Things to do in County Mayo

Departing from Galway at 10:00 AM, you begin your fully guided tour of Connemara & Cong at our first photo stop near the scenic Inagh Valley. Our main stop is the enchanting Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens (up to 2 hour stop) . The admission fee for Kylemore Abbey is charged separately at the discounted price of €14 per person (tickets are purchased in cash from your driver). Admission includes entrance to the Abbey, the shuttle bus to the walled gardens and entry to the Neo-Gothic church. There is also a cafe and restaurant where you can purchase a hearty lunch or some homemade goodies! After the visit to the Abbey, you explore the wilder Connemara region visiting Killary Fjord and experiencing the stark beauty of the valleys of Connemara through the hidden Lough Nafooey route. Arriving in Cong village, you will enjoy a 45-minute break where you can inspect the ruins of the Old Abbey and take a walk in Cong Woods, wander the streets made famous by the Quiet Man movie before returning to Galway by approximately 18:00.

Experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rugged landscapes of Connemara on this day trip from Galway. Travel in an airconditioned bus and explore Kylemore Abbey and its elegant gardens with the included entry ticket. Stop in the charming mountain village of Leenane and take in the views of Ireland's only fjord at Killary. Then, get 2 hours to explore Kylemore Abbey and go for a nature walk in the Victorian Walled Gardens. Continue along the coast to the pretty Gaelic-speaking village of An Spideal to take a stroll amongst the many traditional thatched roof homes and admire the beautiful beaches.

Enjoy the unspoiled splendor of Connemara’s Killary Fjord on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise, and discover Ireland’s only fjord. The all-weather, purpose-built Connemara Lady can accommodate up to 150 passengers, and offers maximum comfort and safety to all passengers. Once on board, enjoy uninterrupted views as you gently cruise the 9-mile (15-kilometer) inlet of Killary Fjord. Head for the top deck to experience Ireland’s great outdoors and feel the cool air on your face. Alternatively, the Connemara Lady has full bar facilities, and the galley serves a wide variety of hot and cold meals allowing you to enjoy a meal, snack or beverage as the natural beauty of Killary floats by.

Among the many highlights of this full-day tour are visits to Glengowla Farm & Historic Mines and Galway city. In the morning visit the traditional farm and silver mines at Glengowla to see traditional farming methods including turf cutting and sheepdog demos. The tour then continues on through some of the most remote landscape in Ireland, and along deserted valleys that offer views of the lakes and mountains of Connemara. Stop at some of the most scenic points in the region. Later you’ll travel along the coast, admiring the fine views of Galway Bay as you make your way into Galway City. You’ll have a couple of hours to experience Ireland’s coolest city! In Galway you have the option of joining a local walking tour with a Galway tour guide or simply explore the charming city on your own before returning to Dublin.

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.

Visit a traditional working Connemara mountain sheep farm, meet the farmer and his highly trained sheepdogs, and watch a sheepdog herding demonstration. In the summer months, see a sheep shearing demonstration and try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade). Meet the farmer and his highly trained sheepdogs. Watch a sheepdog herding demonstration. In the summer months, see a sheep shearing demonstration. Try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade). Visit a traditional working Connemara mountain sheep farm. Meet the farmer and his highly trained sheepdogs. Watch a sheepdog herding demonstration. In the summer months, see a sheep shearing demonstration. Try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade).

Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Dublin – Connemara – Galway From Dublin you’ll cross the midlands of Ireland in style in the green Paddywagon! You’ll be in the west in no time at all. Experience dramatic mountain scenery that has been the setting for countless Hollywood blockbuster movies. You’ll stop in the charming village of Cong to see magnificent Ashford Castle and the ruins of Cong Abbey. Enjoy lunch at one of Cong’s quirky cafés and take a lakeside walk. Your route follows along the massive Lough Corrib on the way to Galway. When you arrive your guide will find a nice pub for you overlooking Galway Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery and some traditional Irish music. Consider taking an optional walking tour of the city with a local guide or participating in an award-winning pub crawl! Day 2: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Today you’ll have the wild Atlantic Ocean at your side as you drive along the west coast. See golden sand beaches and maybe even a few dolphins and whales. Explore the lunar landscape of the Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side by side. Then it's on to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Tonight you'll stay in the village of Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula. Mix with the locals and enjoy the character of a real Irish village, away from all the tourist traps. Pull up a stool by the fire or choose to dance the night away! Day 3: Dingle – Killarney Head out on the short drive to Dingle, a charming Gaelic-speaking fishing village. You’ll have ample free time for shopping and lunch before a pleasant tour around Slea Head. There will be loads of time off the bus to take in the views and maybe a wee hike, or to just breathe in that wild Atlantic air. Learn stories and songs of this traditional region from your guide. See Sleeping Giant Island and the famous 3 Sisters mountain range. Spend the night in Killarney, a popular town because of all the things to see and do. You’ll find traditional music, great restaurants, dancing, and an idyllic national park. Day 4: Killarney - Dublin The day begins with a horse and cart ride through Killarney National Park (optional) or horseback ride through the park for the energetic and adventurous (optional). Afterward he head for the world famous Blarney Castle. You will enjoy 2 hours visiting the Castle where you kiss the Blarney Stone if you wish After lunch we take a leisurely drive through the Golden Vale region, Ireland's finest agricultural land and home to some of the best livestock in the world. Before we reach Dublin, we'll pause at the Rock of Dunamase - a ruined castle perched high on a hill overlooking the province of Leinster - amazing photo opportunities and vistas await you.

