**Meeting Time: 09:45am

**Meeting Point: Hyde Hotel, Galway City Center

ITINERARY:

Galway City Center – Tour Departure

This tour departs at 10 am sharp from the centre of Galway City, on Foster Street just outside the Hyde Hotel. We encourage guests to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start to the day’s exploration.

Captivating Photo Stops Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, the bus will stop on numerous occasions for some captivating photo stops, allowing guests to get some shots of the scenic beauty of the Connemara region. From the charming Oughterard to the majestic River Corrib, the awe-inspiring Twelve Bens Mountain Range, and the iconic Maam Cross, your camera will be your trusted companion. Or, keep it old school, and use these stops as an opportunity to really soak in this beautiful part of Ireland, device-free.

Oughterard – Riverside Village

The tour heads north-west, leaving the city behind and passing through commuter villages such as Moycullen and Roscahill, reaching Oughterard, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the River Corrib and historic thatched-roof cottages, setting the stage for a day of immersion into the beauty of Connemara.

Connemara Ponies and Native Wildlife

As you journey through Connemara, you’ll have the privilege of encountering Connemara ponies, a beloved native breed of horse. It’s very likely you’ll come across some wild Connemara mountain sheep during the tour. They freely graze in the region and might even cross your path. There’s no need to be alarmed; these curious creatures are a cherished part of Connemara’s landscape! Keep an eye out for some typical Irish cattle breeds such as Charolais, Angus, Belgian Blue, and Hereford cows. You’ll be utterly amazed by how slow they moooove.

Step Back in Time at Ancient Ruins

Continuing on this picturesque route, you’ll chance upon stone ruins of homesteads from eras long past, serving as poignant reminders of Ireland’s rich history. These ancient ruins, combined with the scenic beauty, create a profound connection to Ireland’s past, where history and nature entwine.

Maam Cross – The Connemara Cross Roads

At Maam Cross, a pivotal crossroads in the heart of Connemara, the tour takes a right turn, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s transportation history. The tour progresses towards Recess, the gateway to the mesmerising landscapes of Joyce Country, where you’re greeted by the serene beauty of Connemara’s shimmering loughs and the majestic Twelve Bens Mountain Range.

Romantic Film Locations

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to delve deeper into ‘the real Ireland’ as you visit iconic film locations. You’ll see why Hollywood directors chose Connemara as backdrops to movies such as The Field and most recently, Marley & Me. This fascinating glimpse into the film history of the region adds an extra layer of enchantment to the tour.

Stop at Leenane Village – Coffee Time!

The tour then leads to Leanne Village, a secluded and scenic haven. 

This tiny mountain-side village is simply bursting with colorful Irish charm and overflowing with ever-changing scenery.

Here, your driver will recommend the best places to enjoy a snack and a coffee. A particular favourite among our guests is the Sheep and Wool Centre in Leanne, offering a unique experience and the chance to take home traditional Irish woollen souvenirs.

Killary Fjord – Stunning View Point

The tour continues alongside beautiful lakes, leading to the Killary Fjord lookout, where you’ll enjoy one of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. 

Ireland’s only fjord serves as the natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. This breathtaking vista helps tell the story of millions of years of natural geographical evolution, while also doubling as a featured photo stop.

Along the way, your guide will introduce you to an Irish fairy tree, revealing its significance in Irish folklore.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens Estate

Extravagantly placed on a lake in the midst of the mountains, this 19th-century abbey is now home to a new visitor experience, telling the stories of the generations of people who lived, worked, studied, and prayed inside its thick granite walls

Dive into the fascinating history of Kylemore Abbey and its immaculate gardens. 

You’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to explore the Neo-Gothic church, Victorian Gardens, restored Gardeners House, and more! Your guide will provide valuable insights on how to make the most of your time.

There is a free shuttle bus to the Victoria Walled Gardens, making this enchanting oasis on the west side of the estate accessible to all. 

The Victorian Walled Gardens comprise of roughly 6 acres, divided in two by a beautiful mountain stream. Each side boasts an eclectic yet meticulously organized array of flora, all native to the West of Ireland. 

You can also visit the Old Gardener’s Cottage. (Entrance fee is included in your tour price)

Top off your visit with a delectable lunch in the restaurant and a visit to the gift shop, where you can pick up souvenirs, including exquisite Aran knitwear.

Journey through Inagh Valley

In the afternoon, the journey leads you through the Inagh Valley, where the trees form a picturesque canopy over the road, reminiscent of scenes from a movie! Returning to Maam Cross, you’ll head south into Connemara, an Irish-speaking region that offers a glimpse into life in these remote and traditional Irish communities

Connemara's Stunning Loughs and Islands

The tour takes you on a picturesque route through Connemara, allowing you to admire the region’s beautiful loughs and islands. These landscapes are an invitation to connect with the unspoiled natural world.

