Connemara: Day Trips and Tours from Galway

A region in west Ireland, Connemara is famous for its rugged landscapes and scenic views. Visit dramatic fortifications, including Ballynahinch Castle and Clifden Castle and explore the mountainous landscapes of the Doolough Valley.

Connemara day trips from Galway offer plenty of interesting stops along Ireland’s famous coastal route — the Wild Atlantic Way. Some Connemara jaunts also include tours of the Connemara National Park, which covers over 2,000 hectares of woodlands, mountains, grasslands and more.

Here's all you need to know about Connemara, one of the most pleasing destinations for day trips from Galway.

How to get to Connemara from Galway?

Connemara is a region of County Galway located in west Ireland. You can find it on the Atlantic Coast, west of Galway City.

From Galway to Connemara by car

You can take the N59 highway to the Connemara region. This route spans about 80 kilometers and will take roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

You can also take the R336 or the N84 highways to Connemara. These routes are around 90 kilometers and will take you 90 minutes by car.

From Galway to Connemara by bus

Buses from Galway to Connemara depart 3 times a day. Bus 923 travels along the R864 and takes roughly 1.5 hours to get to Clifden, the largest town in Connemara.

Guided tour to Connemara from Galway

Guided tours to Connemara are a fantastic way to tour the region, with all your transport being arranged for you. A professional guide will take you to the best places in the area, not to mention landmark spots en route.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Connemara from Galway?

Day tours to Connemara offer pickup from specified accommodations in Galway. You will get picked up by a driver who will be in charge of making all the stops on your itinerary list.

Once you’ve explored Connemara, you will then get driven back to your accommodation or the spot where you were picked up. Typical itineraries include stops along the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as landmarks in the Connemara region.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Connemara?

Group tours to Connemara plus Kylemore Abbey from Galway

These tours stop at the famous Kylemore Abbey and make stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. You can catch great views along the Twelve Pins mountain range and visit landmarks like Killary Fjord. Tours include all transport and a professional guide.

Private tours to Connemara plus Kylemore Abbey from Galway

Private tours to Connemara are very varied, but almost all of them make stops at Kylemore Abbey.

Day trip to Connemara plus Connemara National Park from Galway

On these tours, you can explore the hiking trails in Connemara National Park and ascend attractions like Diamond Hill. Some tours also make stops in Roundstone, a Connemara fishing village, and Sky Road, a popular stopping point on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Private day trip to Connemara plus Doolough Valley from Galway

Explore the scenic Doolough Valley on this private day trip to Connemara. You can customize the itinerary however you want and learn about Irish culture while you sightsee.

Day tour to Connemara plus Aran Islands from Galway

These tours will take you on a cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, as you sail towards Inishmeer, on the Aran Islands. Some tours even stop at the Cliffs of Moher visitors’ center so you can walk along the high cliffs.

How much does a tour to Connemara from Galway cost?

Group tours to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey cost €40 to €50 per person, with the more expensive tours covering your admission fee for Kylemore Abbey.

Private tours to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey cost around €380 per group of up to eight people for half-day trips. Full-day trips start from around €580 per group of up to 15 people. The more expensive full-day tours include stops at Ballynahinch Castle and Aughnanure Castle.

Day trips to Connemara plus Connemara National Park cost €40 per person. These tours only take about a few hours in the park and then tour other areas in Connemara. If you want to spend a full day in Connemara National Park, however, you can buy a more expensive day tour for around €150 per person.

Private day trips to Connemara and Doolough Valley cost €540 per group of up to three people.

Day tours to Connemara and Aran Islands cost €80 per person.

What will you see and do on a Connemara day trip from Galway?

Connemara National Park

Journeys to Connemara often include a tour of Connemara National Park in Letterfrack. There are endless walking trails to explore in the park, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds and hiking trails.

Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin Island is located just off the coast of the Connemara region. The island has a very calm natural harbor, making it ideal for boating. You can also visit the Inishbofin Heritage Museum or explore the island’s many walking trails.

Doolough Valley

Doolough Valley is a well-known spot along the Wild Atlantic Way and is nestled between two lakes and boasts scenic views of mountain landscapes. You can enjoy a picnic there or explore the mountains and hillsides.

Castles of Connemara

Some excursions to Connemara make stops in the region’s renowned castles, such as the Benedictine Kylemore Castle. Other historic castles include Ballynahinch Castle and Clifden Castle. You can explore the castle grounds and your tour guide will show you around the castle estates.

When is the best time to visit Connemara?

The best time to visit Connemara is just outside the high season during early autumn (September) and late spring (May). This is when crowds have diminished significantly, so you will have an easier time securing tours. The weather is also less extreme during these times.

Are there any tours to Connemara from other cities in Ireland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Ireland:

• Day trips to Connemara from Dublin

Travel tips

• Bring drinking water with you so you can stay hydrated.
• Pack some snacks for the road.
• Wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen for warm sunny days.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Book your Connemara day tour in advance to secure your spot.
• Make sure you bring your camera or smartphone so you can take photographs.