connemara bus tour from galway

THE 10 BEST Connemara Bus Tours

Bus tours in connemara.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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1. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

2. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey

3. Galway to Connemara National Park Day Tour

4. 4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin

5. Connemara and Galway City Day Tour from Dublin

6. Private Connemara Day Tour

7. Private Half Day Tour To Connemara

8. 2-Day Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

9. 3-Day West Coast Explorer from Dublin Including Admission

10. 3-Day Southern Ireland Tour Including Galway and Kerry from Dublin

11. 2-Day Western Ireland Tour from Dublin:Including Galway and Cliffs of Moher

12. 7 Day Emerald Explorer Small Group of tour of Ireland

13. Wild Atlantic Way Tour in Ireland

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

15. Your Irish Tour Blarney and Cork Private Day Tour

16. Private 3 Day West of Ireland and Cliffs of Moher Luxury Car Tour

17. Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway. Private guided.

18. Connemara Pub Tour from Galway City. Co Galway. Guided. Half Day.

19. Private Connemara Day Tour

20. Connemara’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Journey from Galway

21. Haunted Bog road tour. Galway. Private guided. 3 hours

22. Dublin To The West Of Ireland Private Small Group: Three - Day Flexible Tour

23. 2 Day's Private Luxury Tour from Dublin to West Ireland

24. Dublin Galway Connemara Cliffs of Moher Dublin Private Car Three Day Tour

25. Connemara & Mayo pub tour from Westport. Mayo. Private guide. Full day.

26. Dublin To Galway Cliffs of Moher Killarney Dingle Blarney Castle Six Day Tour

27. Connemara Castles

28. Taxi Tour of Connemara

29. Private Full Day Tour in Connemara with Pickup

30. Experience Journey Through Ireland’s Heart

What travellers are saying.

• Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway
• Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey
• From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.
• From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey
• 4-Day South West Ireland Tour from Dublin

Scenic Connemara, Kylemore Abbey or Connemara National Park tour departing from Galway City. Guided. Full day

Home » Leisure » Scenic Connemara, Kylemore Abbey or Connemara National Park tour departing from Galway City. Guided. Full day

Includes: Clifden tour , Connemara National park tour , Connemara tour , Full day tour Connemara , full day tour Ireland , kylemore abbey tour

Explore the hidden gems of highly scenic Connemara on our fully guided day tour from Galway City including Connemara National Park or Kylemore Abbey along the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way. Min 1 , Max 50. Available all year round.

Our Connemara tour takes in all the highlights of Galway Bay and Connemara along the Wild Atlantic Way. This tours’ focus is on taking you from the centre of Galway, into the true heart of Galway, Connemara!

Departing from the Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road, Galway at 09:30, your fully trained, local driver / guide will take you out from Galway City through the Claddagh and Salthill, then west along the southern shores of Connemara, looking out across Galway Bay, travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way. As our tour passes through the picturesque villages of Barna, Furbo, Spiddal and Inverin, you will see thatched cottages, dry stone walls, mountains, woodlands, rivers and streams, lakes, Connemara ponies, amazing beaches and unspoilt bogs and deserted islands.

Our first scheduled stop of the day is at Pearse’s Cottage, Rosmuc (admission not included). Patrick Pearse was one of the leaders of Irish Nationalism and a signatory to the Proclamation of Irish Independence, read out by him outside the GPO in Dublin during the Easter Rising 1916. Then it’s on through Connemara’s hidden jewel, Bothar na Scragoige. View the wilderness bog landscape and experience the tranquillity and isolation of Connemara.

We have a photostop at the picturesque little fishing village of Roundstone and then it’s out along the Wild Atlantic Way. To our left is the iconic Dog’s Bay Beach stretching a mile out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Our next scheduled stop is Derrygimlagh Bog (Wild Atlantic Way – Signature Point). This remote site was the centre of the communications and aviation world in the beginning of the 20th century. After travelling through Clifden, the capital of Connemara, we head skyward. Renowned worldwide for its heart stopping twists and turns, the Sky Road (Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point) swoops and soars above the Atlantic Ocean. The views and photo opportunities from this ‘Discovery Point’ have to be seen to be believed.

