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Aughnanure Castle and Connemara Day Tour: A Glimpse into Ireland's Medieval Past
5.0
54 Ratings
Galway
Discover Ireland’s medieval past and rural heritage on a full-day Connemara tour. Explore Aughnanure Castle, enjoy a Sheepdog Show, and visit charming villages.
Duration:
7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Aughnanure Castle - Visit this 16th Centurty Irish castle and learn about the part that it played during the time of English rule over the region. Hear tales of the notorious fighting O’Flaherty’s as you explore their castle which is still standing today, almost 500 years later…
Admission included
Please note this time is approximate
- Maum - Pass through the stunning Maum Valley and take in the sights of the rolling mountains and valleys of the Connemara region
Please note this time is approximate
- Connemara - Travelling through the Connemara region, you will have a couple of photo stops to give you the opportunity to capture the beauty of the region. Traverse by mountains, lakes, rugged valleys, sheep and typical Irish landscapes in this relatively untouched part of Ireland.
- Leenane - Take in the picturesque village of Leenane, grab some lunch and marvel at Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only natural fjord.
Please note this time is approximate
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Joyce Country Sheepdogs - Witness a traditional Sheep Dog Demonstration, a spectacle deeply rooted in our farming history. Experience the awesome bond between man and dog, as the sheepdogs follow every command from their shepherd.
You will also have the opportunity to interact with the sheep and the dogs; and learn more about this important aspect of Connemara culture.
Admission fee included
Please note this time is approximate
- Cong - Visit the charming village of Cong, where you will have the opportunity to explore the historic Cong Village, a quaint little village that borders the counties of Mayo and Galway. Wander the quiet streets and grab a coffee, take in the sights (Cong Abbey, the statue of Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne) and lose yourself in a typical Irish country village.
Please note this time is approximate
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up (contact the operator directly at least 24 hours before the tour to request)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local Guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Connemara, Sheepdog Event, and Ancient Castle Day Trip - Discover the Best that Ireland’s West Side has to Offer
Enhance your Galway journey with our unique Connemara day expedition, meticulously planned to dive deep into the Irish culture and historical background.
Aughnanure Castle: Step back in history with an informative tour of this 16th-century castle. Navigate winding staircases, feel the timeworn stone walls, and delve into secret rooms echoing with stories of valor and nobility. Aughnanure Castle is more than a sight; it’s a direct engagement with the past, and a chance to follow the trail of key historical figures.
The Sheepdog Show: A Living Heritage
Experience firsthand Ireland’s rural past through our mesmerizing Sheepdog Show. It’s more than a simple display—it’s a heartwarming spectacle. Directed by Joe, an enthusiastic farmer, this display transcends mere amusement!
Soak in the sights of Cong Village, Leenane Village, and numerous photo opportunities in Connemara as you journey!
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Location
HYDE Hotel
Forster Street
We meet outside the HYDE Hotel, Forster Street, at 10.15am. Look out for the Lally Tours Team in their blue jackets!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(54 Ratings)
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Kathy_b
Aug 4, 2024
Must do! - Great day tour with Mike! Would highly recommend, full of amazing stops, sheepdogs, fjords, castles, horses, and narrated by an amazing man!
Review provided by Viator
Irene_e
Jul 28, 2024
Great day - It was a lovely day out. Driving thru Connemara National Park was breathtaking. The sheepdog presentation was spectacular. We learned so much. Michael was a very sweet driver.
Review provided by Viator
Janet_f
Jul 27, 2024
Fabulous experience with Michael from Lally Tours - Michael from Lilly tours was phenomenal. Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, comfortable bus…a five star experience!
Review provided by Viator
Janetfm8608gs
Jul 25, 2024
Michael is a great guide! - Exceeded our expectations! Michael was knowledgeable and engaging…a terrific guide! He kept us on schedule without it seeming like it and kept the music volume and temperature on the bus just so. The border collie puppies were ADORABLE and the castle history was really interesting. The scenery was beautiful as well. Highly recommend Michael and this tour. Five stars 🌟.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moeverwiel
Jul 22, 2024
Connemara - Wonderful trip through Connemara-our tour guide, Michael, was the best! He had interesting facts & anecdotes & played traditional music throughout the drive. The sheepdog demo was fascinationg!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christina_c
Jul 7, 2024
Memorable Experience - Super fun day with our knowledgeable guide Michael. Beautiful countryside. Joe at the farm was lovely very and he had puppies! Totally recommend this experience.
Review provided by Viator
Roving45097593148
Jul 5, 2024
Great experience - We had a wonderful tour. We enjoyed the itinerary, thought it was well planned. The scenery along the way was beautiful. We enjoyed having a small group, which on our tour turned out to be just us and one other person, but that was great. Our driver Michael was very informative and answered questions that weren't part of his "normal" narrative, plus he played traditional Irish music when he wasn't speaking, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caitlin_g
Jul 2, 2024
Worth It - Driver was amazing!! The tour was very nice and taught a lot of history! The sheepdogs were amazing to see! If you want a no nonsense tour and locals who speak the truth this is the tour for you! Loved it and would go every single time!
Review provided by Viator
Madim1994
Jun 29, 2024
Fantastic glimpse into the countryside - So far the highlight of my trip. Michael, our tour guide, was so kind, informative, and really made the tour come alive. Between stops, he had a plethora of insight on all the different parts of Connemara and Irish history.
Since it’s a small group tour, you don’t have to fight crowds for perfect photos in the picturesque countryside. Michael is incredibly agreeable and lets you take your time at each stop.
I’m still thinking about the history he shared, and applying it everywhere where relevant on my trip.
Plus, there were puppies at the sheepdog farm that you could hold during the demonstration.
If you're looking for an educational adventure or a way to explore the countryside, you cannot go wrong with this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
123xcv
Jun 26, 2024
A Good Day in the Countryside - This was a great way to spend the day. I particularly liked the sheedog demo and the last village, Cong. Our guide and driver, Michael, was super, with the right combination of information and humor and knowing when and for how long we needed breaks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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