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Photo gallery for Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day

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By Ireland Wild Escapes

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
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Features

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Overview

  • 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.

Activity location

  • Aughnanure Castle
    • Oughterard, Ireland, Ireland

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Galway Cathedral
    • Gaol Road
    • H91 A780, Galway, County Galway, Ireland

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Tue, Oct 27
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Guided tour of Connemara in minivan.
  • Inclusions
    Entrance into Aughnanure Castle.
  • Exclusions
    Gratuities
  • Exclusions
    Lunch
  • Exclusions
    Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.

Know before you book

    • 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

Activity itinerary

Aughnanure Castle

  • 45m
  • Admission ticket included
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.

Quiet Man Bridge

  • 15m
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

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
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.

Clifden Castle (Pass by)

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.

Ballynahinch Castle (Pass by)

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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Aughnanure Castle
    • Oughterard, Ireland, Ireland

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Galway Cathedral
    • Gaol Road
    • H91 A780, Galway, County Galway, Ireland

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