Next on our tour you have a choice of stop: A 3 hour stop to explore and ramble / hike in the Connemara National Park or A 3 hour stop at the magical 19th century limestone and marble Kylemore Abbey (admission not included).

To finish off our tour we weave our way between the majestic Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains through the Inagh Valley and onto the main Galway to Clifden road where we greet the impressive Connemara Giant as well as a visit to the famous ‘Quite Man Bridge’ before returning to Galway City.

What's Included

Driver / guide

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The Perfect Connemara Day Trip from Galway

Last Updated on February 19, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re looking for an excellent day out in the west of Ireland, going on a Connemara day trip from Galway is undoubtedly one of the best options. While countless travellers will flock south to the Cliffs of Moher or visit the Aran Islands, heading north to the Connemara Peninsula is a fantastic way to see a bit more of rural Ireland and experience the wild beauty that this area of the country has to offer.

If you’re interested in an easy day trip from Galway that gets you outside and enjoying some of the pristine nature that the Emerald Isle has to offer, then heading to Connemara for a day out from Galway is the perfect choice.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Connemara from Galway

There are a few ways to get to Connemara depending on what kind of day trip you’re after.

If you’re going independently, you can follow the itinerary below and have a lot more flexibility about which stops you make, how long you spend and where to skip. Otherwise, there are plenty of organised tours for those who don’t want to bother with planning or logistics.

By Organised Tour

If you’re not keen to drive yourself or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning and figuring out what to see and do in the region, heading out on an organised Connemara day tour from Galway is an excellent choice.

For those who’d prefer this option, this full-day tour is a great choice. They will pick you up in Galway before taking you around Connemara and Kylemore Abbey and will also allow you to explore the charming village of Cong – the filming location for the 1952 film The Quiet Man . You can also choose this full-day tour that has a similar route.

Alternatively, this bus tour to Connemara will depart from Galway and focuses more on the countryside of Connemara and includes time to hike in the national park, a drive along the Sky Road and some photo stops at Kylemore Abbey and Cong village with a tour guide. There is also this similar tour that has a comparable route.

And if you’d prefer to go privately rather than in a group, this private day tour will take you all over the highlights of Connemara before bringing you back to Galway.

If you’re already on a road trip throughout Ireland (which is really the best way to get around), then going on your day trip to Connemara is going to be the easiest option. To the entrance of Connemara National Park from the centre of Galway , it’s about a 1.5-hour drive.

Having your own car is incredibly convenient and it allows you to do a lot in the region in just a short amount of time.

You can also enjoy some of the scenic drives that the area has to offer – such as the Sky Road near Clifden and even take in some views of Galway Bay before getting to the region – while being able to go at your own, desired pace. It also gives you the opportunity to get up early and beat the crowds that will inevitably descend at the more popular attractions.

With the exception of Clifden, you can park almost everywhere for free, as well, and even metered parking in Clifden isn’t too expensive so this isn’t a huge worry.

If you’d like to hire a car, then consider browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across several different car hire companies.

If you want to visit Connemara independently but don’t want to drive, then you do have the option of taking the bus. However, this isn’t the most straightforward option and it can be a bit more hassle than it is probably worth.

For those who want to spend time at the national park, there are buses from Galway City to the town of Letterfrack, which is the closest town to the park entrance and walk to the park from there (it isn’t too far). You can also get buses to Clifden.

Connemara Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re going on your day trip independently by car, then the route below is ideal for enjoying the highlights of the region in just one day!

Of course, it’s impossible to fit everything in within the confines of a single day trip, but the itinerary below will ensure you leave Connemara with plenty of great memories.

Connemara National Park

Begin your trip to Connemara in, arguably, the most popular place to visit in the region – Connemara National Park. This lovely national park is located just outside of the town of Letterfrack and it is the perfect place to visit to really enjoy some of the unique and wild natural scenery of the area.

