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Connemara National Park, Ireland

Connemara National Park, Ireland: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Galway: Connemara and Cong Full-Day Tour

1. From Galway: Connemara and Cong Full-Day Tour

Experience the wild beauty of Ireland on this full-day tour of Connemara from Galway. Visit Cong Village, which was featured in the classic "The Quiet Man" and Kylemore Abbey. First, stop at Cong Abbey, an Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century and one of the best examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture.  Enter Cong Village and explore Cong Woods, stroll around the village that was in the 1950s classic movie, ‘The Quiet Man,’ or feed the ducks on the edge of Lough Corrib - the Republic of Ireland's largest lake. Admire Connemara's hidden valleys upon entering on the Lough Nafooey route.  Continue to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a lunch break. Entrance into Kylemore Abbey and Gardens is not included in the tour price (purchase discounted entrance tickets from your driver on the day of the tour).  Leaving Kylemore in the late afternoon, drive through Inagh Valley, Maam Cross, and Oughterard. Complete the circuit of Lough Corrib before arriving home to Galway City. 

From Galway: Connemara National Park Full Day Tour

2. From Galway: Connemara National Park Full Day Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Galway on this guided tour to Connemara National Park. Learn about the traditions, music, and language of the region before enjoying free time to explore the park and hike Diamond Hill. Start by meeting at the meeting point or making use of the free pickup option. En route to and from the park, your driver will break up the journey by making frequent photo and coffee stops and allowing you to soak in as much of Connemara as you can. With the help of your driver-guide, learn all you need to know about the region and plan how you'll spend your time at the Connemara National Park. Plus, get a chance to hear some local traditional music. Upon arrival at the park, your driver will explain your return time with you before you enjoy free time for two hours. Shortly after arriving, prepare for a hike on Diamond Hill. There are three primary hiking routes at the National Park, each varying in difficulty and length. Each route starts and finishes at a welcome center and cafe/tea rooms. After the two hours of hiking, meet your driver at the predetermined drop-off point and start to make your way back to Galway. The return route shows you the coastal side of Connemara, providing a different view from the outbound route.

From Galway: Connemara and Connemara National Park Day Tour

3. From Galway: Connemara and Connemara National Park Day Tour

Discover everything the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer on a guided full-day trip from Galway. Pass through charming villages along the coast and into the heart of Connemara. Meet your guide at the Kinley Hostel early in the morning and hop on the comfortable tour vehicle which will take you through the Claddagh and Salthill, and along the coast, through Barna, Spiddal, and Inverin. Listen to entertaining tales about the culture and history of the area from your professional local guide and driver. Enjoy stops along the way for tea and a visit to the Quiet Man Cottage replica. Continue through bogs and onto the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone next to Derrygimlagh Bog. Head along Sky Road and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic. Stop for 3 hours at the Connemara National Park. Take your time to explore the more than 3,000 hectares of bog, mountains, grasslands, and woodlands. Return to Galway and take photos along the way at Kylemore Abbey and the Quiet Man Bridge.

Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

4. Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

Enjoy a scenic tour of Eire and Northern Ireland’s Atlantic Coast on a 5-day package tour from Dublin. Stay in quaint bed and breakfast accommodation in Portrush, Donegal, and Westport along the way. Go to the edge of Europe at Achill Island, explore the new Titanic Quarter in Belfast to see where the ill-fated ocean liner was built, marvel at the dramatic geology of the Giant’s Causeway, and immerse yourself in Gaelic culture. Day 1: Depart Dublin at 09:00 and travel north towards the border with Northern Ireland. From here it is a short journey to Belfast, famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a short tour of some of the city’s key areas, arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter, where you will have time for lunch and a visit to the award-winning museum. In the afternoon, experience the contrast between the busy city center and the scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. Follow part of the coast from Ballycastle to the world famous Giant's Causeway. Marvel at the stunning coastal scenery, before checking into your overnight accommodation in the holiday town of Portrush. Day 2: Go to the walled city of Derry, designated a UK City of Culture in 2013. Enjoy some free time to explore the old city center, and visit one of the many museums or galleries. Then cross the border to the Republic of Ireland, traveling into one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of the country. Explore County Donegal’s dramatic scenery and Gaelic culture. Pass through Glenveagh National Park and the Errigal Mountains, before following the coast through traditional fishing villages. Stop for nature walks along the way, and soak up the local culture before checking into your overnight accommodation in Donegal. Day 3: Travel south along the coast from Donegal to County Sligo, and see the grave of the famous poet W.B. Yeats. Gaze at the mountain scenery of Ben Bulben, before exploring Sligo Town at Carrowmore, site of the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland. Continue west into County Mayo to discover an area hit hard by the great potato famine, leading many to emigrate to North America. Drive through large areas of farmland, bog, and open moor, enjoying panoramic views of the distant hills. Return to the Atlantic Coast and Achill Island on the edge of Europe. Savor the peace and quiet of the beautiful area, before driving to Westport for your next 2 nights accommodation. Day 4: Today’s itinerary is weather dependent, and your guide will advise the best things to see. Explore the beautiful house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, or marvel at the wilderness of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden to see where the first transatlantic flight landed. Other options include the scenic Sky Road and 12 Bens of Connemara. Return to Westport for an evening at leisure, and the chance to sample some local seafood in one of the many excellent restaurants. Day 5: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, before leaving Westport and going inland through the heart of Connemara. Visit the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib to see where the classic movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Explore Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, before driving through the Maam Valley to Galway City. Enjoy some free time for lunch, and to explore the vibrant city center. Return to Dublin, stopping at the old whisky distillery of Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan to learn about Ireland’s favorite tipple en route.

Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour

5. Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour

Experience the beauty of Ireland’s wild west coast on a 3-day tour that takes you from the dramatic Maam Valley to the pretty villages of The Burren. Enjoy fantastic coastal views on a clifftop walk at the Cliffs of Moher, see the landing site of the first trans-Atlantic flight, visit the Quiet Man Museum, and much more. You will be traveling by small minicoach from Dublin for a more intimate experience. Day 1 You’ll take the fast road from Dublin west through the farmland and peat bogs of counties Kildare and Offally. The destinations today are on Ireland’s dramatic Atlantic Coast and the goal is to get you there as quickly as possible! The first stop is the village of Kinvara, where you’ll have a chance to admire Dunguaire Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop looking out over Galway Bay. From here it’s just a short drive to The Burren, which is one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. The Burren is a land of limestone pavements, barren hillsides, rare flora, early Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. Spend a few hours exploring this unique area, stopping in one of the pretty local villages for lunch. After The Burren you’ll head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, which drop nearly 700 feet straight into the crashing Atlantic waves. Walk along the cliff-top trails, watch the many seabirds, or visit the award-winning environmental exhibition. From here the tour follows the coastal road, and you’ll have stunning views across Galway Bay back to Galway City itself, which is your base for the next 2 nights. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants! Day 2 Galway lies at the edge of Connemara, which is the area you’ll explore today. Travel inland through the Maam Valley to the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. It is here that the classic film, The Quiet Man, was made. Visit the Quiet Man Museum or Cong Abbey. Continue through the heart of Connemara and stop to tour the lovely grounds and house of Kylemore Abbey. Continuing on, you’ll experience the majesty of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden, where the first trans-Atlantic flight landed, and then drive along the Sky Road and take in the views of the 12 Bens of Connemara. Day 3 After a relaxed start to the day you’ll leave Galway behind and take some of the back roads through central Ireland on the way back to Dublin. The first highlight of the day is the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise, featuring a collection of churches, stone crosses and round towers beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Shannon River. Following lunch in a local village the tour continues through an area of unique peat bog scenery that is typical of this part of Ireland. Your guide will explain both its environmental and economic importance to the country. The final stop on the tour is Locke’s Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey and discover the true spirit of Ireland! From here you’ll continue east to Dublin, arriving at around 7:00PM.

Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way Fully Guided Day Tour

6. Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way Fully Guided Day Tour

Explore the rugged beauty of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way on the fully guided private day tour out of Galway City. Journey into the 12 Bens Mountains before visiting the jewel of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Kitchen Gardens. Get down and dirty on a working sheep farm before visiting one of Ireland's national monuments, the old cottage of the patriot, Padraig Pearse, and the interpretative center. Experience the stunning views of the Connemara Coastal Route.

From Galway: Electric Fat Bike Connemara Private Tour

7. From Galway: Electric Fat Bike Connemara Private Tour

During your time in Galway, take the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Connemara on a day trip to some of the region's top sights. Explore the area on an electric fat bike and admire the diverse landscapes on a private guided excursion with roundtrip transportation from Galway city. Begin with pickup from your accommodation in Galway city and travel toward the heart of Connemara. Before you begin the ride there will be a detailed demonstration and time for you to get familiar with your electric fat bike. Set off and make your way along the coastal route to Roundstone, one of the prettiest villages in Connemara. Make a stop at Ballynahinch Castle and take a stroll around this stunning location. Continue on toward the white sand and turquoise waters of Dogs Bay. Enjoy the scenery of the tranquil bog and perhaps explore the coastal loop at Cashel as well. Cycle along ‘The Western Way’ to the village of Leenane and admire views over Ireland's only fjord. Located at the end of the famous Killary Fjord, stretch your legs once you arrive at the village. If you wish, sit back and relax onboard the Connemara Lady on a Killary Fjord cruise (at your own expense). Make your way to Loch Na Fooey, a freshwater lake surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Joyce Country. Here, there's also the chance to experience a sheepdog demonstration (at your own expense). Stop for a break at the roadside picnic area beside Lough Mask. The bog road from the village of Clonbur provides amazing views over the mighty Lough Corrib and the Maumturk Mountains. At the end of the ride, you will be dropped back at your accommodation in Galway.

Other Sightseeing Options in Connemara National Park, Ireland

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What people are saying about Connemara National Park, Ireland

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 812 reviews

Amazing experience, Darragh (guide tour) was super friendly and gave us all the informations. He stoped many times for pics and told us about the Irish history. I extremely recommend the tour.

Very nice landscapes, i would highly recommend the tour! You will have the chance to take some amazing photos and discover Kylemore Abbey, a place you should not miss if you are in Galway.

I took the trip on 19 Feb 2023, The guide also the driver was so cute and fun, thanks for giving us an amazing experience. I also met a cute friend on my solo trip.

Our bus driver who also served as a guide was excellent. It was an amazing day and he outdid himself with his knowledge and openness to questions and discussions.

I loved the tour and the guide was superb. He was very knowledgeable, funny and stopped at certain points for photo opportunities. Would 100% recommend.