Kylemore Abbey

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.

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.

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.

Explore picturesque little fishing villages and tour the magnificent Kylemore Abbey. Start in the morning and hit coastal road through the villages of Connemara. En route, your locally-sourced and fully-trained driver and guide will entertain you with facts and tales from the areas passed. Enjoy a stop at Peacockes Hotel for a tea or coffee. Drive through the bog landscape to the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone. AFter that, it's on to the Derrygimlagh bog and Wild Atlantic Way. Make the most of a 3 hour stop at the jewel of the crown of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy this magnificent castle before journeying back to Galway via the Inagh valley, including a stop on the Quiet Man Bridge.

First, visit Aughnanure Castle, a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. Find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and dry harbour.  Stop in the quaint village of Oughterard with its thatched cottage pub for a short coffee break. Continue with stops at the Quiet Man Bridge and the legendary Connemara Giant and on through the desolate Inagh Valley. The next castle stop is Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery. The next few hours are up to you to explore this romantic abbey, its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church.  After the break, head to the capital of Connemara, the colourful market town of Clifden. En route (weather permitting), join the famous Sky Road (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) viewing the ruins of Clifden castle and taking in the panoramic views.  After departing Clifden we travel to view old Ballynahinch Castle on the lake. This castle is steeped in history and is connected to one of the 14 tribes of Galway the Martin family. Richard Martin was the founder of the RSPCA. Another Martin was Edward Martin who was very friendly with WB Yeats and Lady Gregory and later went on to establish the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Finally, make your way back through storybook villages. passing green fields marked by dry stone walls, and see sheep, cows, Connemara ponies and blanket bogs, before returning to Galway City.

Enjoy a wonderful day on this fully guided tour of beautiful Connemara, known for its wild and rugged landscape and awe-inspiring scenery of glistening lakes, tumbling streams, desolate blanket bogs and craggy mountains. Meet your local guide in Galway, and then hop on board a mini coach for a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. Set off along the southern shores with breathtaking views of Galway Bay, traveling through some of the most storybook villages in Ireland, marked by thatched cottages, dry stone walls, blanket bogs, and galloping Connemara horses. Experience the tranquillity and isolation of the boggy landscape, then continue your journey across one of the most rugged and untouched areas in the region, before stopping off at the picturesque and quaint fishing village of Roundstone. Next, stop at Derrygimlagh Bog (Wild Atlantic Way – Signature Point). This remote site was welcomed Alcock and Brown from the first ever transatlantic flight and was the center of the communications and aviation world in the beginning of the 20th century. After travelling through Clifden, the capital of Connemara, join the Sky Road (Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point), renowned worldwide for its heart stopping twists and turns, as it swoops and soars above the Atlantic Ocean. The views and photo opportunities from this ‘Discovery Point’ are panoramic. The next 3-hours are up to you, either ramble along gravel paths through rustic and wild Connemara National Park, or uncover the magic of Kylemore Abbey and its romantic Victorian gardens (admission not included). Choose to treat yourself to drinks at either stop. Re-join the coach for a weaving drive through the desolate Inagh Valley, between the majestic Maumturk and Twelve Bens mountains. Finish your tour with stops to see the legendary Connemara Giant and Quiet Man Bridge before returning to Galway City.

Check in Dublin Heuston Station (Customer Service Desk) for 07:30 departure of InterCity train to Galway (light breakfast available). On arrival in Galway we transfer to our waiting coach and strike out into the magnificent scenery of this region known as Connemara. We experience the lovely village of Leenane at the head of Killary Harbour Ireland only fjord. Our lunch stop is at the world famous Kylemore Abbey Visitor Center and Victorian Garden after which we travel through the Inagh Valley. See Twelve Bens and Maamturks mountain ranges. Plenty of shopping and photo opportunities en route. We continue on along the northern shores of Galway Bay and arrive in Galway for our return Intercity train to Dublin Heuston station arriving at 21.00. Departs Daily (Monday - Saturday).

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston Station (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00 departure of InterCity train to Cork (breakfast available). We visit Blarney Castle, the Queenstown Story at Cobh, then train to Killarney for two nights B & B with en-suite facilities. Day 2 10.00 depart Killarney on Ring of Kerry tour. We have a wonderful day viewing some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, including Dingle Bay. We also see the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain Carrantuohill, Moll's Gap, Ladies View and the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight in Killarney. Day 3 07.30 transfer from Killarney to Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher Tour, visit Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, overnight Galway City in 3 star Hotel (2 nights). Day 4 Get the ferry to Inis Mor and explore the largest of the Aran Islands. After lunch in Kilronan, enjoy a tour of the ancient fort Dun Aengus, admiring its sharp cliffs and dramatic seascapes. Day 5 10.00 depart Galway for tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey after which we depart Galway by train, arriving Dublin Heuston 20.45 transfer by tram to three star hotel for two nights (room only). Day 6 Check in Dublin Connolly Station at 07.10 departure for the Giants Causeway tour. At Belfast we join our tour and head to the famous Antrim Coast Road crossing the lovely Glens of Antrim en route to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede* rope bridge (Mid March - October only. Glimpse the Scottish coast on a clear day. We continue to the stunning Giant's Causeway next, seeing Dunluce Castle (photo stop only). We return to Belfast and our train to Dublin arriving at Connolly station at 22:20 for second night in three star hotel. Depart Monday/Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (March to October only) * Price is per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston station (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00 departure of InterCity train to Limerick (breakfast available). We join our coach here for a short tour of Limerick City and then to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park(admission included). Next we visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher, Black Head, the Burren and Galway Bay overnighting in the heart of Galway City(3 star hotel accommodation - bed and full Irish breakfast) Day 2 At 10:00h we head into magnificent Connemara where John Ford filmed "The Quiet Man" in 1951, taking in Clifden, Kylemore Abbey (reduced admission rate applies to Abbey itself), Leenane and Killary Harbour or Roundstone, the Coral Beach and the Sky Road. See lots of breathtaking wild Atlantic coastline. We return to Galway for our return InterCity train to Dublin Heuston arriving at 21:00h. Prices are per person sharing - single room supplement applies Departs Daily (Monday - Saturday)

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00am departure of InterCity train (breakfast available) to Cork. We transfer to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. After time for lunch and shopping we have a short city tour of Cork and then visit Cobh Heritage Centre home of the "Queenstown Story". We travel back to Cork station for train to Killarney where we are transferred to our comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation (with en-suite facilities). Evening free. Day 2 10:00 we embark on the famous Ring of Kerry tour which is a largely coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula - lots of stunning mountain and coastal scenery, including the famous Lakes of Killarney. Day 3 07.30 transfer from Killarney to Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher tour visit Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, overnight Galway City in 3 star Hotel. Day 4 10.00 depart Galway for tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey after which we depart Galway by train, arriving Dublin Heuston 21.00. Depart Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday * Price is per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies