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From Galway: Guided Tour of Connemara and Extended Visit to National Park
4.8
566 Ratings
Galway
The Connemara Day Tour departing from Galway provides a selection for a 3-hour primary stop:
Option 1: Spend 3 hours at the Connemara National Park.
Option 2: Enjoy 3 hours at Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden.
The Connemara Day Tour departing from Galway provides a selection for a 3-hour primary stop:
Option 1: Spend 3 hours at the Connemara National Park.
Option 2: Enjoy 3 hours at Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Galway - The tour vehicle departs from Merchants Road, Galway, outside the Kinlay Hostel at 09:30. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
- Claddagh Jewellers - As you turn left into the Claddagh, you’ll find St. Mary’s Church on your right, a Dominican Church for nearly 500 years. The Claddagh Ring, a romantic symbol from the former…
- Galway - The tour vehicle departs from Merchants Road, Galway, outside the Kinlay Hostel at 09:30. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
- Claddagh Jewellers - As you turn left into the Claddagh, you’ll find St. Mary’s Church on your right, a Dominican Church for nearly 500 years. The Claddagh Ring, a romantic symbol from the former Claddagh fishing village, serves as the traditional wedding ring of the villagers and makes a perfect Galway gift or memento of your visit.
- Salthill Promenade - Salthill is a lively area overlooking Galway Bay, featuring the stunning 4km long Galway Promenade with views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. Several small beaches are separated by rocky outcrops along its length. A local tradition is to ‘kick the wall’ at the promenade’s end to mark the completion of your walk.
- Barna - Nestled between timeless moorlands and the blue Atlantic Ocean, the coast road winds westward through the charming villages of Barna and Furbo to the delightful Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Spiddal (An Spideal).
- Spiddal - The village of Spiddal (An Spideal) on the shores of Galway Bay is a picturesque Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village. It boasts many traditional thatched roof homes, scenic coastlines, and beautiful beaches, maintaining the culture and traditions of Gaeltacht heritage.
- Costelloe - Once the residence of Bruce Ismay, CEO of White Star Lines and Titanic survivor.
- Screebe Waterfall - The Connemara landscape and the Wild Atlantic coastline have inspired many writers and musicians, including French singer/songwriter Michel Sandou’s popular hit ‘Les lacs du Connemara.’
- Pines Island Viewpoint - Derryclare Lough is a freshwater lake at the entrance to the Inagh Valley. This is a popular viewpoint for visitors to Connemara and offers excellent photo opportunities of Pine Island.
- Connemara - Connemara extends from Galway Bay in the south to Killary Harbour in the north, encompassing the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens, the gentle waters of Lough Corrib, and the wild beauty of the Inagh Valley. Connemara is home to some of Ireland’s finest beaches, with wide stretches of pure white sand kissed by the Atlantic Ocean.
- Clifden - Known as the unofficial residential and commercial capital of Connemara, Clifden is the hub of the region. Founded in 1812, it is situated between the mountains and ocean and has historical ties to Marconi, Alcock, and Brown.
- Clifden Castle - This ruined manor house was constructed in the early 19th century by John D’Arcy, the founder of Clifden.
- Sky Road - The Sky Road is one of the Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way. This 16km circular route begins in Clifden and rises high above the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular panoramic views. On a clear day, the view is truly breathtaking.
- Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre - On today’s tour, you have a choice of main stop: either 3 hours in the Connemara National Park or 3 hours at Kylemore Abbey. Free, accessible, and richly rewarding, the Connemara National Park offers a deeper connection with this unique landscape. The Diamond Hill trails provide an idyllic hiking experience, climbing through wild uplands before rewarding you with stunning views across the region.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - For those who prefer not to explore the Connemara National Park, an alternative main stop is Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most iconic sights. Discounted admission is available. Few buildings in Ireland or the world have such a dramatic setting or history as Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1860s by Mitchell Henry as a wedding gift to his wife Margaret, the magnificent castle at Kylemore is a must-see in Connemara. Your driver/guide can provide entry tickets at a discounted rate – cash only.
