About Kinvara & Surrounding Area Kinvara - "The Head of the Sea" and gateway to the famous Burren region in Co. Clare, is Galway's only prominent sea village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Situated at the head of Kinvara Bay, Kinvara once was a thriving port to which the necessities of life were brought by traditional Connemara sailing boats in the 19th century and this is recalled in "Cruinniú na mBád", a festival of the sea, organised by the village during August each year. Kinvara also hosts another festival known as "Fleadh na gCuach" (The Cuckoo Festival), a traditional music and arts festival, which is held on the May Bank Holiday weekend. There are many craft shops, restaurants, and traditional Irish pubs in the village and all are unique in their own way, with music and song found somewhere most nights. Nearby Forest Park Golf Courses Sandy beaches Guided Burren walks Rock climbing Fishing Horse riding Traditional music Castle entertainment Things to do, places to visit Dunguaire Castle The castle overlooks the picturesque village of Kinvara and the mystical Burren region and is only 2 minutes drive from Mountain View. It hosts medieval banquets twice nightly at 5.30pm and 8.45pm from mid April to mid October, with good food to please the palette and music, song and folklore to life the soul, and reservations and tickets can be arranged in advance by Mountain View. The Burren The limestone rock formations of the Burren are home to many alpine and Mediterranean plants and as you drive through this area, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Galway Bay and reflect on the diversity and contrasts of this region which will provide a lasting memory to look back on in years to come. Aillwee Caves Enjoy the dramatic underworld of this area as you stroll through the beautiful caverns with its thunderous waterfall, and explore the hibernation chambers of the long extinct brown bears. The Burren Perfumery The Burren Perfumery is located in an idyllic spot in the heart of the Burren, south of Galway Bay producing high quality fragrances from plant extracts of the region. They also have a very good audio visual display of the plant and animal life of the Burren which is informative and shows the true beauty of the area. Caherconnell Stone Fort During a visit here you will experience the unique history and heritage of this ancient stone fort and also, that of the other famous Burren tombs and monuments including Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient burial mounds. Cliffs of Moher The Cliffs of Moher are simply breathtaking, and a visit here is enhanced by the recently opened visitor centre which features superb interactive displays. Connemara Connemara has attracted many artists and film makers during the years because of its dramatic scenery and you can visit Kylemore Abbey in an unsurpassed setting of natural beauty and the lovely town of Clifden with its famous Sky Road drive. Aran Islands Located of the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are renowned as the jewels in the crown of Galway Bay and a visit there takes you back in time to a way of life which is unique to the Aran Islands. Tickets for the boat trip there can be obtained here at Mountain View also. Galway City Enjoy a visit to Galway city with its many shops pubs/restaurants, its vibrant and dramatic festivals and exciting night life. It is a fast growing university city, whose streets and buildings present many features of unusual interest and its youthful population brings life to the medieval streets and snug pubs.