticipation.”
(D.S., Ireland )
“We are staying in the cottages across the road from the castle again this year and yet again we can’t visit it. We have 12 visitors from the USA and 5 from Australia with us. Surely we want these people to be able to visit Ireland’s heritage sites?
Renovation and operation of this impressive heritage site should be your priority.”
(D.N., Ireland)
“My granny’s side of the family grew up in Nogra, just down the road from Kinvara. I’ve been here year after year to visit loved ones graves, see family, and soak in Galways beauty. Seeing Dunguaire Castle is essential to understanding Kinvaras history. I implore you to do the right thing.”
(M.R., USA)
“It is particularly sad to see so many tourists travelling to this iconic landmark, only to find they cannot enter or experience its rich history. Dunguaire Castle is one of Ireland's most recognisable heritage sites and an important attraction for both visitors and the local community.
I urge all those involved to make the renovation and reopening of this remarkable castle a priority.“
(D. B., Ireland)
“As a local to the area I see how wonderful a tourist attraction it is. The shear number of buses that stop at this site each day prove it has viability as tourist destination as well as obvious cultural heritage.”
(P.R., Ireland)
“As a residence of the Kinvara environs, I am extremely annoyed that Dunguaire Castle remains closed to the public, which it has been, incomprehensibly so, since 2023.”
(M.O., Ireland)
“It is always with a sense of embarrassment that when I pass Dunguaire castle on a daily basis and the hordes of tourists are still up walking around it, to witness the decay of our once local treasure… “
(F.E., Ireland)
“We are very disappointed to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara closed to the public again this year, for the 3rd year running since 2023. …To see it shut year after year is most disheartening for both locals and Tourists who stop to view it from the road.”
(S. & J.S., Ireland)
“I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to reopen Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, which has remained closed to the public since its transfer of ownership to Galway County Council in 2023. The continued closure of this important heritage site is deeply disappointing for residents, visitors, and the wider community….. For decades, Dunguaire Castle provided employment to people in the village and offered visitors a unique and memorable experience. It is
so sad to see tourists gathering at the gates daily, hoping to explore the castle, learn its history, and contribute to the local economy. Instead, they leave disappointed, and Kinvara loses out on the cultural and financial benefits this site has always generated.
The renovation and operation of Dunguaire Castle should be a priority. I strongly urge the Council to work collaboratively to secure the necessary funding and take decisive action to reopen the gates of this remarkable landmark. The community deserves to see this heritage site protected, restored, and accessible — not left to fall back into the disrepair from which it was once rescued.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I sincerely hope to see progress soon.”
(A.H., Ireland)
If the council is not in a position to reopen this amenity, then could it be transferred to the OPW and run like other similar sites throughout the country? “
(A.C., Ireland)
“The castle is one of Kinvara's most important heritage attractions. I have personally witnessed tourist buses turning away and visitors leaving the town after discovering that it remains closed. This has a direct impact on local businesses that depend on tourism and on visitors choosing to spend time in Kinvara.
Beyond its economic importance, Dunguaire Castle is a significant cultural and heritage landmark. As Kinvara serves as a gateway to the Burren, the castle plays a vital role in introducing visitors to the history, culture, and character of the wider region. Its importance to tourism, heritage, and community life cannot be overstated.
I would also encourage consideration of a stronger local role in the future stewardship of the castle.
Ownership or management involving the Kinvara Community Council and the Kinvara Heritage Group would help ensure that this important asset remains closely connected to the community it serves.
Outside normal visitor hours, the castle could provide a unique venue for community meetings, heritage talks, cultural events, and educational activities, further strengthening its value to the town and the wider region.
I respectfully ask that you all work together to secure the funding and take the action needed to reopen the gates of Dunguaire Castle for visitors and that it be treated as a matter of priority so that it can once again serve residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Thank you for your consideration.”
