Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Guided Tour
About this activity
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
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Galway
- Guided tour of Connemara region
- 3-hour visit to Kylemore Abbey
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Tour vehicle departs Merchants Road, Galway, outside the Kinlay Hostel at 09:30. Please present 15 minutes prior to departure.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Pass by: Once home to Bruce Ismay, CEO of White Star Lines and Titanic survivor.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
Pass by: Built by John Darcy, founder of Clifden.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Bad weather couldn't dampen the fun. 3 hours is necessary!
This was a fine excursion, the only unfortunate thing was the entirely unable to predict or plan-for bad weather. Had to run in and out more quickly than planned. But honestly, the three hours at the abbey was brilliant - if we had great weather we still would have been rushed! We went quickly through the walled gardens, the abbey and the gothic church, barely having enough time to sit down and have lunch and visit the gift shop (which has quite a lot to choose from!). Definitely take advantage of this gem with its three hour (vs. two) window, even though it made for a long day, Mike made the ride go quickly. And the discounted admission was a bonus too! Biggest surprise: the very modest but fun "waterfall"
Fabulous Connemara
The guides give extensive history of the area you are traveling through and Kylemore Abbey. Not having to drive these roads also decreases your stress!
Nice visit to Kylemore Abbey with photo stops in Connemara
Stress free tour from Galway to Kylemore Abbey seeing Connemara region. It is a smaller bus than Cliffs of Moher tour as less popular. Will make several scenic photo stops along the way. We have 3 hours to either visit Kylemore Abbey or the National Park. There is a free bus inside Kylemore Abbey to take you to the walled garden but it is walkable. The Abbey has many historical rooms and ample time to go around several times if a big tour group arrives. Places to eat at the Abbey. Leaving the Abbey they will make more photo stops making it a long day. There was a needless stop at a service station for half an hour when we could have just drove back to Galway. Bring your own snacks for a long day.
One of the best!
Ilt is an excellent tour, wonderful scenery, beautiful buildings, AND we were lucky with the weather. Very pleased with the welcome we received and the punctual departure. Last but not least, Mike, our driver/guide greatly enhanced our journey with just the right amount of information, given with warmth and humour.
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.