Try to get here as early as possible because it is a popular place to visit and the car park can fill up later in the day. Parking and entry are free and there are also plenty of toilets and a tearoom on-site, as well as a visitors centre.

The highlight of visiting the national park is walking around and there are several well-marked walking trails from the visitor’s centre that you could embark upon depending on your mobility, fitness level and/or time constraints. If you have an average level of fitness, however, we would recommend walking the Lower Diamond Hill loop at the very least.

This 3 km-long loop is well-marked on a well-defined (and often paved) pathway. It has some mild uphill moments and you are greeted with spectacular views over the park and the wider Atlantic once you reach the top. Expect the hike to take around 1 hour.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can also continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill loop which will take you to the summit of Diamond Hill and provide even more spectacular views. This is a more strenuous hike but worth it if you want to spend more time enjoying the splendours of the national park.

For those looking for something less, there is also a 1 km-long loop that cuts the Lower Diamond Hill loop in half and is much easier for those with limited mobility or a lesser level of fitness. There are also a handful of other easy trails, all well-signposted and mapped out at the park entrance.

Kylemore Abbey

After spending a magnificent morning enjoying the national park, your next stop should be another of Connemara’s most iconic attractions – Kylemore Abbey.

This Benedictine monastery was founded in 1920 and is set on the grounds of the beautiful Kylemore Castle – a picturesque stately home that overlooks a tranquil lake (or lough in Irish).

You can take the time to tour the castle and see some of the restored rooms while also wandering around the Victorian walled gardens and taking advantage of some of the woodland trails around here, as well. Entry into the abbey is €17 per person, with concession tickets available.

Now it’s time to head to the capital town of Connemara, lively and lovely Clifden. This colourful town has a lot to offer and it’s well worth taking the time to explore a little bit. There are plenty of cute shops and quaint streets and it’s a great place to pick up a local souvenir from your day trip.

This is also a great time to break for lunch. Clifden is home to several great restaurants and pubs serving up tasty local fare. If you’re after a gastropub, then consider heading to Guy’s Bar. Alternatively, Mitchell’s is a ptp option for fresh local seafood.

Not far from Clifden is another great addition to any trip to Connemara – the Sky Road loop.

This scenic driving loop is located just north of the town and is an essential stop on the Wild Atlantic Way – the coastal route in the west of Ireland that spans from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to the town of Kinsale in County Cork.

Driving the Sky Road takes about 30 minutes total and on it, you’re graced with beautiful views of the Atlantic and the offshore islands. It’s the perfect place to enjoy all of the incredible scenery that this area has to offer.

At about the halfway point of the driving route, there is a stop-off point that provides ample parking and excellent views, so even the driver can get out and enjoy the scenery. It’s also perfectly acceptable to go slowly and pull over where safe to take in your surroundings.

Dog’s Bay Beach

While beautiful, white sand beaches may not be the first thing that springs to mind when visiting Ireland, that is exactly what you will get on a visit to Connemara.

Located in the south of the region just outside of the village of Roundstone, Dog’s Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful in the region and – dare I say it – all of Ireland.

If you’re fortunate enough to visit this incredible beach on a sunny day, you would be forgiven for thinking you’ve arrived in a tropical paradise (though the temperatures may give it away). This beach is absolutely stunning and very much worth visiting.

It also sits on a peninsula with another white sand beach – Gurteen Beach – on the other side. If the tide is low, you can walk from one to the other to enjoy this gorgeous place.

End your Galway to Connemara day trip in the charming fishing village of Roundstone – a great place to grab a pint or dinner before heading back to Galway. Roundstone may not have much, but there are a few restaurants and pubs in the town, a cute pier and a lot of charm.

If you’re looking for a good place for a bite to eat and a pint, then consider heading to O’Dowd’s . This pub specialises in fresh, local seafood but they also have a great, cosy atmosphere and it’s a great place to unwind after a long and busy day trip.

Have More Time?

Ideally, if you have more time than a simple day trip, it can be worth it to spend a couple of days taking in all of the great things to do in Connemara . Not only could you spend more time enjoying the hiking trails in the national park, but there are several other things to occupy your time.

