Dunguaire Castle's
Dunguaire Castle's
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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4.5
310 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
92
Average
41
Poor
7
Terrible
7
Dick Z
Bangkok, Thailand3,842 contributions
Jun 2022
As a young beginning tourist I might have enjoyed a “medieval dinner” in an old castle and perhaps even be excited. But those days are long gone and I have seen my share of castles, palaces, mansions and the like worldwide and am as such a bit more of a spoilt tourist. I was asked to join for the dinner at the Dunguaire castle but my expectations were low. The whole show is run by just a small staff with military precision. A lady plays appropriate music on a harp. At first there is a small welcome with mead, which tasted nice and there were refills. Then we go up to the third floor to sit at long tables with about 30 guests in total. The table is laid out with the appetizer, a salmon salad, which tasted very good. And that was all that was good for me, I could not enjoy the potato soup, tasteless chicken and apple pie, a menu that according to other reviews has been there since maybe a decade. I sent most back. There were jars of white and red wine, that was indeed plentiful and provided most of the calories I took. In between and at the end there was some entertainment in the form of a song or declamation of old poems. This went on for quite a while after the dinner had already finished. Finally there was some coffee downstairs and that was what we got for 63 euros each. Looking at the food that seemed very overpriced. So maybe this is fun for the beginning tourist but the more seasoned traveller will not find it very compelling.
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey A
9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
A wonderful adventure being transported back in time. Each staff member was dressed impeccably in period attire. The entertainment was phenomenal, a blend of the castle’s history, as well as Irish history as a whole. The food was exceptional, as well. Special accommodations were made for dietary allergies with grace and care. Well-done! Memories were made that will last forever.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yanie P
Indonesia358 contributions
May 2019
The landscape and scenery around are just stunning, actually. And also, you can see the beautiful view from the top but not sure it's worth the price of admission. It's nicely done inside, giving you the idea of what it was like back in 16th century. Though we didn't do dinner here but still love the place.
Written 28 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelle
12 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
It was absolutely worth it! You can book online on their site or in person, and it was a lovely time with songs, stories, and actually pretty decent food for a dining experience like this! The staff were all lovely and I would absolutely recommend this to my friends visiting the area.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave and Brenda
Tacoma, WA41 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
We made reservations for this event since it was listed in Rick Steve’s book, but it fell a little short of our expectations. The food was mediocre and the two actors were talented but the show was a little corny. The harpist was quite good. If you’re interested in the musical history of old Ireland you would likely find this enjoyable
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mandyjc4
Blairsville, PA43 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Lovely castle to take exterior photos of. No interior photos due to the castle being closed. Being built right on the water makes it beautiful to see. At the moment with the closure, there isn't any point it walking up to it, photos from a distance look the best. It's difficult to walk the whole way around the exterior because parts of the path are overgrown
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sleepy155
Hollywood, FL234 contributions
Aug 2021
Beautiful location on a rocky outcrop looking at the Galway Bay. The banquet is not being offered at this time due to covid. You can still book a ticket for the castle tour online. Worth a stop on your visit in the Galway area.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
8 contributions
Aug 2022
Spectacular setting for a fun medieval inspired dinner and show. The food is just ok, so don't expect too much on that end, but the actors and musicians were first rate. It's well worth a stop if you're in the Galway area.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StedeBonnet
Charleston, SC82 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
We arrived at about 5:00 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. banquet only to find that the castle was essentially locked down in preparation for the banquet with the only greeting being a sign that said "doors open at 5:15 p.m. Looking about at the relatively tiny, delapidated castle grounds composed of mossy stones, rusting gates and scruffy courtyard, we were immediately overcome by an impending sense of doom. By the time the doors opened, only one other couple had appeared to attend. We figured that we'd give it 30 minutes and then bail if things did not look up.
However, once the doors opened, we were ushered inside and offered an essentially bottomless glass of tasty mead. We chatted with the host performers and a few other couples while a harpist played traditional tunes and a busload of about 50 tourists from Galway streamed in to join us. The staff of performers/servers was friendly and entertaining. After an initial toast, we were led to the small and cozy banquet room upstairs. In the subdued lighting and rustic surroundings, we were quickly immersed in the medieval period. The performers proceded with poems, songs and stories from a small stage and involved several attendees in the proceedings as lord/lady of the manor and awarding a claddaugh ring to one person celebrating a special occassion. The food was hot and good, nothing too exciting, soup, salad, banquet chicken & vegetables and apple pie but the red/white wine was freely flowing and the mood was jovial all around.
In the end, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the entire experience and remember it as one of the highlights of our trip.
