Things to do in

Connemara National Park

Experience the wild beauty of Ireland on this full-day tour of Connemara from Galway. We make our first photo stop in the Inagh Valley, a stunning lake valley in the heart of Connemara with a long history to boot. Next, on to Kylemore Abbey where we stop for approximately 2 hours. Here you can tour the expansive grounds, explore the Neo-Gothic castle & mausoleum, visit the Victorian gardens and enjoy a hearty lunch break. Entrance into Kylemore Abbey and Gardens is not included in the tour price. The price is discounted for our customers however and is collected in cash by our driver. Leaving Kylemore in the afternoon, we travel north to the breathtaking Killary Harbour, one of only three fjords in Ireland and by far the largest, to take in the sights of the magnificent sunken valley. Then set off through the hidden and wild valleys of north Connemara, a region called "Joyce Country", so named for the old Irish clan that once ruled it. Here we stop at the shores of Lough Nafooey, another glacial lake surrounded by hills that are the last remains of an ancient, long extinct volcano. Lastly, we enter Cong Village and explore Cong Woods, one of Ireland's largest native forests. Here you can stroll around the village that was the backdrop of the 1950's classic movie, ‘The Quiet Man,’ or feed the ducks on the edge of Lough Corrib - the Republic of Ireland's largest lake. We recommend you visit the ruins of Cong Abbey, an Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century and one of the best examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland. Leaving Cong Village, we head directly south to Galway City along the eastern side of the mighty Lough Corrib, completing our loop of the lake, before disembarking and finishing back in Galway by approximately 6:00 PM.

Explore Connemara National Park on a day trip from Galway. Pass through charming villages along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy 3 hours to explore the beautiful rural areas of Connemara. Meet your guide in the heart of Galway early in the morning and hop on the comfortable tour vehicle which will first take you through the Claddagh and Salthill and along the coastal road of Connemara which forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Learn about the unique culture and history of the area from your professional local guide. Travel along the Sky Road and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as you pass local villages like Barna and Spiddal. Stop for 3 hours at the Connemara National Park. Take your time to explore trails that meander through 3,000 hectares of bog, mountains, grasslands, and woodlands. Afterward, board the bus for the return journey to Galway, with photo stops at Kylemore Abbey and the Quiet Man Bridge featured in the 1952 John Ford film.

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.

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 Kilbeggan 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.

Day 1: From Dublin, journey north to Belfast, known for its industrial history and tumultuous past. Explore the city's highlights on a short tour covering its triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and discover the Titanic Quarter, where the famous ship was constructed in 1911. Explore the Titanic museum, board the HMS Caroline, or take a black cab tour. Leaving Belfast, marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Continue along winding roads to reach the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, where history and myth collide amidst stunning geological formations. Conclude the day in Portrush, a picturesque fishing village where you'll spend the night. 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: In the morning, head south along the coast near Donegal into County Sligo, known for its stunning views of the majestic Benbulben mountain. Just outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, home to the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some dating back over 6000 years. Continuing westward into County Mayo, a region marked by the Great Potato Famine, you'll navigate winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors, with glimpses of distant hills and the Atlantic coast. Stop at Achill Island to soak in its rugged sea views and tranquil beauty before a short drive to Westport, your base for the next two nights.. 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 free time sampling the town's seafood before heading to Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, for a tasting and museum visit. Return to Dublin.

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.

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. Connemara has an abundance of changing landscapes, wonderful features and attractions to enjoy along the cycle route. Loch Na Fooey is a fresh water lake with breathtaking scenery. Here, there's opportunity to experience a sheepdog demonstration (optional extra).An ‘off the beaten track’ route explores the regions surrounding lower Lough Mask. Stop and take a break at the fabulous lookout to admire the views over the lake. Lunch choices for a sit down meal in Clonbur village or a casual picnic stop close by are recommended options. The return from Clonbur village provides wonderful views over mighty Lough Corrib and Maumturk Mountains. At the end of the ride, you will be dropped back at your accommodation in Galway.