First, make sure to explore the beautiful Killary Fjord – which is the only fjord in Ireland. There is where a lot of local seafood (such as oysters and mussels) comes from and you can also take a boat tour out on the fjord itself.

Speaking of oysters, you could also take the time to visit an oyster farm! Some of Europe’s best oysters come from this area of Ireland and you can learn all about them (and taste some!) at a local oyster farm.

You also can take the time to take in the beautiful sites in the inland area of Connemara, including taking the time to drive through the Inagh Valley and enjoying the scenery surrounding Lough Nafooey.

Finally, make sure to take the time to visit Omey Island. This beautiful little island is only accessible at low tide when the beach turns into a causeway to cross over to this island.

Where to Stay in Galway

The Stop B&B  – This cosy bed and breakfast in Galways’s cool Claddagh neighbourhood is the perfect base for exploring the city and has a great breakfast included each morning.

Park House Hotel – This luxe hotel on Galway City’s Eyre Square is an excellent option for those looking for a more upmarket stay. They have a range of rooms on offer and restaurant and bar on site.

The Western Citypoint Apartments – These flats are a great choice for those who want their own space while visiting Galway. They have a great, central location for exploring all the city has to offer and come fully furnished with everything you may need during your trip.

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel – A great budget hostel option for solo travellers or those looking for a social atmosphere. Breakfast is included daily and there is a large kitchen if you want to cook your own meals.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Galway hotels!

Planning a Connemara day trip from Galway is a great way to explore the nature and beauty of rural County Galway within easy reach of the big city.

Are you planning to visit Connemara? Have any questions about this day trip? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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Connemara Day Tour

Full Day Excursion visiting the highlights of Connemara

Discover Connemara, a beautifully scenic region just north of Galway City with Lally Tours. This tour includes stops at Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Gardens, Leenane Village, Killary Fjord and the village of An Spidéal overlooking Galway Bay.

Discover Ireland’s Gaeltacht (Irish Language Speaking) region’s rich cultural heart. Explore Ireland’s wildest, most unspoilt countryside, which is covered with dramatic mountains, ancient bog lakes, golden beaches, and stunning valleys.

This journey explores the traditional way of life on the Emerald Isle’s west coast as well as the history that has formed the area. Be prepared to hear some locals’ stories and pick up a bit of the Irish language.

Connemara Day Tour tickets & prices

What to expect on your connemara tour 📸.

A full-day tour to Connemara with a knowledgeable guide, a region renowned for its untamed natural beauty and wonderful scenry. Listen to your guide, brimming with local knowledge as you journey from Galway as they explain the history of the Irish language and how, despite its declining standing in the rest of Ireland, Connemara still claims it as its own native tongue. Exit the coach and explore the rivers and lakes that flow from The Twelve Bens Mountains that form the awe-inspiring backdrop to this gorgeous region. You’ll also visit famous Irish locations such as Killary Harbour, An Spidéal, Kylemore Abbey and Leenane. In Leenane, for example you’ll learn why Hollywood producers chose this setting for films like Marley & Me (Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston).

• Leenane Village
• Killary Fjord
• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens

Included in the Connemara Tour

• Admission to Kylemore Abbey and Walled Garden
• Free Cancellation for 24 Hour after booking
• An Entirely Guided Day Tour
• Free Hotel Pick-Up
• Free onboard WiFi, Toilets, and Charging Ports

Check-in for departure: 09:45am at Hyde Hotel, Forster Street, Galway (Location)

Back to Galway City: Approx 5:30pm

Connemara Tour FAQs

What are the highlights of the connemara day tour.

Village of Leenane: This little community between the mountains of Connemara is simply brimming with vibrant Irish charm and constantly shifting colors on the landscape.

Killary Fjord: The natural border between counties Galway and Mayo is served by Ireland’s one fjord. This offers beautiful views and is a must-stop for photos.

Kylemore Abbey: This extravagant nineteenth-century abbey was erected by Mitchell Henry as a present for his wife, Margaret, and is lavishly situated on a scenic lake.