(M.D., Ireland)
“It is a precious amenity ! And we care about our heritage . This castle must be made available to one and all. “
(M.D., Ireland)
The ongoing closure of the Castle is resulting in its deterioration and dilapidation, which, if allowed to continue will result in the Castle becoming a ruin.
This is an urgent matter which requires that you work together … please engage with Kinvara community to discuss alternatives for the ownership and operation of Dunguaire Castle and the funding for same, should it be apparent that taking action in this matter is beyond the capabilities of the local authority and State agencies involved.
Doing nothing is no longer an option.“
(M.L., Ireland)
“As someone who spent many happy summers holidaying nearby and whose late mother grew up in a neighbouring village, I find it distressing to hear that it is being allowed to fall into such a state. I believe it was once the most photographed castle in Ireland, regularly appearing in promotional material for tourism in Ireland.
I recall a time when coaches were queuing outside as they offloaded tourists attending the nightly banquets taking place. Despite the downturn in hospitality following COVID, perhaps now is the time to carry out a feasibility study as to the commercial viability of Dunguaire Castle as a significant tourist attraction hosting, once again, those banquets and other activities.”
(D.S., UK)
“Dunguaire Castle needs to be reopened for all to appreciate.”
(M.L., USA)
“One of the activities we were most looking forward to on our Ireland trip from the United States with my Irish heritage family was seeing this castle and enjoying one of the dinners there.”
(C.S (& family), USA)
“I have already reached out to Galway County Council and other local representatives to express my disappointment regarding the ongoing closure of Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara closed to the public. …I would, again, like to express my concern for that lack of care and support for our heritage and architecture. As a resident of Kinvara, seeing Dunguaire reopen its doors to locals and visitors would make an immense and positive impact to our community and global culture.
(L.H., Ireland)
“Please find a way to preserve and re-open Dunguaire Castle. It is such a treasure. Thank-you!”
(H.H., USA)
“I wonder whether the council would consider selling the Castle? If this is something you would consider please let me know.”
(B.P)
“Tell OPW to get on this! “
(B.O’L., USA)
“For many years we patronized the banquets at Dunguaire Castle and will do so again should it reopen. We urge you to work to reopen this most significant venue and promise that we will once again make patronage there our priority.”
(P.O., Ireland, Canada & USA)
“ I see bus and car loads of tourists walk up to the castle to be met by a closed gate. There isnt an interpretative board in sight : nothing to bring this magnificent castle to life. What does this say about your approach to heritage ? “
(J.M., Ireland)
“The renovation and operation of this impressive heritage site should be your priority. You have a beautiful area that can only be boosted by restoring this amazing landmark.“
(M.D., USA)
“I am writing as a xxxx Study Abroad Program Director …who brings students to Ireland every other year to learn about Irish history, culture, community, and identity through immersive educational experiences.
Our program allows students to engage in meaningful service-learning with children and youth, explore communities across Ireland, and experience firsthand the rich heritage that makes this country so special. A highlight for many of our students is visiting Ireland's historic sites and castles—treasures that provide a tangible connection to centuries of history, tradition, and storytelling.
For that reason, it was incredibly disappointing to arrive at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara only to discover that it remains closed to the public and has been since 2023. Dunguaire Castle is not simply a tourist attraction; it is an important piece of Ireland's cultural heritage and a landmark that inspires visitors from around the world.
As an educator bringing students from the United States, I can attest to the profound impact sites like Dunguaire Castle have on young people. The opportunity to stand within the walls of a centuries-old Irish castle is something many Americans simply do not have access to at home. Ireland's historic landscapes and ancient architecture are a unique and invaluable part of the educational experience we strive to provide for our students.
I respectfully urge all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the renovation and reopening of Dunguaire Castle. This national treasure deserves to be preserved, maintained, and made accessible once again for local communities, visitors, and future generations. Its closure represents the loss of an important educational and cultural opportunity for countless people who travel great distances to experience Ireland's remarkable heritage.
Thank you for your consideration, and I sincerely hope to see Dunguaire Castle reopen its gates in the near future.”
