Campaigners call on Galway council to buy land by Dunguaire Castle - ‘It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity'

A parcel of land directly across from Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara is up for sale as an 'exceptional tourism development opportunity' and campaigners are calling on Galway County Council to buy it. The listing on Daft.ie features a 2.7-acre lot sitting behind the famous Dunguaire Castle, which remains closed over funding issues. The zoning of the land for sale. © Daft.ie Members of the community are calling on Galway County Council to consider acquiring the site adding that a 'dedicated development centre on this uniquely located site would serve the long-term interests of Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara and the wider region.' Fran O'Reilly of the Save Kinvara Castle campaign said: '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.' Read more Why this New York Times journalist is shining an international spotlight on a 16th century Galway castle 'We cannot risk letting this site move into private ownership. If that happens, we could lose forever the space needed to give Dunguaire Castle a sustainable future. We simply cannot miss this opportunity.' Dunguiare Castle remains a key stop on many tours through the Burren and to the Cliffs of Moher. The land up for sale is zoned for tourism and listed as an 'exceptional tourism development opportunity along the Wild Atlantic Way. The listing continues that tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way is now worth approximately €3 billion annually to the regional economy. Details of the castle's closure are included in the summary of the property, adding that the castle has remained closed since 2022 'pending restoration works.' 1 / 3 Location of site. © Daft.ie 2 / 3 The site has small a few small structures. © Daft.ie 3 / 3 Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle © Daft.ie Ms O'Reilly told the Irish Independent that the call does not undermine an open market sale process. 'There is no question [over] 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.' Read more Fresh hopes for Dunguaire Castle re-opening as Galway County Council is 'exploring' acquisition with OPW Dunguaire Castle has been at the centre of an ownership and funding battle to bring the castle, now degrading from closure, back up to spec for tourists and the Kinvara community. The castle is currently owned by the heritage arm of Shannon Airport Group, who have been looking to offload the site for several years. Despite ongoing conversations between invested entities no progress has been made at this time. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.