An Spidéal: The Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive runs along South Connemara in the second half of the tour, but not before we stop at the beautiful beach town village of An Spidéal.

What does the Connemara Day Tour include?

• Free Cancellation for 24 hours after booking
• Access to Kylemore Abbey and walled garden
• Fully escorted day trip
• Free Hotel Pickup

Can I bring my luggage on board?

Should i bring my own food, best rate hotels.

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Connemara Bus Tour – O’Neachtain Tours

• Adult: €20.00
• Senior: €15.00
• Student: €15.00
• Child: €10.00
• Depart: 10.00am
• Return: 5.00pm

Depart from:

• Galway Coach Station
• Get directions >>

Contact Details:

• (091) 553188
• [email protected]
• www.ontours.biz

Attractions Visted:

• Quiet Man Bridge
• Kylmore Abbey
• Inagh Valley

Description:

This tour includes the most interesting aspects of Connemara to enable you to get the best possible view and knowledge of the changes which have occurred over the centuries. This is an ideal opportunity for you to forget about the left hand side of the road for a day. Sit back and relax on our luxury highline yellow and white Mercedes coaches. O’Neachtain’s professional tour guide will give you many stops to explore and photograph in each area. Come and be entertained: Irish music, history, geography, culture, stories and folklore.

Approaching the charming village of Spiddal, we stop at Standúns sweater and souvenir shop for refreshments. Next it’s on to the deserted famine village where ample time is given to explore and photograph the village. Rossaveal is the departure point for the ferryboats to the Aran Islands. O’Neachtain’s Connemara tour has pick-up arrangements with the 9am ferry from the Aran Islands each morning.

Now we journey on to Costello and Screeb. We are now in the Irish speaking area where Gaelic or Irish is the spoken language. At Maam Cross, the Connemara “crossroads”, there is a replica of the cottage used in the 1950’s John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara film “The Quiet Man” filmed locally. From Maam Cross our tour heads out towards the world famous Kylemore Abbey on a journey of unsurpassed beauty driving through the green Inagh Valley that divides the two sets of mountains – the Maam Turks and the Twelve Bens. The Ben Ban is the highest mountain in Connemara. Here you can photograph the mountains, and the lakes and pools shining like little pieces of broken mirror.

Next we see the magnificent Kylemore Abbey which is an 18th century castle that is now in the good hands of the Benedictine Nuns, who run an excellent boarding school. This is where we have our next long break with ample time for lunch and a visit to the abbey and its beautiful gothic church.

No Tour of Connemara is complete without Visiting Kylemore Abbey.

Moving on to Letterfrack where you have one of Ireland’s finest national parks. Our next visit is at Ocean’s Alive Aquarium and Maritime Museum. A fascinating and informative exhibition of Connemara marine heritage. This is an additional stop in the low season where you will have a chance to see some of the hidden underwater treasures of our waters and learn a little about the sea as a commercial resource. Enjoy the fresh sea air, the peace, tranquillity and closeness of nature. Connemara shores offer a wide variety of habitats that include vast stretches of clean white sand and pink toned coral beaches as well as wave-lashed rocky areas. Each has its own unique Flora and Fauna.

Clifden, the capital of Connemara, was founded by John D’arcy in 1812. Clifden is an ideal holiday centre. Aviation history was made at Derrygimlagh bog near Clifden when Alcock and Browne crashed landed after their historic transatlantic flight in 1919. The Connemara pony breeders association come together every August to hold the world famous Connemara pony show. As we leave Clifden we see the Clifden Glen holiday homes.

Tickets can be purchased from Galway and Salthill Tourist Office or on the Coach. Group and Family rates available on request. Free pickup from your accommodation by arrangement. Take both tours and avail of special discount (winter months only).

Connemara Ireland

Connemara Bus Tours

If you want to see the best of Connemara in a day, then a bus tour is the tour for you.

Experienced Connemara Guides know how to make the most out of your time in Connemara. These guides know Connemara like few others, and will make sure your time in Connemara is absolutely unforgettable. Of course you’ll see the major sights, but you will also discover hidden gems that only a local would know about!

