Connemara National Park Guided Tour
From€50
9 hours
Galway, Ireland
About this activity
Join a guided tour from Galway to Connemara National Park, featuring a 3-hour stop to explore its stunning landscapes, including Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens mountains.
Highlights
- Explore Connemara's rugged beauty
- Visit Kylemore Abbey's Victorian Walled Garden
- Discover the Twelve Bens mountain range
- Stroll along the shores of Killary Harbour
- Experience traditional Irish culture in Roundstone village
Full description
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Connemara National Park on this guided day trip from Galway. Immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes, including the Twelve Bens mountain range and the serene Killary Harbour. Enjoy a 3-hour stop at the park to explore its trails, visit the Victorian Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey, and experience the charm of Roundstone village. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Galway
- Guided tour of Connemara National Park
- 3-hour stop at Connemara National Park
- 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. A local ritual is to ‘kick the wall’ at the promenades end to signify completion of your prom walk.
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: Connemara stretches from Galway Bay in the south to Killary Harbour in the north, taking in 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 Irelands’ finest beaches with wide stretches of pure white sand lapped by the Atlantic Ocean.
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: This ruined manor house was built in early 19th century by John D'Arcy, 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
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for food and drinks.
- The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; consider your mobility when booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a waterproof jacket, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
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
- Infants Required On Laps
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Traveler reviews
4.8586 reviews
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Beautiful abbey
I mainly booked this trip to go to the national park, but chose the abbey since it was incredibly cloudy. Of course it cleared up while at the abbey. That was a little disappointing. Having to make a decision between two great places can be stressful. I wish they could skip all of the small stops and just stick with the abbey and the NP. But all in all the abbey was absolutely gorgeous and had a beautiful history/story behind it. The bus we took was very tight. The men next to me kept falling asleep on me. As a solo female traveler that was a little uncomfortable. The tour guide Mike was very informative and nice.
Kirstin_HJun 24, 2026VIATOR
We thoroughly enjoyed all...
We thoroughly enjoyed all the stops especially the Connemara National Park. The sights were gorgeous.
laura_bJun 21, 2026VIATOR
Awesome trip! Scenery was...
Awesome trip! Scenery was amazing. Strongly recommend (I chose national park). Vincent was a great guide & driver.
Jazz_SJun 19, 2026VIATOR
Awesome views and great travel guide!
We had a wonderful day touring Connemara with our excellent driver and narrator Vincent. The three of us in our group spent three hours at the national park where one of us climbed to the top of diamond Hill. The park offers two less challenging hikes. The medium difficulty hike still took you to a viewpoint of spectacular views. The sites, our driver, Vincent, cleanliness and quality of the bus were all exceptional. Thank you!
Schells1Jun 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR
As above
The guide was fantastic;he provided great info on everything. He was very right and didactic. I recommend this man with reservations.
Marc SJun 10, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult