Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic drive through Connemara's rugged landscapes
- Visit to the historic Kylemore Abbey
- Stroll through the charming Cong village
- Explore the Victorian Walled Garden
- Capture stunning photos of the Wild Atlantic Way
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Connemara region
- Visit to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
- Exploration of Cong village
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful Connemara castle, offers much history of romance and tragedy, captivating visitors who step upon its threshold. The Abbey is a beautiful, neo-gothic, building built-in 1868 by Mitchell Henry for his wife. It is now home to the Benedictine Nuns, and here you can enjoy their excellent home cooking while visiting the Abbey and the restored walled gardens. The grounds and surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in rich Irish history, and you can learn all about this on our Connemara & Cong Tour. The Abbey and estate are open all year round and include the Abbey, a Gothic Church, the walled gardens, a craft shop, pottery studio, restaurant and tea rooms, as well as the lake and woodland walks.
Lough Corrib is the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland and the second largest on the island of Ireland (after Lough Neagh). ( It covers 176 km² )
Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only true fjord and extends 16km (10 miles) in from the Atlantic .It's extremely deep, over 45m at its centre. This offers a very safe, sheltered anchorage, because of the depth and the mountains to the south and north. It is a centre for shellfish farming, and strings of ropes used to grow mussels are visible for much of its length.
Only an hour’s drive from Westport, Cong is a small village in south Mayo famous for its 12th century abbey, the lavish gold and silver processional Cross of Cong from 1123, the magnificent Ashford Castle, the village’s links with Oscar Wilde and, most popularly, its association with the John Wayne classic movie, The Quiet Man.
A magnificent Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light rain jacket, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Public car park near ( Q-Park Eyre Square , Q-Park Hynes Yard)
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Seats are not assigned
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Traveler reviews
Amazing experience
The Experience was fantastic. It was my first time in an organized tour and it was worth it. Ray, the driver, kept the whole trip lively, and the visit was fantastic. The admission fee is really good for the amount of things you will be able to see.
Great experience with Galway Tour Company
Galway Tour Company is conveniently located near Eyre Square in Galway's city center, and they offer all of the tours you would want in the area. Our friendly tour guide for the Connemara, Cong Village and Kylemore Abbey Tour was Mike who was really wonderful. He gave us lots of area information and history and was entertaining as well. The trip was so much more enjoyable for us riding the large, comfortable coach tour bus with Mike and his wealth of information than it would have been if we had rented a car and driven to the sites ourselves.
Go in this tour and ask for Mike!!
One of our best tours. Guide told great stories woven with the history of Ireland and the region. Gorgeous landscape. Time to get off the bus and explore in different areas. Fun, educational, uplifting!
Goreous Ireland
Beautiful Ireland at its best! I loved Kylemore and its history. The bus ride would have been better if we didn’t stop at so many rest areas. Also, less talking by the driver would been preferred. I know it’s his job to guide, but it’s not necessary to talk all the time.
You don't have these views in Dublin! Will visit again!
Tommy was a great guide! Handled the roads very well even with the sheep out on a stroll. Told us how to make best use of what time we had at Kylemore (could have spent 4 hrs there). Made some amazing scenic view stops as well. Great trip!