I know why old Irish castles and towers stand on picturesque sites on the edge of the sea or on hillsides. Yes, our ancestors probably admired the views like we would do nowadays, but for them the main purpose was safety. Their homes required prominent positions because they needed to be able to see their enemies advancing from a long way off. It was vital they had time to prepare for an attack. Dunguaire Castle, near Kinvara and situated on the rocky coastline of Galway Bay, is a perfect example.