Recently Viewed
Castles of Connemara: Full-Day Tour from Galway Exploring Historic Irish Castles
4.7
16 Ratings
Galway
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
What's Included
- Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.
- Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
- Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Additional Information
Join this captivating daily excursion to the renowned Castles of Connemara, as we head west into this picturesque region, celebrated for its untamed landscapes and seascapes. Our first castle stop is Aughnanure Castle, constructed by the O’Flahertys in 1500 and a notably well-preserved Irish tower house example. Our journey continues to the charming village of Oughterard for a brief coffee stop, before heading to the renowned ‘Quiet Man’ bridge. We then proceed through the scenic Connemara region to Kylemore Abbey, established by the English industrialist, Mitchell Henry, and currently home to a Benedictine monastery. Dedicate the next few hours to discovering this poignant Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church. We proceed onward to the Connemara capital, the vibrant town of Clifden. Along the way (weather permitting), we tour the scenic Sky Road, providing views of the dilapidated Clifden Castle, constructed in 1812 following the Gothic Revival design. After a day of exploration, we revert to Galway City.
- Do you or any of your party suffer from food allergies? If yes, please inform your guide before departing on this tour.
Location
Galway Cathedral
Gaol Road
Please wait on the steps of Galway Cathedral facing the river/bridge and the driver guide will collect you from there.
The vehicle will have a sign in the window for 'Castles of Connemara' tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(16 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
F2149hgpaulw
May 26, 2024
Castles, Sheep, Mountains and Bono - Colleen was awesome. Super informative, great driver, very personable. She had some great family history to incorporate into the tour that I won’t spoil here but really helped us see what life is and was like in county Galway. We took more beautiful photos than you could fill a book with. Very lovely trip. Thanks again Colleen!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessie_b
May 24, 2024
Highly recommend - Beautiful trip! Our guide, Tony, was knowledgeable and friendly. The Abby grounds were gorgeous and the wild landscape was breathtaking. We were very fortunate with beautiful weather (we went late May).
Review provided by Viator
Britney_g
Apr 21, 2024
No better way to tour Connemara - Our tour guide Colleen was a Connemara native with generations of local knowledge and experience that took this tour to the next level. The stories she told about cutting turf taught us just as much and we're just as entertaining as the history we learned about the castles we saw.
Review provided by Viator
485aprile
Sep 19, 2023
Great Kylemore tour! - Our driver was great to be with and was flexible with our group. We loved having lunch with her and she provided such great background on the area! Excellent driver and tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa364913
Sep 19, 2023
Fantastic tour of the Connemara region and Kylemore Abbey. - Our tour was super from start to finish! Our guide Tony was an excellent driver and provided wonderful commentary and history throughout the day. We had plenty of time at each stop and never felt rushed as you often feel on the big-bus tours. We like to walk a lot and this tour allowed plenty of opportunity for that. We got in 3+ miles, but there was no requirement to walk so this tour would work for people who want less walking too. We had a great lunch at a pub and still lots of time to see Kylemore Abbey with all its sites.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Russell_b
Sep 12, 2023
Great tour and worth the day trip. - While the abbey is spectacular, Aughnaure Castle was an really a great stop. The guides and archaeologists on site were incredible knowledgeable and friendly. Our guide Tony was amazing. The day we booked others cancelled and we had a private tour. Tony was informative and so nice. The scenery alone is worth the ride, sky road and through the valleys. He took us to see things not in the tour and was simply outstanding. It is a long day, and the roads are winding and sometimes scary. We had lunch at the abbey and enjoyed seeing Cliffden as well. I thought it was well worth the day.
Review provided by Viator
Enrique_n
Sep 2, 2023
A perfect day in Connemara! - This was an excellent tour! We stopped at many sites throughout Connemara, including my personal favorites, Aughnanure Castle and Kylemore Abbey/Castle. It was a day very well spent exploring Connemara and the highlight of the day was our wonderful, knowledgeable, kind, funny and engaging guide, Tony. He is simply fabulous!
Thank you for an amazing day!
Review provided by Viator
Sarahmguenther
Aug 6, 2023
Castles of Connemara-a wonderful time - Tony’s trip around Connemara through the castles and villages was breathtaking. We were lucky enough to have a small tour and learned a vast amount from both Tony and the many guides that specialize in the history of their chosen locations. Beautiful views, great pace, and a really insightful time on history hundreds of years old and culture today. Would recommend to all looking for a thorough history, amazing views and an easy adventure. Worth the ticket for an intimate, local touristing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna
Jul 5, 2023
Castles tour was great. - Colleen was great and very informative. She made it a very personal experience. Everything was timed well but we could have used a little more time at the Abbey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_m
Aug 21, 2023
Was expecting more. - Folks who gave the tour were very nice. Driver was excellent on the narrow twisty roads. However the tour was a bit of a disappointment to our group. We only visited the remains of one castle, and we went to one Abbey. We were expecting more. Also the van had four seats facing backwards which made people nauseous.
Of our two weeks in Scotland and Ireland, this tour was our least favorite.
Review provided by Viator
More activities from this operator