(K.F., USA)
“The abandonment and negligence of Dun Guaire castle in Kinvara, which is only rivalled by the Cliffs of Moher as the most photographed site in the West of Ireland, is a stain on the reputations of the bodies and individuals whose duty it is to care for our built environment. The renovation and operation of this unique heritage site should be at the top of your priorities. All relevant bodies and persons need to convene to ring fence funding and take the immediate action needed to reopen the gates of Dunguaire Castle.”
(P.R., Ireland)
“My father grew up on The Quay, in the shadow of the castle, so I have an emotional interest in this. The castle is an integral part of Kinvara's history, as well as Ireland's. If should be treasured, not neglected. “
(M.N., USA)
“Such a pillar of tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way that used to generate so much to the west of Ireland. “
(C.D., Ireland)
“I am writing as a xxxx Study Abroad Program Director …who brings students to Ireland every other year to learn about Irish history, culture, community, and identity through immersive educational experiences.
Our program allows students to engage in meaningful service-learning with children and youth, explore communities across Ireland, and experience firsthand the rich heritage that makes this country so special. A highlight for many of our students is visiting Ireland's historic sites and castles—treasures that provide a tangible connection to centuries of history, tradition, and storytelling.
For that reason, it was incredibly disappointing to arrive at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara only to discover that it remains closed to the public and has been since 2023. Dunguaire Castle is not simply a tourist attraction; it is an important piece of Ireland's cultural heritage and a landmark that inspires visitors from around the world.
As an educator bringing students from the United States, I can attest to the profound impact sites like Dunguaire Castle have on young people. The opportunity to stand within the walls of a centuries-old Irish castle is something many Americans simply do not have access to at home. Ireland's historic landscapes and ancient architecture are a unique and invaluable part of the educational experience we strive to provide for our students.
I respectfully urge all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the renovation and reopening of Dunguaire Castle. This national treasure deserves to be preserved, maintained, and made accessible once again for local communities, visitors, and future generations. Its closure represents the loss of an important educational and cultural opportunity for countless people who travel great distances to experience Ireland's remarkable heritage.
Thank you for your consideration, and I sincerely hope to see Dunguaire Castle reopen its gates in the near future.”
(K.F., USA)
“It was a key part of the narrative of my childhood and a compelling reason as to why I have been continuously drawn back to my home town. Not to mention it status as one of the most historically significant sites in Ireland.”
(F. B., Ireland)
“Reopen the castle. It provided jobs and upkeep of it. It's a pity to see it deteriorate so quickly. Save your heritage and do the right thing.”
(K.W.)
“My father is from Kinvara and I have many memories of visiting with him and want my children to have those same experiences.“
(M.L., USA)
“This is a hugely important local heritage site, with notable importance to wider tourism in Ireland. Is it not a great disappointment to see this beautiful site continually locked? I think we can all do better. Please consider taking steps to reopen the castle.”
(J.B., Ireland)
“I wasn’t aware that Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara is closed to the public. It’s a real loss to the local community and visitors to the country. It’s a fantastic place and should be celebrated and made available for all to enjoy. Three years now it’s been closed? That’s long enough for any repairs, surely.
Please get the place restored to the intended role as a place of historical significance. It’s a fabulous site and unique in Ireland. It should be celebrated. People love it. Let’s have it back and freely available once more.”
(S.B., Ireland)
“I am very disappointed to see Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara still closed to the public – as it has been left closed since 2023!...Bunratty and Knapogue Castles did not end up close due to the transfer.”
(B.O’D., Ireland)
“I live in Kinvara and every day, rain or shine there’s hundreds of people visiting the closed castle. It’s a huge missed opportunity to let this historic gem fall into disrepair before our eyes.”
(K.B., Ireland)
“I was deeply disappointed to learn from my mother that Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara is closed to the public—and even more disheartened to learn that it has remained closed since 2023.
