Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day worth booking?
Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day is a 9-hour experience in Galway, Ireland, from $160 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (31)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Hop on board this fascinating day tour as we explore the famous Castles of Connemara and travel west into this scenic region, famed for its wild and rugged land and seascapes. Our first castle visit is to Aughnanure Cast
What you get
- Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
- Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
About this experience
Hop on board this fascinating day tour as we explore the famous Castles of Connemara and travel west into this scenic region, 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 and onto see the famous ‘Quiet Man ‘ bridge. 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 (and weather permitting) we drive scenic Sky Road, viewing Clifden Castle, a ruined manor house, built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style. After our day of exploring we return to Galway City.
What's included
Included
- Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
- Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
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 minutes here · Admission included
Quiet Man Bridge
This bridge was made famous in the 1950s classic “The Quiet man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Tourists from all over the world to come visit this local attraction. The Quiet Man is regarded as one of the top 100 films ever made
15 minutes here
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Our next castle stop is 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. (Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens not included in cost.) Choose to treat yourself to refreshments at the onsite café for lunch.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Clifden Castle
Located on the scenic Sky Road, west of the town of Clifden, Clifden Castle was built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style by John D’Arcy (1785 – 1839), who was the founder of Clifden Town and which is now the capital of the Connemara region of Galway. The estate of Clifden Castle originally covered over 17,000 acres. However, these lands which had been owned by the D’Arcy family for over 150 years, were lost to the family in the mid-1800’s when the family became bankrupt as a result of debts incurred during the Great Potato Famine. The castle has changed hands many times over the years and the land around it has been divided up and sold leading Clifden Castle to fall into ruin in the latter part of the 19th Century. The present day castle has only the stone shell remaining and is partly overgrown with thick ivy.
Pass by without stopping
This castle on the lake 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. Please note we view the old original castle on the island on Ballynahich Lough.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Galway
Please wait on the steps of Galway Cathedral facing the river/bridge and the driver guide will collect you from there. The vehicle will have a sign in the window for 'Castles of Connemara' tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait on the steps of Galway Cathedral facing the river/bridge and the driver guide will collect you from there. The vehicle will have a sign in the window for 'Castles of Connemara' tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ireland Wild Escapes
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Min 4 passengers required, or pay the price of 4 for the tour to proceed
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Colleen is native to the...
Colleen is native to the area. She had so much local knowledge. It was a fantastic tour. We enjoyed every aspect of our day. She is pleasant accommodating. I would highly recommend Colleen as a tour guide for your Connemara exploration! Mary
via Viator
Private tour with Colleen
A private tour with Colleen who was wonderful - knowledgeable, adaptable & funny. We are a family of 5 with college kids & an 80 year old mother all enjoyed themselves even with rain, hail, wind & a rainbow. Colleen timed it all out well. Clifton, the abbey, the bridge, local wildlife & scenic views were all worth the trip.
via Viator
Great tour day
We enjoyed our small minivan tour of 5 people with Jimmy. He was flexible and accommodating with tailoring small requests for unique experiences. Had a wonderful day!
via Viator
Personalized experience with Colleen.
Our tour guide Colleen was very knowledgeable. It was quite a windy and rainy day but Colleen handled it all, gave us a great history of the areas we went through, and even suggested a place for lunch, which was excellent. She also pointed us out to the best jeweler in Connemara to purchase jewelry made with the marble of that area, which I was looking to purchase. This turned out to be a private tour with just the two of us and we had her full attention the whole time. She really made this tour something special.
via Viator
Spectacular Castles
Excellent day tour with Gerry. There were only two of us and it was a great experience viewing the beautiful countryside in Connemara. The castles we saw were spectacular. Gerry did a great job with everything!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ireland Wild Escapes, who run 57 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.1.
See everything Ireland Wild Escapes runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Galway.
How much does Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day cost?
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Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Galway usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Galway is not rushed.
Is Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Galway, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Galway can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Galway and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Galway within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Galway?
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On Outty we rank every Galway experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway, Galway to Aran Islands Inisheer, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher Day Tour, 12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Galway?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Galway?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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