Explore Connemara's Beauty and Traditions: Galway City to Connemara, a Sheepdog Show, a Medieval Castle, Cong Village, and more! This fully guided premium day tour is perfect for people looking for an authentic and immersive experience in the West of Ireland. Starting Point: Galway City Our adventure begins at 10.30 am outside The Hyde Hotel in Galway City. You'll hop onto our comfy bus, and we have friendly drivers to take care of you. As we drive, you'll see Connemara's pretty landscapes - hills, lakes, and big mountains. A guide will tell you cool stories about the area, making the ride more interesting. Aughnanure Castle: A Trip Back in Time Our next stop is Aughnanure Castle in Oughterard, 16th century medieval castle that was once the western stronghold to The Ferocious O'Flaherty's; a notorious Galway native clan. While visiting this historic site, guests will get a 1 hour long guided tour with an expert local historian. Step into a world of knights and nobles, wandering through stone walls, spiral staircases, and concealed chambers! Connemara: Untamed Nature Traverse the stunning Connemara countryside, where the Twelve Bens mountains dominate the skyline and mirror-like lakes such as Lough Corrib and Lough Derryclare captivate your gaze. Our guides bring the history and culture of Connemara to life, unraveling ancient legends and resilient communities that define this region. The intimacy of our small group allows for a more personal connection with Connemara's untouched beauty. Leenane: Quaint Village We'll visit Leenane village, between Counties Mayo and Galway. There are tall mountains all around, perfect for pictures. You can also enjoy tasty Irish food at local cafes. You can take your time exploring the village and enjoying the views. Sheep Dog Show: Smart Dogs in Action Witness a cherished Irish tradition as we visit a traditional Connemara sheep farm. Under Joe's skilled guidance, experience the remarkable Sheep Dog Demonstration—a true spectacle of canine intelligence. Watch as highly-trained sheepdogs effortlessly herd sheep, showcasing the age-old bond between man and dog. Engage with sheep and dogs, gaining insight into Connemara's culture and heritage. Cong Village: History and Peace Next is Cong Village, on the border of Counties Galway and Mayo. You'll visit a place called Cong Abbey, which is very old. Our guides will tell you all about its history. The village is pretty too, with cozy shops, pubs, and nice river views. This special tour shows you the best of Connemara - its beauty, history, and traditions. With our friendly guides, comfy bus, and exciting plans, you'll have a day you won't forget. Don't wait - book your Connemara trip now and be part of the fun!

Discover the majestic beauty of the Ring of Kerry and South Ireland on a 3-day budget tour by bus to Gaelic-speaking Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Mix with local characters, and learn the legends of the “Emerald Isle” up close and personal. Enjoy an unforgettable night in Killarney, Ireland’s party capital. Dormitory style accommodation is provided in hostels, with the option to stay in B&B or apartment-style accommodation for those that crave a bit more privacy. Day 1: Dublin - Connemara - Galway Depart Dublin for Galway, traveling towards the west of Ireland, and stopping en route for a comfort break. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Irish midlands. Experience the rugged wilderness of Connemara as you drive over dramatic mountains that have been the setting for countless Hollywood movies. Discover a working family farm and a historic silver mine at Glengowla (April 1st - October 31st) or visit the enchanting village of Cong (1st November - 1st April). Continue along the Connemara coastline to Galway City. Find a nice pub in Galway Bay to listen to some traditional Irish music before retiring for the night. Day 2: Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Kerry Experience the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive down the west coast. See beautiful beaches of golden sand, keeping a lookout for dolphins and whales along the way. Follow the route of the Atlantic Way, the world’s longest coastal touring route. Explore the lunar landscape of The Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Then, discover the crown jewels of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. See why the cliffs were chosen as a backdrop for the film "The Princess Bride," and why world surf champ Kelly Slater shot the award-winning surf movie "Wave Rider" there. Spend the night in Kerry, where nightlife offerings include the chance to sing a few of the songs your guide will have taught you during the day (please note that on some tours, accommodation will be in Cork, depending on availability). Day 3: Kerry – Blarney Castle - Dublin Take in some highlights of the Ring of Kerry (which typically include Moll's Gap, Leprechaun Crossing, Killarney National Park, Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall) before enjoying time at leisure in Killarney. Many guests enjoy an (optional) horse and carriage or horse ride. The journey back to Dublin takes you on a leisurely drive through the heritage town of Adare, with its fabulous thatched cottages, and the Golden Vale, Ireland's finest agricultural land with its rolling fields and pastures. Return to Dublin by 19:00 approx.

Ride a horse along the beach with sweeping views of Clew Bay. Explore the coastline at a leisurely pace and admire views of local landmarks including Croagh Patrick and the Seals Rock. Choose between two different tour lengths and set out on horseback to ride along the beach. Meet your guide at the stables and get kitted out with a riding hat and boots. After a short assessment, set out on horseback to ride along the beach with sweeping views of Clew Bay. Explore the coastline at a leisurely pace and admire views of local landmarks including Croagh Patrick and the Seals Rock. Pass by “The Seals Rock” and try not to disturb the seals as they bask on the rocks. See Dora Inch Island, formerly owned by John Lennon of the Beatles fame. Enjoy magnificent views of Clew Bay and its enchanting islands on horseback, with Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy pilgrimage mountain in the background.