About Kinvara
Kinvara is a popular fishing village at the south- east corner of Galway Bay. It's harbour has served as a backdrop for many photogragh's and has also been on the set for TV commercials.
Kinvara has long had a tradition of trading by the sea with the people along the Connemara coast. This legacy is celebrated in the village every August when Cruinniu na mBad(Gathering of the Boats) festival takes place.
Kinvara (Irish: Cinn Mhara, meaning "head of the sea"), is a sea port village located in the south of County Galway in the province of Connacht on the west coast of Ireland. Kinvara is also the name of the parish in which the village is situated. Kinvara is occasionally spelled Kinvarra in English; this may be seen on some maps and road signs, although Kinvara is the most common spelling used nowadays. Kinvarra is still the official form of the name for the townland and this form is still used on polling cards as the name of the townland while the District Electoral Division (DED) is called Kinvara.
Kinvara's population according to the 2002 Census was 945. The Great Famine in the 1840s and a series of emigrations that continued up until the 1960s reduced the population of the village—once a thriving port and a significant exporter of corn and seaweed—to no more than a few hundred people. From around the 1980s the population of the parish of Kinvara started to increase while the village started to grow in size.
The first shots of the 1916 Easter Rising in County Galway were fired in Kinvara. The incident took place outside the curate's house on the Green Road when the RIC attempted to arrest him and local members of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Kinvara is home every year to two festivals, Fleadh na gCuach ("the cuckoo festival") at the start of May and Cruinniú na mBád ("gathering of the boats") in August. Of these, the latter festival is the larger and longer-running; it celebrates the traditional sailing craft (Galway Hookers) and the trade they once did between Kinvara, western County Galway and the north of County Clare. Turf was imported into Kinvara from the west of County Galway while barley, lime, and timber was exported from Kinvara. Turf, the main fuel used here prior to coal and oil, had to be imported as Kinvara is in an area without bogs. The festival started in 1979 and features a series of boat races as well as a variety of other events on the pier. The Fleadh na gCuach (started in 1994) is a festival of Irish music that celebrates the old Irish festival of Bealtaine (the First of May), which in Ireland marks the start of Summer.
Clare Accessible Transport
Burren Connect Project are working with Clare Accessible Transport to provide environmentally sustainable public transport options for people living in and visiting the Burren.
Please visit www.catconnects.ie to access public transport timetables and other information.
Irish seaweed Treatment
Description
This new Irish seaweed treatment which has evolved to satisfy modern day needs was launched in Kinvara in April 2006. Harvested on the west coast of Ireland, the fresh seaweed is formed to a smooth paste for luxurious pampering. This treatment is delivered under the professional care of trained staff in the bright, warm environment of our be-spoke treatment rooms. A supple application of this 100% natural, 100% organic product will unlock the goodness of the sea releasing a wealth of minerals to soothe aches and banish cares.
BurrenBeo Trust Walks & Talks
Description
Trust’s Monthly Talk:
‘The Archaeology of Corcomroe Abbey and its Environs’
with Christine Grant and Olive Carey
1st August 2010
2pm @ Corcomroe Abbey, Bellharbour
Christine Grant M.A.
Christine has been researching archaeology on the Burren for over 20 years and is currently involved in several research projects. She has a number of publications relating to her research and to conservation of Burren archaeology, including a recent heritage guide on Burren prehistory for ‘Archaeology Ireland’. She works as an archaeologist for the National Monuments Service with responsibility for the protection of archaeology within County Clare.
Olive Carey M. Litt
Olive is a graduate of NUIG where her thesis research focused on the prehistoric archaeology in the environs of Coolnatullagh valley in the eastern Burren. She is currently chairperson of The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society and is archaeologist with Duchas na Sionne. She is also co-author of ‘Rian na Manach’ a guidebook to the ecclesiastical monuments of County Clare.
Both Olive and Christine are currently involved in a new research project, ‘Mapping the Burren’ which is funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland.
This talk is open to everyone. It is free for Burrenbeo Trust Members and a donation from non-members. For more information please email trust@burrenbeo.com or phone 091 638096.
Dunguaire Castle
Description
Probably, the most famous land mark that is associated with Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle was built in the 1500's and has changed ownership many times down through the years. Today, Dunguaire Castle is owned by Shannon Heritage, and is open to visitors from April through to October. The castle also holds Medieval Banquets.For reservations please call 1-800-269811
Burren yoga and Meditation Centre
Description
Yoga Holidays & Yoga Retreats. We offer weekend and week-long retreats in all types of Yoga and meditation. Experience delicious vegetarian food, comfortable accommodation and great company in one of the most magical parts of Ireland.
The Pier Head
M'asal Dubh Bar
Description
At the Merriman Hotel
Keogh's bar
Description
Traditional Bar & Irish Sea Food
Dunguaire Castle Banquets
Description
Dunguaire was built by the O'Hynes Clan in 1520. In the 17th century the castle passed to Richard Martyn, Mayor of Galway. Subsequently, it was purchased by Oliver St John Gogarty and became the venue for meetings of the literary revivalists such as WB Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin and JM Synge. The Castle was acquired in 1952 by Christobel Lady Ampthill who completed the restoration work started by Oliver St John Gogarty. Mediaeval Banquets are held twice nightly April - October (reservations necessary). The Castle is owned and managed by Shannon Heritage , Bunratty, Co Clare.
Café Beo
Starmoon Chinese Restaraunt
The Pizza Café
The Meadow
Description
Relaxing comfortable award winning bed & breakfast, situated within walking distance of the scenic fishing village of Kinvara, known for its boating festivals, traditional Irish pubs with music & seafood restaurants. Close to Dunguire Castle, Burren & Galway City. 40 minutes from Shannon airport.
