Ireland · CONNEMARA TOURS
Connemara is bog, quartzite and one very photogenic abbey, and almost nobody does it without a driver. These 15 differ on whether Kylemore entry is included and how long you get at Leenane, each priced and timed.
Travel from Galway by air-conditioned coach through Connemara’s Inagh Valley, Killary Fjord, and the Lough Nafooey route. Spend up to two hours at Kylemore Abbey and its gardens, then explore Cong Abbey and Cong Woods. Guides including Mike and Tommy add Irish stories, humor, and local color.
“Driver was funny, the views in Connemara are breathtaking and the locals and guides are really friendly and welcoming.”
Travel from Galway into Connemara with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Michael, Seamus, or Shane. See Leenane, Killary Fjord, Connemara’s mountain country, Spiddal, and Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Garden. The air-conditioned coach removes the strain of narrow roads and navigation, while two hours at Kylemore gives you time to explore.
“The driver was excellent. He was friendly, informative, and shared a lot of information about the area. He also gave us information to help us navigate through the tour. Highly recommend.”
Travel from Galway into wild Connemara with an English-speaking driver-guide, stopping at Leenane, Killary Fjord, Kylemore Abbey, and An Spidéal. You get two hours at Kylemore for the abbey, gardens, and lunch. Guides such as Shane, Cathal, Nicole, and Barry are praised for clear storytelling, local insight, and good humor.
“It was a wonderful experience. The guide was excellent and it was a good value for the money.”
Leave Galway at 9:30 for a full day through Galway Bay and Connemara. Enjoy coastal viewpoints, Clifden, Sky Road, and a three-hour choice between hiking Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park or visiting Kylemore Abbey. Guides such as Mike, Vincent, and Adrian provide live commentary in English.
“Mike the driver was friendly, kind, and informative. We made a few stops for photo ops along the way and got us all there safely. Connemara NP was gorgeous! Glad I made the trip.”
Spend 12 hours traveling from Dublin through Connemara’s lakes, valleys, and mountain roads before exploring Galway. Depending on the season, visit Glengowla Farm and Silver Mines or Cong village. Guides such as Peter and Mark add Irish history, music, and local stories, while the long day gives you a broad taste of the west.
“This activity was on Paddywagon Tours. They did not have our names on their passenger list for this tour. We were kicked off this tour and they were working to try to get us onto another tour. We waited another hour and they were finally able to get us onto another tour.”
Travel from Galway into Connemara with an English-speaking guide such as Paddy or Mike. Stop in Clifden, follow Sky Road, photograph Derryclare Lough and Screeb Waterfall, then choose three hours at Connemara National Park or Kylemore Abbey. The $57 price covers transport and guiding, but not food or entry fees.
“I experienced a perfect day in Connemara. Our guide, Mike, did an excellent job and we got lots of information about Ireland and the places we visited. The hike and view in Connemara National Park were amazing.”
Spend about 8 hours and 45 minutes circling Galway Bay by coach and boat. You’ll cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, spend 2.5 hours on Inis Oirr, and return through Connemara. Guides such as Phil, Barry, and Sean are known for Irish history, local stories, and good humor. Lunch and optional island rides cost extra.
“Boat ride to the Aran isle going by the Cliffs of Moher and horse cart tour of the island.Seafood at restaurant on island was fantastic.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard the wheelchair-accessible Connemara Lady, sailing the full 9-mile length of Killary Fjord from Nancy’s Point near Leenane. Choose an outdoor deck for cool sea air or a warm indoor seat with commentary, drinks, and optional meals from the galley. The cruise runs in most weather and returns to its starting point.
“3rd time taking the tour. It is a wonderful way to experience the Fjord. I always bring family when home on holidays and friends when visiting.”
Travel from Galway into Connemara with a local English-speaking driver-guide, stopping at Leenane, Killary Fjord, and scenic viewpoints before two hours of free time at Connemara National Park. You can hike Diamond Hill at your own pace, hear about Irish culture and language, and return by a coastal route.
“Fantastic tour to Connemara National Park with great stories and historic explanation by our guide and driver John. He shared a lot of fun sories as well and stopped an several scenery places allowing us to take photos. We were lucky with the weather today.”
Travel from Galway along Galway Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way with a local English-speaking guide. Stop at Screebe Waterfall, Derryclare or Pines Island, Clifden, and Sky Road, then choose three hours at Kylemore Abbey or Connemara National Park. Guides such as Mike, Paddy, and Jerry are known for lively local stories.
“Trip was excellent and our guide Mike was so knowledgeable and such a lovely man... Trip was good value and would recommend it to anyone. We had a marvellous day.. .”
Take the 10:30 AM Aran Island Ferries boat from Rossaveel to Inis Mór, sailing about 40 minutes each way. Spend the day biking, joining a local minibus tour, visiting Dún Aonghasa, hearing traditional music, and browsing the sweater market before returning at 5:00 PM.
“The ferry ride was gentle. The island was amazing. Full of history and culture. Recommend getting on the food tour when you get off the ferry if you don’t want to bike ride. Gabriel is 100% worth his fee.”
Meet your guide at Connemara Sands Beach Hotel, change into a wetsuit, learn basic kayak skills, then paddle along the clear waters near Bundouglas Beach. Danny, Clare, Steve, and the team explain local wildlife and coastal history. The 2.5-hour outing includes equipment, safety gear, and onsite changing rooms.
“We forgot a towel and it was raining. The wetsuits kept you comfortable but a towel at the end would have been nice. The kayak itself was very enjoyable. Danny did a great job explaining everything before we started and stayed with the group without having to the reins too tight. Would highly recommend recommend.”
Travel from Galway into Connemara with a driver-guide, stopping at coastal villages, loughs, Clifden, Sky Road, and scenic viewpoints. Choose three hours at Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden, or hike in Connemara National Park. The air-conditioned coach carries up to 37 people and returns to Galway.
“Great trip. The Connemara region is beautiful and we learned a lot about the area from our driver/guide. Would have given it 5 stars except we didn't stop at a couple places we were scheduled to on the way back. It may have been because it was raining slightly but no explanation was given.”
Spend 9.5 hours linking South Connemara, Inis Oirr, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren in one looping trip from Galway. Your English-speaking host stays with you across the bus, ferries, and boat. Guides such as Phil, Barry, Sean, and Jerry are known for Irish stories, humor, and local detail. Expect a full day, changing weather, and little free time.
“The full-day excursion was really well-planned and worked so well to fit a lot into one day. Our guide, Phil, was exceptional, so knowedegable and funny and responded to the needs and interests of the group. We also loved the small group size, it really made the difference in comfort, efficiency, and communication.”
Start at Dublin Heuston Station for a hosted train ride to Galway, then continue by coach and small plane to Inis Mór. Tour the Seven Churches, Dún Aonghasa, Kilronan, and the Aran Sweater Market before returning through Galway. Expect a 14-hour day, small-group transport, reserved rail seats, and weather-related changes.
“Although the trip was generally well run and efficient, the connection on the island with the local guide for the island tour left much to be desired. We were given poor connection information and and it took an hour to find the guide. That was a terrible waste of our time.”
Pick a coastline, a castle or a counter.