The castle holds special significance for my family. My great-grandfather, (family name), left Kinvara in 1862 to begin a new life in America. ….. His older brother, (family name), remained in Kinvara
For (family name) and his family, Dunguaire Castle would have been a constant presence. The (family name) lived in the Claddagh, just across the water, and the castle would have been among the first sights greeting him each morning. I have visited Dunguaire Castle on two occasions with my (family name) family members from the United States, and both visits were personally very meaningful - a real and tangible connection to my ancestors both past and present, and to a lived history that is difficult for the Irish diaspora in the United States to fully comprehend.
Dunguaire Castle is not merely a local landmark; it is an irreplaceable piece of Ireland's cultural heritage and an important destination for visitors from around the world. I understand there may be challenges involving funding, ownership, or coordination among the various parties responsible for its future. If that is the case, I urge all involved to find a way forward together.
The preservation, restoration, and reopening of this remarkable site should be a priority. Future generations deserve the opportunity to experience Dunguaire Castle just as countless visitors have done before. Please work collaboratively to secure the necessary resources and take whatever steps are required to reopen the gates of this priceless historic treasure.
Very sincerely yours,
(J.M.U., USA)
“I am disgusted to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara still closed to the public. … the amount of people who stop and visit the castle in the tourist season is phenomenal. It’s a disgrace and a failure on the part of Galway CoCo to just leave it to go derelict and without maintenance. Any other country would be pouring money into such a heritage asset.“
(R.T., Ireland)
“I am angry to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara remains closed to the public and also the fact it has been closed since 2023! …The castle being closed hurts local businesses and takes away from the area. The longer it goes on the more expensive it will be to reopen. It is imperative to secure the funding now.”
(R.M., Ireland)
“…every week we have people coming from all over the world and I know my self there is not much to do in Kinvara but when the castle was open people loved to go in and walked around it and see the view from the top.
My daddy’s first job was working in Dunguaire castle, and I remember the day he brought me to go see it and it was a very remarkable day and I will always remember it. All his brothers and sisters worked there to and it means a lot to our family having the castle open.
If you never open it again my little one will never get to see where their mama and daddy worked so please is there is anything you can do to reopen it again”.
(E.L., Ireland)
“As a tour driver and guide to hundreds of American visitors, I'm very disappointed to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara closed to the public”
(M.C., Ireland)
“The Castle has a special significance for me, as Kinvara was the town my great-grandfather…… to come to America.
… I have visited the Castle, and … was profoundly moved by how it transported me back to a time period that we in the U.S. can only dream about. … I’m told there is friction and lack of collaboration among several entities who would be involved in restoring this priceless structure. Can you please all work together to secure the funding and take the action needed to reopen the gates of Dunguaire Castle for visitors, communities, and future generations?
(M.U., USA)
“It really is incredulous to know that this iconic castle has been closed since 2023! This is simply unacceptable…. Urgent action to secure funding must be prioritised together with additional the steps needed to reopen the gates of Dunguaire Castle for visitors, communities, and future generations.“
(A.R., Ireland)
“Currently the castle being closed is having a huge impact on our tourism and impacting other local businesses profit. Hitting them where it hurts, their pockets. Businesses in Kinvara rely on summer tourism as income to make ends meet financially through the winter… if the tourists can’t come to Kinvara and see our biggest tourist site then they simply will not come. As a community we are already feeling the impact and strain of not having the castle open… I believe it’s of importance for us all to have access to these places of heritage and culture. “
(L.O., Ireland)
“As a xxx-year resident of Kinvara I well remember the days when you could visit Dunguaire Castle, with family and friends both local and visiting. Village events were held in the grassy courtyard on warm summer evenings, school children toured to learn the heritage of their home, and we often took visitors to the medieval banquet or upstairs to see the apartment where the last resident lived. It was a sad day when Dunguaire closed to the public and its grounds and interior became 'off limits'.
