From Galway: Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through Ireland’s stunning Connemara region with the "From Galway: Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour." Explore iconic sites like Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle, each rich in history and architectural beauty. Enjoy scenic stops, a coffee break, and knowledgeable guides. This immersive experience promises an unforgettable exploration of cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. What awaits beyond the castles of Connemara?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Galway explores the iconic castles and abbeys of the Connemara region, including Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle.
• The tour provides an immersive journey through Connemara’s cultural and architectural heritage, with scenic stops at the Quiet Man Bridge, Inagh Valley, and Sky Road.
• Knowledgeable guides offer engaging storytelling and historical insights throughout the tour, which is conducted in English and limited to 10 participants.
• The tour includes comfortable and reliable bus transportation, with a meeting point outside Galway Cathedral, and offers excellent value for money based on customer reviews.
• Customers highly rate the tour’s overall experience, with praise for the guides’ knowledge and the quality and comfort of the transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque Connemara region in Ireland.

This 9-hour tour takes travelers to several iconic castles and abbeys, including Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle.

Along the way, guests will enjoy scenic stops at the Quiet Man Bridge, Inagh Valley, and Sky Road, as well as a coffee break in the charming village of Oughterard.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and is conducted in English.

It’s a great way to experience the history and natural beauty of Connemara.

Itinerary Highlights

The Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the region’s iconic landmarks.

The itinerary highlights include:

• Exploring the well-preserved Aughnanure Castle, a 16th-century Irish tower house with a banqueting hall and watch tower.

• Visiting the stunning Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery featuring Victorian walled gardens and a Gothic church.

• Discovering the historical Ballynahinch Castle, linked to the Martin family, founders of the RSPCA and Abbey Theatre.

• Enjoying a short coffee stop in the charming village of Oughterard, known for its thatched cottage pubs.

Key Attractions

Although the Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour features several key attractions, three stand out as the most iconic.

First, Aughnanure Castle is a well-preserved Irish tower house with a banqueting hall and watch tower, offering a glimpse into the region’s medieval history.

Aughnanure Castle, a well-preserved Irish tower house with a banqueting hall and watch tower, offers a glimpse into Connemara’s medieval past.

Next, Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery featuring stunning Victorian walled gardens and a Gothic church.

Finally, Ballynahinch Castle is a historical castle linked to the Martin family, founders of the RSPCA and Abbey Theatre.

These three sites provide an immersive experience into Connemara’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Transportation and Meeting Point

This guided tour includes bus transportation to the various sites throughout Connemara.

The meeting point for the tour is outside Galway Cathedral, in the Galway city car park. Look for a vehicle with a sign reading "Castles of Connemara Tour."

The tour provides:

• Comfortable and reliable bus transportation

• Convenient pick-up location in central Galway

• Knowledgeable driver to navigate the scenic Connemara roads

• Efficient transportation between the key castles, abbeys, and viewpoints on the itinerary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour. With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 43 reviews, the tour is highly praised.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the rich history and culture of the region to life. The transportation is also rated highly, with 4.8 out of 5 for the quality and comfort of the vehicles.

Customers feel the tour offers excellent value for money, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating in this regard. The Castles of Connemara tour is a customer favorite, delivering an exceptional sightseeing experience.

Exploring Aughnanure Castle

As the tour travels through the rugged Connemara countryside, the first stop brings visitors to the well-preserved Aughnanure Castle. This imposing Irish tower house dates back to the 16th century and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history:

• Visitors can explore the banqueting hall, where medieval feasts were once held, and climb the watch tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• The castle’s architectural features, including its spiral staircases and fortified walls, showcase the defensive capabilities of these strategic strongholds.

• Guided tours provide insightful commentary on the castle’s past owners and the intricate power dynamics that shaped Connemara’s landscape.

• Exploring Aughnanure Castle serves as a captivating introduction to the Castles of Connemara tour, immersing guests in the region’s historic grandeur.

Discovering Kylemore Abbey

From Aughnanure Castle, the tour continues its journey to the breathtaking Kylemore Abbey.

Nestled in the heart of Connemara, this Benedictine abbey boasts a unique Victorian-era charm. Visitors are captivated by its Gothic cathedral and the tranquil walled gardens that surround the property.

The tour explores the abbey’s rich history, including its transformation from a private residence to a monastery. Guests have ample time to wander the grounds, admiring the abbey’s striking architecture and the serene natural beauty that envelops it.

The Kylemore Abbey experience offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past and a moment of peaceful contemplation.

Visiting Ballynahinch Castle

Moving on from the enchanting Kylemore Abbey, the tour now takes visitors to the historical Ballynahinch Castle. This castle is linked to the influential Martin family, known for founding the RSPCA and Abbey Theatre.

Guests will:

• Explore the castle’s rich history and architecture

• Learn about the Martin family’s legacy and contributions

• Appreciate the castle’s scenic location along the Wild Atlantic Way

• Discover how Ballynahinch Castle has evolved over the centuries while retaining its charm and significance.

The visit to Ballynahinch Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Ireland’s past and the enduring influence of its aristocratic families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Lunch on the Tour?

The tour does not include lunch, so you will need to bring their own or purchase food during the scheduled stops. Lunch can be enjoyed at the various scenic locations featured on the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a fixed 9-hour tour. Customers can always book a private tour or explore Connemara further on their own after the scheduled tour.

Can We Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Customers can’t request a specific tour guide for the Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour. The tour company assigns guides based on availability, but they’re all knowledgeable about the area and provide an excellent experience.

Are There Any Physical Requirements to Participate in the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific physical requirements. It’s suitable for most participants, though the terrain at some sites may be uneven. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions during the day.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is a fixed rate of €126.35 per person, regardless of age or student status. Travelers can reserve the tour and pay later if desired.

The Sum Up

The "From Galway: Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour" offers an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s stunning Connemara region. Visitors can explore iconic sites like Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle, while enjoying scenic stops and a delightful coffee break. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, this immersive experience promises an in-depth exploration of the area’s cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: