From Galway: Connemara and Connemara National Park Day Trip



Discover the beauty of Ireland's West Coast and Connemara on a guided day trip from Galway. Pass picturesque fishing villages and stop for three hours to explore Connemara National Park.

Highlights

  • Venture into the heart of Connemara and marvel at its rugged natural beauty
  • Wander through the brighly painted streets of Cliften as you browse the shops
  • Choose to visit Connemara National Park with 3 hours to explore the trails
  • Opt to visit Kylemore Abbey and discover its picturesque lough and gardens
  • Gaze across the Atlantic Ocean as you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way

Description

Journey into Connemara on a day trip from Galway City and discover a region defined by its history and wild natural beauty. Cross the rugged landscapes, take in the views over the Atlantic, and choose to visit the National Park or Kylemore Abbey. After meeting your driver/guide, set off from Galway City and pass the historical fishing village of Claddagh. Continue to Salthill, home to the famous Blackrock diving tower and the Prom. Soak up the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way and watch as the mountains rise in the distance. Stop for photos at the tumbling waterfall of Screeb, followed by a stop at Derryclare Lough at the entrance to the Inagh Valley. Arrive in the town of Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara. Fall in love with the brightly painted shopfronts, bars, and restaurants that line the narrow streets, and keep an eye out for local crafts and unique gifts. Then, follow the Sky Road route to a viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic Islands. Next, decide on either 3 hours to explore the Connemara National Park or 3 hours to explore the Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. Option One: Connemara National Park. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, the park covers nearly 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expansive bogs, pristine grasslands, and enchanting woodlands. Explore the walking trails at your own pace or set off on a challenging mountain hike towards the summit of Diamond Hill (400 m). There are 4 marked walking trails, each beginning at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain. Option two is Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. Discover the idyllic Kylemore Abbey, along with its lush surroundings and the serene Pollacapall Lough. Originally built as a private castle, today the Abbey is home to the Benedictine Nuns, and the 1,000-acre Kylemore estate offers the perfect setting for exploration and photography. Following the main stop, weave your way between the majestic Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains as you cross the Inagh Valley. Take in the breathtaking views of peatlands, mountains, lakes, and glorious countryside where sheep graze freely. Stop for photos in the tiny village of Recess, home to the Connemara Giant. On the return to Galway, pass the famous Quiet Man bridge on your right-hand side.

Includes

Transportation by air-conditioned bus Local guide

Important Information

  • Infants must sit on their parent's laps

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

September 2026 1 dates
Wed 30th Sep
October 2026 31 dates
Thu 1st Oct Fri 2nd Oct Sat 3rd Oct Sun 4th Oct Mon 5th Oct Tue 6th Oct
November 2026 30 dates
Sun 1st Nov Mon 2nd Nov Tue 3rd Nov Wed 4th Nov Thu 5th Nov Fri 6th Nov
December 2026 30 dates
Tue 1st Dec Wed 2nd Dec Thu 3rd Dec Fri 4th Dec Sat 5th Dec Sun 6th Dec

Top Things To Do in Whitsundays

See All →

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.