These day trips are all about getting off the beaten track and exploring our spectacular scenery, history, culture and wildlife. The tours show off many popular destinations during a trip carefully designed, to give you the best day out possible.

Some of these day trips leave from Clifden, the others depart from Galway City.

Tickets can be bought online or at various retailers. See each of the operators web site for more information and details of each tour.

Select from the Tour Companies listed below:

Connemara Tours Starting In Clifden

Love Connemara Tours

Love Connemara Tours provides guided tours of the Connemara region on our flexible hop-on hop-off… Read More

Connemara Tours Starting Outside Clifden

Galway Tour Company

The Galway Tour Company is Galway’s leading Day Tour Company offering Day & Night tours… Read More

Lally Tours

Lally Tours is a family owned company that has been proudly touring and showcasing the… Read More

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As well as our regular tours, Galway Tour Company also provides a private hire and bespoke tour offering. Create your own itinerary and explore the best that Ireland has to offer. Simply tell us where you would like to go and our team of experts will help you to plan the perfect stress free trip. This is suitable for family groups, schools or work outings who wish to plan a day trip or extended tour. 

Our local guides are extremely knowledgeable and can take you not only to the main attractions but also to some of Ireland’s hidden gems that are off the beaten track. 

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• Let's Talk: +353(0)91 566 566
• Email Us: [email protected]
• Address: Ground Floor, Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway, H91 F2KT

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Sustainable Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

