Embark on a private full-day tour of Connemara’s castles from Galway City. Explore Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Connemara along the way.
- Aughnanure Castle - 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.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - 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.
- Sky Road - Sky Road is a panoramic road that starts and ends in Clifden, the capital of Connemara. From Clifden the road heads west and soon you reach a junction between Lower Sky Road and Upper Sky Road. The upper path gradually rises and at the highest point you reach a vantage car park. The view from up here over Clifden Bay and the offshore islands in the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking.
- Ballynahinch Castle - This castle 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. We take a short break to explore the castle and estate grounds including the newly restored walled garden .
- Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
- Entrance into Aughnanure Castle
- Guided tour of Connemara in minivan
- Pick up and drop off from Galway city hotel
- Gratuities
- Lunch
With pick up included from your hotel, hop on board as we travel west into the scenic region of Connemara, 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.
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 (weather permitting) we drive the famous Sky Road.
Travel onto to Ballynahinch Castle and take a short break to explore the castle and estate grounds including the walled garden before returning to Galway City.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
