Connemara National Park Day Tour from Galway

Daily departures to the Twelve Bens, Diamond Hill and the Sky Road, with a choice of Kylemore Abbey. Rated 4.9 out of 5 by over 3,600 travellers.

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Start Point

Merchants Road, Galway

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Duration

9 Hours

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Price

From €43 per person

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Difficulty

Moderate

4.9 star 4.8 ★ (587 reviews)

Tour Overview

Running daily all year round, this Connemara National Park tour from Galway takes you deep into Connemara, from the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens to the wild beauty of the Inagh Valley. Departing Galway at 09:30, the day is built around a choice of main stop: three hours in Connemara National Park, including the Diamond Hill walk, or three hours at the historic Kylemore Abbey. Along the way you’ll pass through Galway’s Claddagh and Salthill, the Gaeltacht village of Spiddal, and some of Connemara’s most photographed viewpoints, including the Sky Road above Clifden. It’s one of the most popular Connemara day trips from Galway.

If you’d prefer Kylemore Abbey guaranteed rather than a choice of stop, see our Connemara and Kylemore Abbey day tour from Galway.

Tour Highlights

  • Choice of main stop: explore the Connemara National Park's walking trails, including the Diamond Hill walk, or visit the historic Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens - a highlight of any Connemara tour from Galway.
  • Sky Road viewpoint above Clifden, one of the Wild Atlantic Way's Discovery Points.
  • Photo stops at Derryclare Lough (Pine Island) and the Screeb waterfall.
  • Time to explore Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara.
  • Pass through Galway's historic Claddagh, Salthill Prom, and the Spanish Arch.
  • Learn the stories behind the Connemara Giant and the famous Connemara Marble at Recess.
  • Drive through the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Spiddal on the Galway Bay coast.

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Tour Itenary

09:00 - Depart Galway

Meet outside Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway (arrive 15 minutes early). Your driver/guide takes you out through the Claddagh and Salthill, then west along Galway Bay through Barna, Furbo, and the Gaeltacht village of Spiddal, before heading into the heart of Connemara on the classic Galway to Connemara route.

10:30 - Screeb Waterfall Viewing Point

A photo stop at this picturesque waterfall, in landscape once described by Oscar Wilde as a ‘savage beauty’.

11:00 - Pine Island Viewing Point

A stop at Derryclare Lough, at the entrance to the Inagh Valley, with the Twelve Bens mountain range as a backdrop and Pine Island just offshore.

11:30 - Clifden

Half an hour to explore the unofficial capital of Connemara, founded in 1812, with links to Marconi’s first transatlantic radio message and the Alcock and Brown transatlantic flight.

12:15 - Sky Road Viewing Point

A photo stop on this 16km circular route rising above the Atlantic Ocean, with panoramic views over Clifden Bay and its islands.

12:45 - Connemara National Park (3-hour stop) OR 13:00, Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens (3-hour stop)

Choose between exploring the National Park’s walking trails, including the Diamond Hill Walk, or visiting Kylemore Abbey, built in 1867 as a private castle and now home to Benedictine Nuns. Discounted Kylemore Abbey entry tickets can be purchased from your driver/guide (cash only).

16:15 - Lough Inagh Viewing Point

A further photo stop in the Inagh Valley, one of Connemara’s most scenic spots, with peatlands, mountains, and grazing sheep.

16:45 - The Connemara Giant Viewing Point

A stop at the village of Recess, home to the Connemara Giant statue and one of the sources of the famous green Connemara Marble.

18:30 - Arrive back in Galway

Tour concludes at Merchants Road, Galway, passing through Oughterard, gateway to Connemara, on the way back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose between Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey on the day?

Yes, this is offered as a choice of main stop during the tour.

Is entry to Kylemore Abbey included in the price?

No, entry is not included, but discounted tickets can be purchased directly from your driver/guide (cash only).

Is the National Park entrance fee included?

Yes, the National Park entrance fee is included in the tour price.

What's not included?

Gratuities and food & drinks.

Can infants come on this tour?

Yes, infants must sit on a lap as there is no separate infant seating.

What should I bring?

Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear.

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 1 day or less before the tour are charged in full (100%).

Start From €43

  • Expert local guides
  • All-inclusive pricing
  • Book until last minute
  • Daily departures
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