Dun Guariagh, Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Kinvara (Cinn Mhara)"head of the sea", on the west coast of Ireland on the edge of the Burren. Kinvara was the stronghold of the O'Hynes from the 600's onwards and it also had a residence/stronghold of the King of Connaught Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin. On the edge of the town there is a little inlet with the remains of Dun Guariagh "Guaire's Stronghold". He lost a major battle to the King of Munster for the lands at Thomond in Limerick, after a curse was put on him before battle. He came to a truce with the King of Munster and was known for his acts of charity.

Further along is Dunguaire Castle which takes its name from the older Dun Guariagh. built in 1520 by the O'Hynes Clan it has a 75 foot tower and defensive walls. It was purchased after the turn of the 20th century by Oliver St John Gogarty poet and he restored it. It became the meeting place of the Celtic revival group who's member included W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and John Millington Synge.

The Castle was bought by Shannon Development in 1954 and is open to the public during the Summer month's with a Medieval Banquet every night, where costumed performers sing and recite traditional music and verse.

More shots of Dun Guariagh, some with the Kinvara in the background.