- Lough Inagh - The Inagh Valley is one of the most scenic valleys not just in Connemara but in all of Ireland. This romantic valley offers breathtaking views of peatlands, mountains, lakes, and glorious countryside where sheep graze freely.
- The Connemara Giant - The tiny village of Recess (Sraith Salach – riverside meadow of willows) is located on the edge of the beautiful fishing lake of Glendalough and is home to the Connemara Giant or Con MacNamara, a statue overlooking the village car park.
- Quiet Man Bridge - The Quiet Man is a 1952 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film is notable for its lush photography of the Irish countryside and a long climactic semi-comic fistfight.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry to Kylemore Abbey - tickets can be purchased from the driver at discounted rates, cash only.
- Hotel Pickup
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry to Kylemore Abbey - tickets can be purchased from the driver at discounted rates, cash only.
- Hotel Pickup
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Merchants Road
Tour departs: Merchants Road, Galway outside the Kinlay Hostel, H91 F2KT at 09:30.
Tour vehicle will have 'Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours' branding.
Please present 15 minutes prior to departure.
Tour returns: Merchants Road, Galway at 18:30.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(566 Ratings)
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Kade_c
Jan 20, 2026
We had such a pleasant... - We had such a pleasant time. Mike was very funny and knowledgeable about the history of the area. Would highly recommend to others!
Review provided by Viator
Shannon_s
Jan 5, 2026
Fun trip, Mike was a... - Fun trip, Mike was a great guide & driver. And Diamond Hill was a really fun hike in Connemara National Park. Great soup in the cafe as well.
Review provided by Viator
Phoebes801
Oct 31, 2025
Perfect - Really lovely day. Mike was lovely and everything you’d want in a guide, had lots of local knowledge and I learnt so much! The bus was modern and the drive was bumpy at times but felt very safe and comfortable. 3 hours was the perfect amount of time at Connemara and all the stops felt nicely spaced out with enough time at each to take in the views and get some pics. We’ve done a few day trips from Galway during our stay and this is the one I will be recommending to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_l
Oct 30, 2025
Mike is an awesome guide.... - Mike is an awesome guide. He is an incredible fountain of knowledge about the Conmara area and it’s history. He stops at areas to take great pictures. He goes out of his way to make sure you have a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_z
Oct 22, 2025
Connemara N.P. Day trip - It is an all day event. We had a great time with a great narrator/ driver, Vincent. Bring snacks, and water.
Review provided by Viator
Ethan_s
Oct 11, 2025
mike is king - Mike was our guide and he was so lovely! So much context, history, and humor. Definitely recommend doing this.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_r
Oct 11, 2025
Mike was a great guide!... - Mike was a great guide! He didn't overdo it by talking too much, or by being overly enthusiastic about everything. I really enjoyed this tour, as the highlight being the hike up to the top of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. We lucked out since there wasn't much wind and no rain. It's such a nice view up top! Just keep in mind that it'll take you almost as long to descend as it does going up. The tour bus I was on this day, was a smaller coach, and even had a couple tables in the back!
Review provided by Viator
Judy_h
Oct 6, 2025
Two titles, same tour. - The drive to and from the park and the abbey are as interesting as the abbey. Great way to spend a day outside of Galway.
The sign up was confusing - as far as realizing that the trip had two titles, one that mentioned the national park, and one the mentioned the Abbey- but they were the same tour. Would be helpful to clarify that you get to choose going to the national park or going to Kylemore Abbey.
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_s
Oct 5, 2025
Great day in Connemara - This was a great way to travel to Connemara from Galway! Our driver, Vincent, was wonderful and so informative of Irish history and cultural facts throughout the drive. We spent 3 hours in Connemara National Park and had the absolute best time. We hiked to the top of Diamond Hill and grabbed lunch at the Hungry Hiker Cafe. We had the best weather too. Great tour and would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Brenna_m
Oct 23, 2025
Mike the driver was... - Mike the driver was friendly, kind, and informative. We made a few stops for photo ops along the way and got us all there safely. Connemara NP was gorgeous! Glad I made the trip.
Review provided by Viator
