• Aughnanure Castle - The first castle visit is to Aughnanure Castle, nestled in beautiful surroundings near Lough Corrib and the village of Oughterard. Constructed by the O’Flahertys, a prominent lord family of Connacht, in 1500, it stands on a rocky island along the shores of Lough Corrib. This castle is an exceptionally well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. Visitors can explore the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, a unique double bawn with bastions, and a dry harbour. Grace O’Malley, the infamous sea pirate from the west of Ireland, was married to Donal O’Flaherty.
• Quiet Man Bridge - This bridge gained fame from the 1950s classic film “The Quiet Man,” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. It attracts tourists worldwide and is considered one of the top 100 films ever made.
• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - The next castle stop is Kylemore Abbey, originally established by English industrialist Mitchell Henry as a gift for his wife, now a Benedictine monastery. Visitors have a few hours to explore this romantic abbey, its Victorian walled gardens, and Gothic church. (Entrance to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens is not included in the cost.) Enjoy refreshments at the onsite café for lunch.
• Clifden Castle - Situated on the scenic Sky Road, west of Clifden town, Clifden Castle was built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style by John D’Arcy (1785 – 1839), the founder of Clifden Town, now the capital of the Connemara region of Galway. Originally, the Clifden Castle estate spanned over 17,000 acres. However, the D’Arcy family lost these lands in the mid-1800s due to bankruptcy from debts incurred during the Great Potato Famine. The castle has changed ownership multiple times, and the surrounding land has been divided and sold, leading to its ruin in the late 19th century. Today, only the stone shell remains, partially covered in thick ivy.
• Ballynahinch Castle - This lakeside castle is rich in history and linked to one of Galway’s 14 tribes, the Martin family. Richard Martin founded the RSPCA, and Edward Martin, a friend of WB Yeats and Lady Gregory, later established the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Note that the view is of the original old castle on the island in Ballynahinch Lough.

• Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
• Guided tour of Connemara in minivan
• Entrance into Aughnanure Castle

• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Admission fees

Join this captivating day tour to discover the renowned Castles of Connemara as we journey west into this picturesque region, celebrated for its untamed and dramatic landscapes and seascapes.
The first castle visit is to Aughnanure Castle. Constructed by the O’Flahertys in 1500, this castle is an exceptionally well-preserved example of an Irish tower house.
The next stop is in the charming village of Oughterard for a brief coffee break before visiting the famous ‘Quiet Man’ bridge.
As we navigate through the scenic Connemara, the next castle stop is Kylemore Abbey, established by English industrialist Mitchell Henry and now a Benedictine monastery. Spend the next few hours exploring this romantic Abbey, its Victorian walled gardens, and Gothic church.
We proceed to the capital of Connemara, the vibrant town of Clifden. On the way (weather permitting), we drive along the scenic Sky Road, viewing Clifden Castle, a ruined manor house built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style.
After a day of exploration, we return 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.