Discussions continue around Galway County Council taking ownership of Dunguaire Castle near Kinvara to unlock new capital funding streams for restoration and tourism development. Tourism Minister Peter Burke has indicated support, positioning the medieval site as a key heritage asset for visitor appeal in south Galway
The situation remains in a deadlock, with the Council waiting on central government funding to facilitate the transfer and necessary works, preventing its reopening as a public amenity and progress is stalled due to a funding impasse.
The council says it needsx substantial central government support (estimated at €5m) for essential safety upgrades before taking ownership, while the Government points to a lack of dedicated capital streams, creating frustration locally as the iconic site remains closed, impacting tourism in Kinvara.
When the Shannon Airport Group divested its tourism assets, Dunguaire Castle, like others (e.g., Bunratty ot Clare, King John’s Castle to LImerick), was slated for transfer to the local authority.
Galway County Council requires significant capital investment (around €5m) for health & safety works to meet opening standards, which it doesn’t have in discretionary funds.
The National Monuments Service noted a lack of a specific funding stream for such local authority acquisitions but offered to explore options, an offer not yet taken up.
Fáilte Ireland recognizes the need for investment and could support the tourism potential once the Council owns the site and a robust business case is presented, but no suitable grants exist yet.
The castle’s closure since 2022 is hurting Kinvara’s tourism and economy, with local representatives urging government action.
There is a deadline (end of February 2026) for the Council to take ownership, after which the castle might go on the open market.
