Castles of Connemara tour departing from Galway City. Guided. Full day.
Castles of Connemara tour departing from Galway City. Guided. Full day.
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.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
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.
45 minutesKylemore 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.
2 hoursBallynahinch 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 before sitting down to some delicious castle tea & scones.
2 hoursIncluded
- Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
- Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.
- Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
- Entry/Admission - Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
- Entry/Admission - Aughnanure Castle
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Good to Know
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Do you or any of your party suffer from food allergies? If yes, please inform your guide before departing on this tour.
- Most travelers can participate
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- 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 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.