Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day

5.0 | 21 reviews

9 hours Mobile ticket Free Cancellation

Tickets from € 123.00

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November 2024

You can select up to 15 travellers in total

Adult (18 - 64)

Maximun: 15

Hop on board this fascinating day tour as we explore the famous Castles of Connemara and travel west into this scenic region, famed for its wild and rugged land and seascapes. Our first castle visit is to Aughnanure Castle. Built by the O’Flahertys in 1500, this castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. Next stop in the quaint village of Oughterard for a short coffee break and onto see the famous ‘Quiet Man ‘ bridge. Weaving our way through scenic Connemara, our next castle stop is Kylemore Abbey, founded by English industrialist Mitchell Henry and now a Benedictine monastery. Spend the next few hours exploring this romantic Abbey, its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church. We head to the capital of Connemara, the colourful town of Clifden. En-route (and weather permitting) we drive scenic Sky Road, viewing Clifden Castle, a ruined manor house, built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style. After our day of exploring we return to Galway City.

Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.
Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
Gratuities
Lunch

Departure Point

Gaol Rd, Galway, H91 A780, Ireland Please wait on the steps of Galway Cathedral facing the river/bridge and the driver guide will collect you from there. The vehicle will have a sign in the window for 'Castles of Connemara' tour.

Return Details

Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, Ireland
Our first castle visit is to Aughnanure Castle. This castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to Lough Corrib and village of Oughterard. Built by the O’Flahertys, one of Connacht's most notable lord families in 1500 and standing on what is a rocky island on the shores of Lough Corrib. This castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. On this visit you will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and dry harbour. Grace O’Malley, the notorious west of Ireland sea pirate was married to Donal O’Flaherty.
45 minutes
Quiet Man Bridge, Oughterard, Ireland
This bridge was made famous in the 1950s classic “The Quiet man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Tourists from all over the world to come visit this local attraction. The Quiet Man is regarded as one of the top 100 films ever made
15 minutes
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Kylemore, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey, first founded by English industrialist Mitchell Henry as a present to his wife and now a Benedictine monastery. The next few hours are up to you to explore this romantic abbey, its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church. Choose to treat yourself to refreshments at the onsite café for lunch.
120 minutes
Clifden Castle, Clifden, Ireland
Located on the scenic Sky Road, west of the town of Clifden, Clifden Castle was built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style by John D’Arcy (1785 – 1839), who was the founder of Clifden Town and which is now the capital of the Connemara region of Galway. The estate of Clifden Castle originally covered over 17,000 acres. However, these lands which had been owned by the D’Arcy family for over 150 years, were lost to the family in the mid-1800’s when the family became bankrupt as a result of debts incurred during the Great Potato Famine. The castle has changed hands many times over the years and the land around it has been divided up and sold leading Clifden Castle to fall into ruin in the latter part of the 19th Century. The present day castle has only the stone shell remaining and is partly overgrown with thick ivy.
Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland
This castle on the lake 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. Please note we view the old original castle on the island on Ballynahich Lough.

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Do you or any of your party suffer from food allergies? If yes, please inform your guide before departing on this tour.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day

Select your date

You can select up to 15 travellers in total

Adult (18 - 64)

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