Gaeltacht Areas (Irish-Speaking Regions)

Head towards South Connemara into Gaeltacht areas like Camus and Screeb and admire the breathtaking Screeb Waterfall. As you journey through this region, you’ll have the opportunity to see anglers’ huts on small islands dotting the beautiful lakes.

South Connemara's Unique Landscape

The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation in South Connemara, characterized by flat terrain and limestone features that bear an uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon.

You may encounter Native Connemara Ponies - These short-eared ponies are said to have come to Ireland from Scandinavia along with the Vikings but have since earned a much more relaxed reputation. We assume that's what the West of Ireland does to you.
And you're guaranteed to spot at least a few hundred sheep in Connemara, regardless of weather or time of year. They're so cute they will make you want to come baaaaaaack...

Wild Atlantic Way

Driving through Costello, Baile na Habhann, and Inverin, all Irish-speaking Gaeltacht areas, you’ll gain a sense of what it would be like to live in these vibrant communities. Along the way, enjoy captivating views of Galway Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean, with the tour taking you parallel to the coast and offering stunning views of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Spiddal (An Spidéal) – Coastal Village

Pass through the area of Cois Fharriage, which translates to ‘Beside the Sea,’ allowing you to experience the rugged beauty of the Irish coastline. 

This second half of our tour takes the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive along South Connemara, but not without a stop at one of our absolute favourite seaside villages, An Spidéal.

An Spidéal is a charming coastal town located in a Gaeltacht area. Here, you have the option to visit souvenir shops or enjoy a cup of coffee at a favorite spot, Rúnda coffee shop, owned by a local family.

Back To Galway City

As the tour draws to a close, you’ll drive through Salthill and Barna, making your way back into Galway City. The tour typically returns to the city between 5:15 and 5:30, contingent on traffic conditions. This provides the ideal opportunity to head into the heart of Galway for a tasty evening meal. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations!

HIGHLIGHTS:

☘️ Experience the Mountains, Lakes and rich culture of Connemara.

☘️ 19th century Kylemore Abbey, its neo-gothic church and Victorian Walled Gardens.

☘️ Leenane Village

☘️ Killary Fjord

☘️An Spideal 

☘️Encounter Native Connemara Ponies and Sheep

☘️The Wild Atlantic Way

☘️Inagh Valley

☘️Maam Cross

☘️Ancient Ruins 

☘️See The Twelve Bens Mountain Range

☘️Explore Film Locations for ‘The Quiet Man’, The Field, Marley & Me and many more silver-screen flicks.

ABOUT THIS TRIP

On this tour to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, expect to take a fascinating look into the traditional way of life on the West Coast of the Emerald Isle! Discover the history that has shaped the region, be prepared to learn a bit of the Irish language, and hear tales of the local residents.

This full-day guided tour has been designed to showcase the best of the West of Ireland, providing an immersive experience that encapsulates the essence of this enchanting region. As you travel from Galway City, listen to your expert driver/guide share the origin of the Irish language and how it is still the native language of Connemara, despite its diminishing status in the rest of Ireland.

From the rugged beauty of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range to the serenity of Connemara’s lakes, and encounters with native Connemara ponies and sheep to the charm of traditional thatched cottages, every moment is an invitation to savour the authentic rural beauty of Ireland.

Delving deeper into Connemara, the tour unveils the awe-inspiring Kylemore Abbey and its historic estate, allowing you to step back in time. Dating back to the late 1800s, Kylemore has become one of the most iconic attractions in the region. For the past 100 years, the abbey has acted as the residence of the Benedictine order of nuns, but it’s open to all to visit. The six-acre Victorian walled gardens are particularly breathtaking, with native flowers, vegetables, and herbs all growing in abundance.

This Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour from Galway offers a profound and unforgettable experience, promising a deeper understanding of Ireland’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you venture into Irish-speaking rural areas, you’ll gain a genuine sense of the nation’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

You will gain a deeper understanding of Ireland’s cultural heritage, folklore, and history from your expert local guide. The tour presents ample opportunities to experience the ‘Craic’ – the unique spirit of Irish fun and conviviality. As your guide shares stories and traditions passed down through generations, you’ll uncover customs and geographical nuances that define this island nation’s exceptional character.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

**Ticket

You will receive confirmation and receipt for your reservation immediately upon booking. You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email shortly after. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.

**Food & Drink Not Included
Cost of lunch and drinks not included in tour price. 

**When to Book?

Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.

**Should I tip?

Gratuities are not required. However we think the drivers and guides put a lot of passion and time into their craft, so if you enjoyed your experience, please do tip your driver and guide appropriately – it is truly appreciated.

Céad míle fáilte!