• Host on trains
• Information pack
• Reserved seats on trains
• Qualified driver-guide on coaches
• Visit Kylemore Abbey for a photo stop
• All travel by rail and coach from Dublin Heuston Station
• Entry/Admission - Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland Check-in is 20 minutes prior to Train Departure Time. Check-in is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our Railtours Ireland representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket!
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• This tour offers stops en route for photographs, shopping, etc.
• Due to operational reasons it may, on occasion, be necessary to alter certain itineraries.
• WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Railtours Ireland First Class ltd very successfully offers hosted railtours for the independent traveller. Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• 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
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 53 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
• You'll start at Dublin Heuston Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland Check-in is 20 minutes prior to Train Departure Time. Check-in is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our Railtours Ireland representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket! See address & details
• 1 Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden Stop: 2 hours - Admission included We arrive in Galway at 10:05, off the train, and our conducted tour of Connemara (by tour bus) leaves Galway. At Maam Cross, the Connemara "crossroads", there is a replica of the cottage used in the 1950s John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara film ‘The Quiet Man’, which was filmed here. From Maam Cross our tour heads out to Leenane, Kylemore Abbey and Letterfrack, in the shadow of purple mountains rolling down to blue and green rocky valleys, reflecting the rich and varied colours of Connemara. There is a lunch break at Kylemore Abbey, an 18th century castle now owned by the Benedictine nuns who run an excellent pottery, gift shop and restaurant. Letterfrack is one of Ireland’s major national parks. The colourful town of Clifden has been one of Irelands leading holiday resorts for generations. It is an excellent touring centre beloved by the walker, the biker, the hiker or the fisherman. On the road out of Clifden the Dan O'Hara pre-famine farm (circa 1840) is on your left, fronted by a replica of an ancient Irish Crannóg or lake dwelling. Further on is the fully integrated Clifden Glen Holiday Village. Back at Maam Cross again and the road turns southwards now through the Screeb, Costello and Rossaveal. Rossaveal is the departure point for ferryboats to the Aran Islands and is also a major fishing port. We are now in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) of Connemara where Gaeilge or Irish is still the everyday spoken language of a bilingual people – we rarely use the term Gaelic and usually say ‘Irish’ when referring to our national language. (For operational reasons, on certain days we will not travel to Clifden – please check with your host/driver) Our tour of Connemara heads homewards towards Galway City now, along the shores of Galway bay, through the Gaeltacht villages of Inverin and Spiddal and looking out across the blue waters of the Atlantic at the unique lime-stone of the Burren and the hills of Clare. In Spiddal there is a craft village and the Standun sweater shop. After your day's touring you will be returned to Galway Station. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Carienv34 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Journey with John Todd: Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh Tour Our tour with John Todd to Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh was an absolute delight from start to finish. John’s expertise and passion for the region shone through, enriching every moment of our adventure. From the moment we boarded the comfortable train, John’s warm welcome and engaging commentary set the tone for the day. His deep knowledge of the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems added depth to our experience, making each stop more meaningful. At Cork, we wandered through charming English market. The visit to Blarney Castle was a highlight, where John regaled us with fascinating tales of the castle’s storied past and ensured we didn’t miss the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Cobh’s picturesque harbor captivated us, and John’s insights into its maritime heritage and poignant history left a lasting impression. We loved the Cobh heritage centre where we discovered more about the Irish famine and the Titanic. Throughout the tour, John’s professionalism, humor, and genuine care for his guests were evident. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt welcomed and included, creating a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers. Overall, our day with John Todd was nothing short of exceptional. His passion for his homeland, coupled with his expertise as a guide, made our journey through Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh truly unforgettable. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough – it’s a must-do for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of Ireland with a knowledgeable and personable guide like John. Earl Carien Read more Written April 7, 2024
• songyik2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect a day trip Our guide, John Todd, was perfect in every way. I was worried about my lack of English when I decided to travel alone, but he took care of me attentively from our first meeting. Cork was a great place, but I was deeply moved by John's guidance. I have so much respect and gratitude. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• danielmU954QG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dan and Kelly Moses in Ireland 2/28 to 3/10 - Dublin with trips to Belfast, Cork/Cobh, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. My wife Kelly and I had amazing travels on the three rail tours in early March. Dublin to Belfast, Cork/Cobh then to Cliffs of Moher and Galway. The latter two, John Todd was our guide, and he was the best! He spent time with everyone in the group, extremely knowledgeable of all the sites and locations. Very special memories on this vacation, and these tours were a big part of them. Thank you Railtours and John Todd for an unforgettable experience. We will be back! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• Sherrell R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cliffs of Moher John was excellent. He spent time with each individual on the tour. He was knowledgeable. Overall we had an excellent time Read more Written April 3, 2024