However, once the doors opened, we were ushered inside and offered an essentially bottomless glass of tasty mead. We chatted with the host performers and a few other couples while a harpist played traditional tunes and a busload of about 50 tourists from Galway streamed in to join us. The staff of performers/servers was friendly and entertaining. After an initial toast, we were led to the small and cozy banquet room upstairs. In the subdued lighting and rustic surroundings, we were quickly immersed in the medieval period. The performers proceded with poems, songs and stories from a small stage and involved several attendees in the proceedings as lord/lady of the manor and awarding a claddaugh ring to one person celebrating a special occassion. The food was hot and good, nothing too exciting, soup, salad, banquet chicken & vegetables and apple pie but the red/white wine was freely flowing and the mood was jovial all around.
In the end, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the entire experience and remember it as one of the highlights of our trip.
Written 9 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shapley_Hunter
Thebes, IL1,147 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Ere we stopped in Galway,
We paused long the way
To feast at the Castle Dunguaire.
As we waited to feed,
We sampled the mead,
Till ‘twas time to ascend the stair.
While gathered were we,
My wife and me
As Queen and King of the feast were selected.
Tho’ I cannot say
By what parlay
The two of use were elected.
At the table seated,
As royalty treated,
Leather’n crowns rested on our heads.
Soup and meat
Were quite a treat,
‘long with salad and soda breads.
Wine, white and red,
Flow’d as we fed
With mead from a pitcher of clay.
A Celtic harp,
And poetry sharp,
Entertained us during our stay.
At the end of the fete,
A fine sweet treat
Was rendered as the dinner’s topper.
Ere the crown I surrendered
I stood up and rendered
A toast, as I thought should be proper:
“May your lives be fun, and when they are done,
May your soul to Heav’n be bound!
But if no Heav’n be, then may be it be
That your soul shall reach Ireland’s ground!
But if your life is the sort that of Heav’n falls short,
May a decent Hell, in Ireland, be found!”
The feast completed,
We were unseated
And surrendered the crowns we had worn.
Briefly elevated,
We abdicated,
And were commoners again the next morn.
We paused long the way
To feast at the Castle Dunguaire.
As we waited to feed,
We sampled the mead,
Till ‘twas time to ascend the stair.
While gathered were we,
My wife and me
As Queen and King of the feast were selected.
Tho’ I cannot say
By what parlay
The two of use were elected.
At the table seated,
As royalty treated,
Leather’n crowns rested on our heads.
Soup and meat
Were quite a treat,
‘long with salad and soda breads.
Wine, white and red,
Flow’d as we fed
With mead from a pitcher of clay.
A Celtic harp,
And poetry sharp,
Entertained us during our stay.
At the end of the fete,
A fine sweet treat
Was rendered as the dinner’s topper.
Ere the crown I surrendered
I stood up and rendered
A toast, as I thought should be proper:
“May your lives be fun, and when they are done,
May your soul to Heav’n be bound!
But if no Heav’n be, then may be it be
That your soul shall reach Ireland’s ground!
But if your life is the sort that of Heav’n falls short,
May a decent Hell, in Ireland, be found!”
The feast completed,
We were unseated
And surrendered the crowns we had worn.
Briefly elevated,
We abdicated,
And were commoners again the next morn.
Written 18 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane M
Marshfield, Massachusetts
Hi, I am very interested in obtaining ratings of the castle from the artist. We traveled to Kimvara for over 25 years and Loved every minute! Hope you can assist me in this matter!!
Written 14 October 2024
Hello - can anyone please advise if these tours and banquet experiences are continuing this July? I’ve tried contacting and the new managers however had no reply. We are a family of 16 travelling from Aust staying nearby and wanting an authentic Irish experience for special birthday. Thanks
Written 16 January 2024
Missy M
Millersburg, Ohio
I have also been trying to book the castle banquet for beginning Oct and cannot get a response either. We will only be in Galway for 2 nights
Written 23 March 2024
Hi Mary.This experience sounds awesome. Is there much opportunity to explore the castle when attending the banquet? Thank you in advance!
Written 10 August 2019
We went early. Just tell them you have tickets for the banquet and they should let you poke around.
Written 28 January 2020
Hello,
Thanks for the reviews of the Dunguaire Castle's banquet. What is the recommended attire for the evening?
Regards,
Joan
Written 2 September 2018
It is really whatever you want to wear. I dressed up a bit, in a dress but it was cold and I wore capris under it! Most everyone was very casual!
Written 13 September 2018
Cual es el precio del banquete medieval
en el castillo
Written 12 June 2018
There is no dress code, at least none I saw posted. Everyone in our tour group had on whatever they started with for the day.
Written 9 July 2018
Thank you all for sharing your experiences at the Dunguiare banquet. Sounds like a great cultural event to attend.
One quick question. What time does the banquet end?
Written 20 July 2017
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