Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Guided Tour
From€50
9 hours
Galway, Ireland
About this activity
Experience the beauty of Connemara and the historic Kylemore Abbey on this guided day trip from Galway, including a 3-hour visit to the Abbey.
Highlights
- Explore the scenic Connemara region
- Visit the historic Kylemore Abbey
- Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the Abbey
- Discover picturesque villages and landscapes
- Learn about local history and culture
Full description
Discover the rugged beauty of Connemara and the historic Kylemore Abbey on this immersive day trip from Galway. Your journey begins with comfortable round-trip transportation, taking you through the picturesque landscapes of Connemara. Upon arrival at Kylemore Abbey, enjoy a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour, delving into its rich history and architectural splendor. Along the way, you'll pass through charming villages, rolling hills, and serene lakes, offering ample opportunities for photography and relaxation. This tour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Galway
- Guided tour of Connemara region
- 3-hour visit to Kylemore Abbey
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Tour vehicle departs Merchants Road, Galway, outside the Kinlay Hostel at 09:30. Please present 15 minutes prior to departure.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: Turning left into the Claddagh, St. Marys Church on your right, has been a Dominican Church for nearly 500 years. A romantic legacy of the former Claddagh fishing village is the Claddagh Ring, the traditional wedding ring of the villagers and ideal Galway gift or reminder of your visit to Galway.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: Salthill is a vibrant area overlooking Galway Bay, the breathtaking backdrop and stunning scenery includes the famous 4km long Galway Promenade offering views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills with several small beaches separated by rocky outcrops along its length.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: Set between timeless moorlands and the blue Atlantic Ocean, the coast road meanders westward through the picturesque villages of Barna and Furbo to the cheerful Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Spiddal (An Spideal).
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: The village of Spiddal (An Spideal) on the shores of Galway Bay is a picturesque Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village. It is home to many traditional thatched roof homes, scenic coastlines, beautiful beaches and has a charming traditional appeal. Spiddal is an area which still manages to value the culture and traditions of Gaeltacht heritage.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: Once home to Bruce Ismay, CEO of White Star Lines and Titanic survivor.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
The Connemara landscape along with the Wild Atlantic coastline has inspired many writers and musicians including French singer / songwriter, Michel Sandou’s popular hit ‘Les lacs du Connemara.’
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Derryclare Lough is a freshwater lake at the entrance to the Inagh valley. This is a popular viewpoint for visitors to Connemara and a great place for photo opportunities of Pine Island.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Pass by: Leaving the beaten path, your locally sourced and fully trained driver / guide will take you from Galway out into the wilds of Connemara. You will discover stunning landscapes and explore the wildness of this enchanted land in our luxury tour coaches. En route, you will pass beautiful coastal villages, thatched cottages, fields of dry-stone walls and vast expanses of bog land.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
The unofficial residential and commercial capital of Connemara and the axis on which everything in the region turns. Founded in 1812, Clifden is positioned between the mountains and ocean and has historic links to Marconi, Alcock and Brown.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Pass by: Built by John Darcy, founder of Clifden.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
The Sky Road is one of the Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way. A 16km circular route that starts in Clifden and rises high above the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular panoramic views. On a clear day the view from here has to be seen to be believed.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
On todays tour you have a choice of main stop. Either 3 hours in the Connemara National Park or 3 hours at the Kylemore Abbey. Free, accessible and richly rewarding, the Connemara National Park is a gateway to a deeper level of intimacy with this unique landscape. The Diamond Hill trails are an idyllic hiking experience, one that climbs through wild uplands before rewarding you with jaw-dropping views across the region.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
For those of you who don’t wish to explore the Connemara National Park, your alternative main stop option is one of Ireland’s most iconic sights, Kylemore Abbey. Discounted admission available. Few buildings in Ireland or the world have such a dramatic setting or history as Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1860’s 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 will be able to source entry tickets at a discounted rate – cash only.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: NO
15
The Inagh valley is one of the most scenic valleys not just in Connemara but in the whole of Ireland. This romantic valley offers breathtaking views of peatlands, mountains, lakes and glorious countryside where sheep graze freely.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16
The tiny village of Recess (Sraith Salach – riverside meadow of willows) is situated 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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17
Pass by: The Quiet Man is a 1952 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by John Ford. It Stars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film is notable for its lush photography of the Irish countryside and a long climatic semi-comic fist fight.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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 jacket or sweater, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Traveler reviews
4.8186 reviews
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Our driver was excellent....
Our driver was excellent. The stops along the way added a lot to the trip. The abbey itself and the gardens were beautiful.
Paul_BMay 16, 2026VIATOR
A fun and educational tour
This was a great tour. Our guide kept us fully informed about the areas we traveled through, its history and geography. Our choice was to visit Kylemore Abbey and the three hours allocated to that was plenty of time to tour the abbey. He made plenty of stops for picture taking. I would recommend this tour, it was well worth the full day of exploring.
Joan_MMay 16, 2026VIATOR
The country side and...
The country side and drive were beautiful and Vincent was very knowledgeable. We would have liked to see more of Kylemore
adleslie25May 9, 2026VIATOR
Wonderful experience!
We saw a lot of Connemara National Park and had 3 hours at Kylemore Abbey. Especially the short stops during the bus ride and the 3 hour stay were great!
Maps28631221454May 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fun trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. A part of Ireland to be discovered
Great tour, great driver and fun passengers
katiesU2296DCMay 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult