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
4.8573 reviews
5
500
4
53
3
7
2
2
1
11
Our guide and driver Mike...
Our guide and driver Mike was great. He told us a lot of history of the area. Great timing and the tour was worth the money and time.
Habiba_TMay 14, 2026VIATOR
Mike, exceptional guide!
Connemara is a beautiful region, and Kylemore Abbey is an impressive site. Mike, our driver and guide, was exceptional. A lot of information on various topics. The best guide!
Heidi_SMay 13, 2026VIATOR
Thank you for great views!
I really enjoyed the tour. The hike was worth the views. Pavel was an enjoyable tour guide and shared some great insights into Ireland's culture. Would recommend
Kassandra_TMay 8, 2026VIATOR
It was a long day. The...
It was a long day. The bus was comfortable and the tour guide Mike was great. The restaurant was very crowded. And bring cash. The card machine was down when we were there. Also need cash to get in. Highly recommend
michele_eMay 1, 2026VIATOR
Visit the National Park and Hike if you Like Nature
Mike was awesome! Highly recommend visiting Connemara National Park and doing the hike. If you hike quickly, you can summit a large hill/small mountain, and if you don't prefer to hike or you walk slower, there is a 1 hr round-trip walk you can take that is much more mild! 10/10 would recommend the national Park of you enjoy nature. I could have skipped Kylemore Abbey and been fine. The outside is pretty, but inside it has been renovated, so it doesn't hold the same architectural charm on the inside. It's more of a museum.
Jaden_JApr 26, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult