On our way from Dublin to the Cliff of Moher, we made a quick stop at Dunguaire Castle. This was the first castle I saw in Ireland and one of my favorites.
Although not on the Paddywagon tour itinerary, our tour guide stopped at Dunguaire Castle and gave us the opportunity to stretch our legs and take pictures.
Dunguaire Castle
Before we arrived, Lee, our guide told us two legends about King Guaire and his castle. But first a little history. The castle was built in 1520 on the site of King Guaire’s original residence on an outcrop in the beautiful Galway Bay.The word dun meant fort back in the day so you’ll see that lots of castles have dun in the beginning.
With that said, back to the legends.
Legend #1
King Guaire was said to be very beloved. People would often make a track to see him and ask for help with whatever was troubling them. According to legend, King Guaire always helped out.
Even after his death, people would still make the venture to his castle and gaze up to the heavens to ask King Guaire for help. So legends has it that if you visit Dunguaire Castle today and ask King Guaire for help with your troubles, he will do his best to so.
SL and I both asked King Guaire for help with our respective troubles. Fingers crossed that he is still listening!
Legend #2
Known for being caring, King Guaire would also help the ladies who were, let’s just say, a bit more sexually explorative than others.
King Guaire would walk these ladies around his castle clockwise and it is said that they would would regain their virginity.
So did we do it? Of course we did! Not because I was looking to regain anything I had “lost” but because it was a beautiful day and a great way to see the stunning castle grounds.
Legends aside, I loved our little pit stop at Dunguaire Castle. It wasn’t the biggest or most famous castle we saw during our trip but it was the first and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my memory.
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