09:30 - Depart Galway
Tour vehicle departs Merchants Road, Galway, outside the Kinlay Hostel at 09:30. Please present 15 minutes before departure.
Leaving the beaten path, your locally sourced and fully trained driver/guide will take you from the county 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, with some of the most stunning scenery of all Connemara Tours.
10:30 - Screeb Waterfall Viewing Point
A quick photo stop at the picturesque Screeb Waterfall.
The Wild Atlantic coast, along with Connemara’s wild beauty and unique landscape, inspired many writers and musicians. One of them was the French singer/songwriter Michel Sandou’s popular hit ‘Les lacs du Connemara.
11:00 - Pine Island Viewing Point
Another photo stop at Derryclare Lough.
Derryclare Lough sits at the entrance to the Inagh Valley, with the majestic Twelve Pins mountain range forming a dramatic backdrop. This is a popular viewpoint and a must-see spot along the Connemara itinerary. It’s also a great place for photo opportunities on Pine Island.
11:30 - Clifden
A chance to wander around the town of Clifden for half an hour.
The unofficial residential and commercial capital of Connemara, Clifden is the axis on which everything in the region turns. Founded in 1812, it is positioned between the mountains and ocean and has historical links to Marconi, Alcock and Brown.
12:15 - Sky Road Viewing Point
A photo stop at the Sky Road
The Sky Road is one of the Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way. One of the most breathtaking Connemara experiences, this 16km circular route starts in Clifden and rises high above the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you’d have to see the spectacular panoramic views from here to believe them.
12:45 - Connemara National Park (Páirc Naisiúnta Chonamara) – 3-hour stop.
On today's tour you have a choice of main stop. You can spend 3 hours in the Connemara National Park marvelling its nature. Or, you can surrender to 3 hours of Irish tradition and spirituality 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, climbing through wild uplands before rewarding you with jaw-dropping views across the region.
13:00 - Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens - 3 hour stop
For those who don’t wish to explore the 2,000-ha Connemara National Park, your alternative main stop is one of Ireland’s most iconic sights, Kylemore Abbey. Discounted admission is available.
Few buildings in Joyce country or the world have such a dramatic setting or history as Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1860s 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.
16:15 - Lough Inagh Viewing Point.
Another photo stop en route to Galway, at the inspiring Inagh Valley.
The Inagh Valley is one of the most scenic valleys not just in Connemara but in the whole region of Ireland. This romantic valley offers breathtaking views of peatlands, mountains, small lakes and glorious countryside where sheep graze freely.
16:45 - The Connemara Giant Viewing Point
A little bit of Connemara humour is associated with this popular stop.
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.
18:30 - Arrive Galway
The tour concludes here.
Your driver/guide will return you to our departure point on Merchants Road, Galway, where your tour for today concludes. Time to say a final ‘Goodbye’ or ‘Slan Abhaile’ to your driver/guide
