9 hour(s)
English
Included
€ 1083.6
€ 996.91
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Embark on a captivating journey through the majestic castles of Connemara, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and shimmering lakes. This private guided tour offers you the chance to explore the fascinating history of each castle and its intriguing owners. Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Galway hotel or accommodation, followed by a scenic ride west into the stunning Connemara region, known for its rugged beauty, serene lakes, flowing streams, and towering mountains.
The first stop on your journey is Aughnanure Castle, located near the village of Oughterard and Lough Corrib. Built in 1500 by the O’Flahertys, a prominent Connacht lord family, the castle is perched on a rocky island. Its remarkable preservation offers a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval history, featuring a banqueting hall, a watchtower, a double bawn, bastions, and a dry harbour. The castle has ties to Grace O’Malley, the infamous sea pirate, who was married to Donal O’Flaherty.
Next, we take a short break in the charming village of Oughterard, known for its thatched cottages and inviting pubs. Continuing through the ever-changing Connemara landscape, we stop at the iconic Quiet Man Bridge and the legendary Connemara Giant, passing through the tranquil Inagh Valley between the Maumturk and Twelve Bens mountain ranges.
Our journey continues to Kylemore Abbey, a romantic and historic site founded by Mitchell Henry in the 19th century as a gift to his wife. Now a Benedictine monastery, the abbey features Victorian walled gardens and a Gothic church. You’ll have time to explore the abbey at your own pace or enjoy lunch at the café onsite.
We then head towards Clifden, the vibrant capital of Connemara, passing along the famous Sky Road. Known for its dramatic twists and panoramic views, the Sky Road offers unparalleled vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Clifden Castle ruins.
The tour concludes with a visit to Ballynahinch Castle, located by a picturesque lake. This castle, deeply entwined with the history of the Martin family, is also known for its connection to Richard Martin, founder of the RSPCA, and its ties to the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
As we make our way back to Galway, enjoy the sights of storybook villages, rolling green fields, stone walls, and the iconic Connemara ponies. This full-day tour will leave you with unforgettable memories of Connemara’s majestic beauty and rich history.
It is advisable to bring appropriate warm, rain and windproof gear as weather is very changeable. Sun glasses, water/refreshments, camera and sun block.
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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We had a wonderful time in Connemara with our driver Shane, who was very friendly and passionately shared the history of Ireland with us. He speaks English very clearly, and I was able to understand him easily even though English is not my native language. Typical Irish music was played when he wasn’t speaking, which really helped us immerse ourselves in the landscapes. He even gave us recommendations for things to do in Galway in the following days. I highly recommend!
Cannot recommend the full day trip of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren enough. Our guide, John B, was so kind, friendly, and informative! He has a huge wealth of knowledge— from history, to pop culture, to the flora and fauna of Ireland. My boyfriend and I enjoyed listening the whole day long and felt like we learned so much. Ireland’s natural beauty is unmatched. Every stop was amazing— my recommendation, don’t stay on the bus even for the seemingly brief photo stops. My favorite moment might’ve been the surprise rainbow we saw right outside of Ailwee Caves! Maybe a little silly, but it felt quintessentially Irish. Prior to booking, I was super nervous about the weather as our trip was early November and I wasn’t sure if the Cliffs around this time would be worth it. After a quick email exchange with Eoin, I felt confident in booking this tour. He answered all my questions. We ended up getting gorgeous weather— I barely had to wear a jacket at all— and we genuinely had the. best. day.
We booked our tour with Lally Tours months in advance because the itinerary really appealed to us — and we were not disappointed! Even though we had a smaller coach, it was very comfortable with plenty of space for everyone and their belongings. The pickup instructions were clear, and the driver arrived right on time, greeting us warmly from the start. Our guide, John B., was fantastic — knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to listen to. Throughout the drive, he shared interesting stories and insights about every village, old church, and even the ponies we passed along the way. Each stop on the tour was well chosen, and we had just the right amount of time to explore without feeling rushed. Of course, the Cliffs of Moher were the highlight, absolutely breathtaking! John B. made sure everyone was accounted for before heading off to the next destination, which made the day feel relaxed and well-organized. Even the scenic drive back was memorable, thanks to a great playlist of local artists that added the perfect touch to the experience. Overall, it was a wonderful day and a tour we’d highly recommend. Lally Tours delivered exactly what we hoped for, a smooth, informative, and truly enjoyable experience from start to finish
Lally tours to the mohor cliffs was amazing, our guide John B was so kind and knowledgable! The tour is designed in a way that tackled a lot on my bucket list at once and the exploration of the caves was a feature i hadnt expected but appreciated very much. It was very affordable and well monitered!
What a lovely day spent with John B as our guide! John is quite knowledgeable about the area, and has a wonderful sense of humor. I very much appreciated his commitment to punctuality. The Aillwee caves are lovely, and without this tour probably wouldn’t have stumbled across them. I love Fitzpatrick’s concept! How wonderful to be part of something that’s offsetting their carbon footprint, going after locally sourced product, is clean, neat, tastes wonderful, and has awesome staff. Well done!
