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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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Meet time: 09h30. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Meet point: Galway Cathedral, 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.
***Please note your travel time to the meet point in Galway City centre as the area can often get congested in morning traffic.
As this is a group experience, we can’t wait for any late arrivals. No refunds will be suppled for late arrivals.
Contact details: +353 (0) 87 935 0303
Expected drop back time: 18h00
What to bring: Warm, layered rainproof gear as when visiting the outdoor attractions weather can be changeable.
Enjoy your tour! And please remember to leave us a great review.



Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Ireland Wild Escapes.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Dublin.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 21 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.