Kinvara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kinvara showing boating, a river or creek and sailing
Kinvara showing a river or creek
Kinvara featuring 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 AU$197 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$197
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (720 reviews)
"This property was very clean and quiet. It had a common area with a television and comfortable sofas to relax or visit with others outside of your room. The breakfast was exceptional. There was a nice variety of food and was well above what I expected for a continental breakfast. An added bonus was ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Kinvara Guesthouse
Leonardo Hotel Galway

Leonardo Hotel Galway

4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
The price is AU$274 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$274
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,017 reviews)
"This hotel was right in the heart of activity. Very walkable with many restaurants and pubs near by. I have stayed at a Leonardo Hotel in the past and do like this hotel chain. Definitely, stay at these hotels in the future."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Leonardo Hotel Galway
The Dean Galway

The Dean Galway

4 out of 5
80 Prospect Hill, Galway
The price is AU$224 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$224
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (532 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, clean room, impeccable vibes, fantastic restaurant, coffee shop. We loved it all."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 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 free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Dunguaire Castle and Corcomcoe Abbey are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Our stay was wonderful! The home is so cozy and even better than the pictures. Cannot recommend this place enough."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Charming 2-bedroom shabby chic cottage in beautiful Kinvara.
Citypoint Apartments

Citypoint Apartments

4 out of 5
Eyre Square, Galway, Galway
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Galway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eyre Square and Quay Street are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (451 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Citypoint Apartments
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! (77 reviews)
"THE BATHROOM HAD A LITTLE MILDEW"

Reviewed on 26 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.

Popular places to visit

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Kinvara

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