It seems like it is another day, another castle in Ireland. Dunguaire Castle is a castle in Kinvarra, Galway and it looks much like the other castles I have seen here in Ireland. For those not aware, the castles here in Ireland are pretty much the same as the ones found in the United Kingdom. If you have seen Game of Thrones then you probably know what I’m talking about. These are far from the Disney fairy tale castles but are far more real. Dunguaire Castle sits out on the piece of land jutting out to see in the small village of Kinvarra. It is described as a fortress and it sure looks like one.
The name comes from the Irish word Dun meaning fort and Guaire, who was a king of Connacht province, so Dunguaire is the fort of King Guaire. Curiously, the fort was built in the 16th century, which was way after King Guaire died more than a thousand years before. This place was probably named in honor of the legendary king. Not much was said about the use of the castle other than who built it. However, in the 20th century it was used as a setting from some movies. I guess, Dunguaire Castle looks the part of an authentic castle. Enough talking, time for some exploring.
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