An urgent appeal is being made to Galway County Council, local councillors, Galway’s TDs and senators, Fa?ilte Ireland and the Government to act immediately to secure 2.7 acres of strategically important land adjoining Dunguaire Castle before the opportunity is lost to private development.
The land is now on the open market for sale by private treaty through Keane Mahony Smith. It comprises approximately 1.83 acres zoned for tourism-related use, together with a further 0.9 acres described as having future development potential.
Situated immediately beside Dunguaire Castle, one of Ireland’s best-known historic landmarks and a major Wild Atlantic Way attraction, the land is perfectly situated to provide facilities essential to the castle’s successful reopening and long-term future. These could include dedicated coach and visitor parking, a visitor information and heritage centre, improved access, visitor amenities and space for local craftspeople, artists and food producers.
The site could also help address the significant traffic and parking pressures experienced in Kinvara, particularly during the tourism season, by providing a proper gateway for visitors and tour groups rather than adding further pressure to the village.
Fran O’Reilly of the Save Kinvara Castle campaign sayid they are not questioning the sale of the land – nor is there any suggestion that Galway County Council should acquire it in any other way than through the open sales process.
“The owner is perfectly entitled to put the land for sale on the open market – and fully entitled to get the best market price available.
“Simply put – in terms of it position in relation to the castle, this is literally a once-in-a- generation opportunity, and one that must be secured in the public interest – not only of Kinvara, but also of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the thousands of people who visit the castle every year. We are highlighting what a fantastic opportunity it is for the powers that be to purchase at market price and ensure the land is available for whatever State department takes over the castle.”
Campaigners stress that a dedicated centre development on this uniquely located site would serve the long-term interests of Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara and the wider region. O’Reilly continued: “This is not just another piece of land being offered for sale. Its location makes it fundamental to the future of Dunguaire Castle and to the development of sustainable tourism in Kinvara.”
Eamonn Coy of Kinvara Community Council agrees, saying that the land offers the space needed for coach parking, visitor facilities and a proper heritage experience. It could help transform Dunguaire from a closed and deteriorating monument into a thriving public attraction that benefits Kinvara and the wider region. The opportunity is here now, but it will not remain available indefinitely.”
Bunratty provides a model
Campaigners point to Clare County Council’s acquisition of land adjoining Bunratty Castle as an example of the long-term public foresight now required in Kinvara. Securing land around major heritage attractions before opportunities disappear can be critical to their future development. Campaigners believe Galway County Council should take a similarly strategic approach to Dunguaire.
Dunguaire has the potential to be a significant driver of tourism in south Galway and along the Wild Atlantic Way, benefiting local accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, tourism businesses, craftspeople, food producers and tour operators. Once this land is sold and developed for another purpose, the opportunity to secure it for the future of Dunguaire may never return, the campaigners believe.
The Save Kinvara Castle campaign is calling on Galway County Council, Galway’s elected representatives, Fa?ilte Ireland and the Government to urgently examine every available mechanism for acquiring the site and to recognise it as a strategic investment in Galway’s – and Ireland’s – heritage and tourism infrastructure. Members of the public are being encouraged to contact their elected representatives and make clear that this opportunity must not be lost through delay or inaction.
The site is on the open market and could be sold at any time. There is therefore a limited window before the opportunity potentially disappears. O’Reilly states “Dunguaire Castle needs more than a reopening date. It needs a sustainable future. That future requires space for visitors, coaches, heritage interpretation, access and tourism infrastructure. That space is available today. Galway and the State must act before it is too late.”
Dunguaire Castle has been closed since 2023. The castle remains in the ownership of the Shannon Airport Group. The transfer of the castle to Galway County Council, following the model used at Bunratty Castle (Clare County Council ) and King John’s Castle (Limerick County Council ) did not complete, and the castle is now falling into disrepair. The Save Kinvara Castle campaign, founded by Kinvara Heritage Group and supported by Kinvara Community Council, has been pressing central Government and the Council for a published plan and timeline to reopen Dunguaire Castle. More at savekinvaracastle.com