The castle is iconic; its image signals the entrance to Kinvara and is reproduced on countless postcards, calendars and websites; drones sweep past it in video footage of our beautiful town. Dunguaire also, essentially, marks the entrance to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Renovation, opening, and operation of this impressive heritage site should be apriority. “
(R.R., Ireland)
“Why did I even bother to come to Ireland?
I am very disappointed to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara closed to the public – and also to learn it has been closed since 2023!”
(D.W., USA)
“I was saddened to learn that Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara is closed to the public… It is such a special & iconic feature of a magnificent area. My Dad grew up in Kinvara & we have so many special memories in & near the castle. It features prominently in many of our trip photos.”
(M.M., USA)
“As a tour operator specializing in tours to Ireland incl. Kinvarra, we am very disappointed to find Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara closed to the public – and also to learn it has been closed since 2023! It has really affected our tours to Kinvarra, so the town and community is loosing a lot of business. Please reply if you need additional information or an easy solution of how to re-open.“
(C.H., Denmark)
“It really is incredulous to know that this iconic castle has been closed since 2023! This is simply unacceptable…. Urgent action to secure funding must be prioritised together with additional the steps needed to reopen the gates of Dunguaire Castle for visitors, communities, and future generations“
(A.R., Ireland)
“It's a shame to see one bus after another full of eager tourists pass this unique and beautiful site - Kinvara's biggest asset - only to find the gates closed.
In its prime, the castle provided to the community in many ways, not only through income from tourists, banquets, jobs for the local community... It also meant so much to the local community with many memories and stories. And it is a truly magnificent gateway to the Burren and the south westerly part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Don't let more time pass, do something now, before this beautiful place crumbles to pieces. “
(B.D., Ireland)
“I am writing to express my deep disappointment and anger at the continued abandonment and closure of Dunguaire Castle. As someone born and raised in this region, I know first-hand the importance this landmark holds for our local identity, our history, and our culture.
Dunguaire Castle is not simply an old building. It has long been a symbol of Galway and the west of Ireland. For generations it welcomed visitors from around the world to experience traditional Irish banquets, music, storytelling, and poetry in the Irish language. It celebrated our heritage in a living, meaningful way. Its closure represents not only the loss of an historic monument but also the loss of an important cultural experience that cannot easily be replaced.
The economic consequences are equally serious. The castle attracted thousands of tourists each year, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants, musicians, performers, craftspeople, and many other jobs throughout the region. The revenue lost through its closure is significant, yet there appears to have been no meaningful long-term plan to restore or reopen it.
For years, maintenance has clearly been neglected. An iconic national monument has been allowed to deteriorate while responsibility appears to have been passed from one authority to another. This is simply unacceptable. Ireland rightly prides itself on its rich heritage, yet one of its most recognisable medieval castles has been left to decay.
The surrounding area has also suffered. The commercial shop opposite the castle has been left to fall into ruin, the former facilities for visitors have disappeared, and the musicians' house, which once supported the cultural events at the castle, has also been lost. While issues such as parking and the nearby lay-by may require attention, these are solvable problems and should not be used as excuses for continued inaction.
What makes this situation even more disappointing is that Dunguaire Castle is located along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland's most heavily promoted tourism routes. Visitors are encouraged to travel here from across the world, only to find one of the route's most iconic landmarks closed and deteriorating. This sends entirely the wrong message about how we value our heritage.
I urge Galway County Council to immediately raise the status of Dunguaire Castle as an urgent heritage priority and to work with the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Government to secure the funding necessary for its restoration and long-term maintenance. If local funding is insufficient, central government must invest. Protecting our national heritage is not a luxury—it is a responsibility.
Future generations deserve to inherit this remarkable castle in good condition, not as another example of neglect. We owe it to our ancestors, our communities, our visitors, and our children to preserve this extraordinary part of Ireland's history.
The continued decline of Dunguaire Castle is a source of great shame. It is time for words to be replaced by action.”
(M.W., Ireland)