• karendQ9412VG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Trip to Blarney Castle, St.Colman's Cathedral and Cobh Heritage Center! Norman of Railtours did a phenomenal job of leading our group. Our group rode the Irish Rail train to Cork and then we were met by a bus to take us to Blarney Castle and Gardens. After time on this site we visited the cathedral in Cobh as well as the Heritage Center. Norman ensured that the schedule was working to maximize opportunities of seeing the sights, shopping, and having lunch. Norman also gave us Blarney Castle map booklets which were helpful. I would definitely recommend this tour. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Wendy F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved the crystal tour! We had a great train journey to the Kilkenny Castle and to the Waterford crystal factory. John was an excellent guide who loved sharing his knowledge of Ireland with our group. Beautiful weather added to the views on this scenic train ride. Crystal making was shared in great detail with an up close look at all the steps. Really enjoyed! Read more Written March 22, 2024
• 247elizabethh247 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Wonderful Trip exploring Ireland I had a great time traveling with our group and guide Brian in southern and western Ireland. We went to so many places, beautiful Cork and Cobh, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher, just to name a few. I learned a lot about Irish history and even printed out my ancestry crest from county Tyrone. We stayed for 2 nights in a lovely hotel and had time on our own in the evenings to explore, have dinner, and listen to some traditional music. Our guide was funny, warm, and very knowledgable. There were lots of surprises along the way and I enjoyed every bit of it. I am grateful for my experience with Rail Tours Ireland and for Brian Dutton our guide. Read more Written March 21, 2024
• kaitmast 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gabriel was awesome Gabriel was an amazing tour guide. He was kind, knowledgable and very funny, and he provided great recommendations to local places to eat and drink. The travel across the country was safe and we knew we were in good hands the entire time. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• L3632YAcharlesb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Railtour Ireland tours This is a fantastic tour. We were lucky to have John Todd as our guide. We have been blessed to tour with John before. Railtour Ireland is a fantastic company to travel with Read more Written March 16, 2024
• phoebedaggee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles John the dream tour guide! John Todd was a dream tour guide! The day began nice and early with a chipper John who welcomed us to the family for the day. He entertained us on the train ride to Kilkenny with stories of Ireland. He showed us around Kilkenny and provided us with history and fun facts. Next, we went to the beautiful Waterford and learned about the process of making Waterford crystal. It was so cool! The whole trip John provided us with the perfect balance of guidance and freedom to explore. He checked in frequently to make sure we were having a good experience. And let me tell you, we were! I am looking forward to more tours with John in the future! Read more Written March 16, 2024
• melissafU8743BJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A day with John Wow what a day! John Todd was the most thoughtful and incredible guide. The first train ride to Kilkenny was easy to navigate and extremely beautiful. John shared his knowledge and fun facts about the entire country with us. In Kilkenny we got to learn about the castle as well as journey around the town on our own. Our host was sure to collect us all and make sure everyone was comfortable every step of the way. Next we were off to Waterford to learn about the amazing crystal! John was also able to share with us some wonderful facts about its Viking history and show us Vikings triangle with some extra time. He even gave us a beautiful map of Ireland to keep take with us on the train ride back to Dublin. A keepsake I will cherish forever. I can’t say enough good things about this beautiful tour. Highly recommend, and if you are able ask for John!! Read more Written March 15, 2024
• laurenbA2667KS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do this Tour… and ask for Bryan!!! Absolutely amazing! Bryan was a fantastic guide who engaged with his group at a level I’ve never experienced. Thank you for variety of locations, fun facts and personalized experience! Read more Written March 13, 2024
• michaelcope1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great day in Ireland Im from the US and booked this tour to Cork because it fit in with my timeline.I cannot say enough positive about this wonderful day ,but more importantly John Todd . The day was rainy and cold but John kept us all together and encouraged us to interact with one another and he interacted with each group and person in the group telling us wonderful stories and folklore about Ireland you could tell how much he wanted to educate ,in the best possible way, us about Ireland . He even made sure I got on the right train back to my hotel.I was so impressed with the rail system . It was clean and on time. The food at Blarney castle was better than at my hotel. What a beautiful country. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• mackenzieg205 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible tour w the best guide!!! Wow, I’ve never been more impressed with a tour guide. John Todd was the best!! He gave us a ton of information w the most upbeat attitude ever and he waited extra after the tour was over to make sure we got on the right tram safely back to our hotel. Never have had a guide go above and beyond like that before. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• Aranza S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience The tour that we had to the ring of Kerry was wonderful. Our tour guide, John Todd, was really helpful. He explained thoroughly and clearly what to expect from the sightseeing, the historical context and gave us information to understand Ireland as a country. The bus part of the tour was a bit rushed some times but it helped that John signalled us throughout the tour where the sites and landmarks were coming up or located so we wouldn’t miss them. Overall, a very pleasant and comfortable experience! Would definitely recommend! Read more Written December 20, 2023

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Sustainable Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin provided by Railtours Ireland First Class - Day Tours

• Tours from Galway Cliffs of Moher and Burren Full Day Tour Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill Full Day Tour The "Walk, Talk, Taste" Tour of Galway City Cliffs of Moher Half-Day Express Premium - Connemara, Cong, Sheepdogs and Medieval Castle Premium - Cliffs of Moher Cruise, Aran Islands and Connemara Galway City Hop-On Hop-Off The "Welcome To Galway" Walking Tour Guided eBike Tour of Galway City View All Tours
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Lally Tours is a Galway based tour company who operate award winning Day Tours, City Tours & Extended Tours throughout the West Coast of Ireland.

As a second generation tour operator based in Galway, we’re spent decades exploring the captivating regions on our doorsteps: Connemara, The Burren (home of the Cliffs of Moher), the Aran Islands and Galway City itself.

We offer a variety of touring options and styles. Join our popular guided day tours for an enchanting and informative experience, or opt for our small-group premium tours if you would prefer a more intimate experience.

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