MERRIMAN HOTEL
Description
This well known Kinvara Hotel has the largest thatched roof in Ireland and provides comfortable, high standard accommodation in 32 ensuite bedrooms. You can dine in the 'The Quilty Restaurant' or relax over a drink in 'M'asal Beag Dubh Bar'. Our friendly staff will help you enjoy your stay in Kinvara and should you have any special requests please ask. The Merriman Hotel Kinvara is named after Bryan Merriman (1747 - 1805), who, born in Co. Clare, was son of a small landowner. An accomplished violinist and teacher of mathematics, his famous racy poem, "The Midnight Court" , runs to over 1000 lines. The poem is full of intricate brilliance and musical mastery. We are confident you will find comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality and friendly staff during your stay in the Merriman Hotel Kinvara.
Hollyoak B&B
Description
Quiet, peaceful B&B situated between Kinvara and Kilcolgan on the N67 with a panoramic view of the Burren. Extensive home cooked breakfast menu. Banquets nightly at nearby Dunguaire Castle. Ideal base for touring Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the nearby Aran Islands. Shannon Airport approx. 1 hours drive. TV, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer and en-suite bathrooms. Open: May to October.
DOORUS HOUSE YOUTH HOSTEL
Description
DOORUS HOUSE is a traditional hostel set in a stunning location overlooking the Burren Mountains and Kinvara Bay.
Conneelys
Description
This is a family home bed and breakfast with own entrance for guests and no smoking on premises. Very quiet and peaceful, within walking distance of the village.
Clareview House
Description
Clareview House offers traditional farmhouse accommodation in an idyllic rural setting just outside the scenic village of Kinvara. The combination of old world charm with all the modern conveniences of a guesthouse makes any stay at Clareview House a truly memorable one. Brenda and Michael Mc Tigue have built their enviable reputation on providing guests with the warmest of welcomes and an authentic taste of Irish country life. Clareview Farmhouse comes highly recommended by Lonely Planet, O'Sullivan B&B Guide and Le Guide du Routard. More importantly, it comes highly recommended from the guests, many of whom come back year after year. Accommodation consists of five en suite bedrooms, all well equipped. Brenda's hearty breakfast will set you up for the day and dinner is available on request. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and take advantage of a newly built conservatory to relax in. If you can tear yourself away from Clareview House, the surrounding area has a lot to offer.
Carrowkilleen House
Description
Carrowkilleen House is situated 1.5km from Kinvara on the Killina Gort road with beautiful views of the Burren mountains. Kinvara is an excellent base for touring - the Burren 10 minutes, Connemara, Ailwee Caves, the Cliff of Moher, Coole Park, Kilmacduagh, Dunguaire Castle and Galway city. Kinvara is a beautiful village with good restaurants, art & craft shops and pubs with traditional music.
Burrendale House
Description
Burrendale House is a luxurious detached 4 star self catering property, located in the harbour village of Kinvara, Co. Galway. The recently built house with it’s local stone façade is only 30 minutes drive from Galway city centre. This stunning accommodation offers 4 bright and spacious bedrooms, which can sleep up to 8 people. Other facilities of the house include fully fitted kitchen/diner, sun room, car parking, enclosed gardens and patio area to relax. This is an ideal base to tour all that Galway has to offer as well as the limestone landscape of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the nearby Aran Islands.
5 Beal Cuan
Description
This is a stylish 3 star self catering accommodation located in the heart of the scenic village of Kinvara in County Galway. The spacious, child friendly house consists of two tastefully decorated bedrooms. The master bedroom has en suite facilities and the other bedroom has a bunk bed with a double bed underneath and a single bed on top. There is also a separate bathroom in the home as well as a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Why not enjoy the warmth of an open fire as you lounge about on the couch in the living area? The property has ample parking.
Fort View House
Description
Luxury farmhouse. Capacity for 16 people. TV, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer and en-suite in all rooms. Walking trails to archaeological sites. Banquets nightly at nearby Dunguaire Castle. Ideal base for touring Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara. Beach 3km. Signposted from Dunguaire Castle. Open: 1st March - 31st October (Off season bookings by arrangement)
Burren View Farm
Description
The O'Conner family invite you to share their house and farm for the duration of your visit. Enjoy home cooking, comfortable accommodation, and sample fresh local produce.
Cois Cuain
Description
Dormer bungalow at the quay in Kinvara.
Dunguaire House B&B
Description
The family home of Doreen and Michael Cahill. Situated outside the picturesque village of Kinvara on the main Galway road, Dunguaire House is set on a hill top with views of the Burren Mountains. A leisurely 2 minute stroll and you will have wonderful view of Galway Bay. A further 5 minute stroll will get you to the 16th Century Dunguaire Castle, open to the public from April to October and which holds medieval banquets twice nightly.
Mountain View
Description
Located just outside the picturesque harbour village of Kinvara in quiet rural setting where a warm welcome and personal attention are guaranteed. "Mountain View" is an ideal base from which to tour the limestone landscape of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves.
Mountain View House
Description
This modern 2 star self catering apartment is located just 2km from the village of Kinvara in County Galway. Mountain View House consists of just one comfortable bedroom. Bed linen and towels are supplied free and it is heated with oil fired central heating. It has a delightful bathroom with shower and is tastefully furnished throughout. The kitchen and dinning area offers you space, privacy and luxury. Prepare to fall in love with the welcoming open fireplace, which adds to the overall ambience of the property.
Villa Maria B&B
Description
Excellent, highly recommended award winning B&B on the N67 near Dunguaire Castle with nightly banquets, central to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Aran Islands, Galway City 20 mins drive, Shannon Airport 1 hour drive. Free Internet Access.
