Ireland · Castles & Palaces

Castles of Connemara day tour departing Galway city. Guided.

9 Hours Round trip from Galway Easy pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day guided tour through the landscapes of Connemara
  • 02 Visit the well-preserved Aughnanure Castle
  • 03 Enjoy free time at Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Gardens
  • 04 Travel through the scenic Inagh Valley
  • 05 Stop in the village of Oughterard for a coffee break
  • 06 Take in views from Clifden and the famous Sky Road
  • 07 See the ruins of Clifden Castle
  • 08 View old Ballynahinch Castle on the lake

Discover the wild beauty, history, and heritage of Connemara on this full-day guided tour from Galway. Travel by minivan through one of Ireland’s most scenic regions, where lakes, mountains, blanket bogs, and storybook villages set the scene for a day of castle visits and unforgettable views.

Visit Aughnanure Castle, a remarkably well-preserved Irish tower house, then continue through Oughterard and the dramatic Inagh Valley. Enjoy extended free time at Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Gardens, with time to explore and stop for lunch, before heading on to Clifden, the Sky Road, and a lakeside view of historic Ballynahinch Castle.

With a local guide leading the way, this tour combines Connemara’s rugged landscapes with some of the region’s most fascinating historic sites, all in a relaxed day trip from Galway city.

Visit Aughnanure Castle, a remarkably well-preserved Irish tower house, then continue through Oughterard and the dramatic Inagh Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Galway
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Meet at departure point at Galway Cathedral in Galway City centre

Meet time: 09h30. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time

Meet point: Galway Cathedral, Gaol Rd, Galway, H91 A780, Ireland

Please wait on the steps of Galway Cathedral facing the river/bridge and the driver guide will collect you from there.

09H30 Depart Galway city for Castles of Connemara tour.

Visit Aughnanure castle

Coffee stop in village of Oughterard.

Travel through Connemara through the Inagh Valley.

Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian walled gardens (3 hours) includes lunch stop.

Travel to Clifden and the Sky Road viewing the ruins of Clifden Castle.

Travel to view old Ballynahinch Castle on the lake.

18H00 Drop off back to Galway city centre

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Galway 1 city · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from meet point.
  • Guided tour of Connemara in minivan
  • Entrance into Aughnanure Castle

What's Not Included

  • Lunch
  • Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens

Know before you go

A minimum of 4 passengers are required for the tour to proceed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Galway, IE
Tour start
Galway, IE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Galway.

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