Dunguaire Castle

Perched on a rocky outcrop extending into Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle dates back to the 16th century and has long been a striking sight for travelers along the coastal road. The castle was once home to prominent local clans before it was purchased in 1924 by Oliver St. John Gogarty, a renowned Irish surgeon, poet, and playwright. Under his ownership, the castle became a gathering place for Ireland’s literary luminaries, including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. Today, visitors often pause to photograph the castle from the outside, though some also choose to explore its interior.