The prolonged closure of Dunguaire Castle has become an international story, after The New York Times highlighted the failure to reopen and protect one of Ireland’s most photographed historic landmarks.
In an article published on 28 August by the award-winning writer Dan Barry, the newspaper examines how one of the most recognisable castles on the Wild Atlantic Way, locked since 2023, has been allowed to remain closed while tourists arrive from around the world only to be turned away at the gate.
The piece has struck a chord far beyond Ireland. It has prompted a wave of readers to share their own memories of and affection for Dunguaire, drawing more than 160 comments from people who have visited the castle, been married nearby, or simply hold it dear as a symbol of the west of Ireland. The response underlines what the campaign has said from the start: this is a place people all over the world care deeply about.
The 16th-century tower house has stood at the edge of Galway Bay for more than 500 years. Yet its gates have remained locked since 2023, preventing visitors from experiencing an important part of Ireland’s history, culture and architectural heritage. Hundreds of tourists still stop at Dunguaire each day during the visitor season, arriving by coach and car to admire its setting, only to discover that the castle is closed and its future uncertain.
Shannon Airport Group, which owns Dunguaire Castle, closed the attraction in 2023 and subsequently offered it for transfer to Galway County Council or the State. Three years later, no transfer has been completed, no reopening date has been announced and no definitive restoration plan has been presented.
The castle is a protected structure, but the absence of adequate maintenance has allowed its condition to deteriorate. The Kinvara community is increasingly concerned that continued delay, particularly in addressing water ingress, will cause further damage and substantially increase the eventual cost of restoration.
The article traces Dunguaire’s remarkable history: from its construction by the O’Hynes clan, through its associations with Oliver St John Gogarty and the literary lights of the Celtic Revival, to the years when Lady Ampthill rode side-saddle from its gates. It presents the castle not merely as a picturesque building, but as a place deeply connected to Ireland’s cultural and literary heritage.
The campaign says the appearance of Dunguaire Castle in one of the world’s most influential newspapers shows that its closure is no longer simply a local issue. Campaigners describe it as an international embarrassment for a country that promotes its heritage and the warmth of its welcome to visitors worldwide. At a time when Ireland is investing heavily in international tourism promotion, visitors to one of the west coast’s most iconic landmarks are still being met with locked gates and, in effect, the message: “Sorry, we’re closed.”
A community campaign
The people of Kinvara have united to campaign for the castle’s protection and reopening. Through savekinvaracastle.com, supporters in Ireland and abroad can learn more and send an email directly to the public representatives and State bodies with the power to act.
The Kinvara community is calling on the Government to:
• confirm its commitment to acquiring Dunguaire Castle;
• publish a clear timetable for the transfer;
• undertake the urgent work required to protect the building; and
• restore and reopen the castle as a working heritage attraction.
Dunguaire Castle has survived more than five centuries of change. It should not now be allowed to deteriorate because of administrative delay and indecision. The Kinvara community will continue its campaign until the Government provides a firm commitment, a funded restoration plan and a definite date for reopening this irreplaceable part of Ireland’s heritage.
