Connemara Guided Day Tour with 3 a hour stop at Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens
Duration
9 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
About this activity
Discover the wild beauty of Connemara on this full-day guided tour from Galway, exploring some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks. This journey will take you through charming villages, stunning mountain passes, and along the scenic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Begin your adventure from Galway City, traveling west into the heart of Connemara, where the Gaeltacht culture and Irish traditions thrive. You’ll pass through picturesque villages like Spiddal, Barna, and Costelloe, where traditional thatched cottages and dramatic coastal views set the scene.
One of the first highlights is Pine Island Viewpoint, a serene stop by Derryclare Lough, known for its iconic Connemara scenery. As we continue, you’ll travel along the stunning Sky Road, a spectacular coastal drive offering panoramic views over Clifden Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
A key highlight of this tour is the three-hour stop at Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 1860s as a romantic castle, it later became a Benedictine Abbey and is now home to the Victorian Walled Gardens. Take your time to explore the elegant abbey, lakeside grounds, and tranquil gardens, learning about its rich history and stunning architecture.
For those who prefer the great outdoors, you can opt for a hike in Connemara National Park instead of visiting Kylemore Abbey. The park offers spectacular walking trails, including the Diamond Hill Loop, which rewards hikers with unmatched views over Connemara’s mountains and lakes.
After Kylemore Abbey, we’ll journey through Lough Inagh Valley, one of the most romantic and breathtaking valleys in Ireland, passing rugged landscapes, grazing sheep, and glistening lakes. Before heading back to Galway, enjoy a brief stop at The Connemara Giant, a quirky roadside sculpture with a legendary story tied to the region’s folklore.
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic Irish experience. With a local expert guide, comfortable transport, and carefully planned stops, this is one of the best ways to explore the wild beauty of Connemara from Galway.
- Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara, famous for its mountains, lakes, and charming villages.
- Enjoy a 3-hour stop at Kylemore Abbey, where you can explore the castle, lakeside gardens, and Victorian Walled Garden.
- Take in the stunning Sky Road, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Clifden Bay.
- Discover Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara, known for its rich history, lively atmosphere, and stunning scenery.
- Visit Pine Island Viewpoint, one of Connemara’s most iconic photo spots, with its picturesque lake and wooded island.
- Choose between visiting Kylemore Abbey or hiking in Connemara National Park, home to Diamond Hill and scenic walking trails.
- Drive through the stunning Lough Inagh Valley, a romantic and untouched landscape of lakes and mountains.
- Stop at The Connemara Giant, a quirky statue with legendary folklore tied to the region.
- Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned coach with live commentary from a local expert guide.
- Full-day guided tour with an experienced local guide
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transport from Galway
- Scenic stops at Pine Island, Lough Inagh, Sky Road, and Clifden
- Option to visit Kylemore Abbey & Gardens or hike in Connemara National Park
- Live onboard commentary, providing insights into Connemara’s history and culture
Weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footware.
- Wheelchair users, as some locations involve uneven terrain and stairs
- Travelers with limited mobility, as some stops require moderate walking
- People with severe motion sickness, due to winding roads in Connemara
- Infants under 1 year old, as the journey involves long periods of travel
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather in Connemara can change quickly.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to hike in Connemara National Park.
- Bring cash if you plan to purchase entry to Kylemore Abbey, as discounted tickets are available from the driver (cash only).
- There are cafés and restaurants available in Kylemore Abbey and Clifden for food and drinks.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions, so prepare accordingly.
- The tour requires a minimum number of travelers to operate; if this isn’t met, an alternative date or a refund will be offered.
- Photography lovers will find countless opportunities for incredible landscape shots throughout the tour.
No meeting points available.
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