Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

Galway , Ireland

Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

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About this experience

Departing from Galway at 10:00 AM, you begin your fully guided tour of Connemara & Cong at our first photo stop near the scenic Inagh Valley. Our main stop is the enchanting Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens. The admission fee for Kylemore Abbey is charged separately at the discounted price of €14 per person (tickets are purchased in cash from your driver). Admission includes entrance to the Abbey, the shuttle bus to the walled gardens and entry to the Neo Gothic Church. There is also a restaurant where you can purchase a hearty lunch and a gift shop for souvenirs. After this visit you explore the wilder Connemara regions visiting Killary Fjord and experience the stark beauty of the valleys of Connemara through the hidden Lough Nafooey route. Arriving in Cong village, you will enjoy a 45-minute break to inspect the ruins of the Old Abbey and take a walk in Cong Woods, wander the streets made famous by the Quiet Man movie before returning to Galway by approximately 18:00

Available options

Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

What's included

Professional Local Driver/Guide ( English only )

Air-conditioned vehicle

Live commentary on board

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful Connemara castle, offers much history of romance and tragedy, captivating visitors who step upon its threshold.
The Abbey is a beautiful, neo-gothic, building built-in 1868 by Mitchell Henry for his wife. It is now home to the Benedictine Nuns, and here you can enjoy their excellent home cooking while visiting the Abbey and the restored walled gardens. The grounds and surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped ina rich Irish history, and you can learn all about this on our Connemara & Cong Tour. The Abbey and estate are open all year round and include the Abbey, a Gothic Church, the walled gardens, a craft shop, pottery studio, restaurant and tea rooms, as well as the lake and woodland walks. Please note the Kylemore Abbey is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday on the dates 07.11.23-23.12.23 and 08.01.24-05.02.24.

Stop 2

Lough Corrib is the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland and the second largest on the island of Ireland (after Lough Neagh). ( It covers 176 km² )

Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only true fjord and extends 16km (10 miles) in from the Atlantic .It's extremely deep, over 45m at its centre. This offers a very safe, sheltered anchorage, because of the depth and the mountains to the south and north. It is a centre for shellfish farming, and strings of ropes used to grow mussels are visible for much of its length.

Only an hour’s drive from Westport, Cong is a small village in south Mayo famous for its 12th century abbey, the lavish gold and silver processional Cross of Cong from 1123, the magnificent Ashford Castle, the village’s links with Oscar Wilde and, most popularly, its association with the John Wayne classic movie, The Quiet Man.

Stop 5

A magnificent Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entrance Fee to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Gratuities

Pickup from all locations ( except main departure point )

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

412 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

592 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Public car park near ( Q-Park Eyre Square , Q-Park Hynes Yard)

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Seats are not assigned

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Please check in the office 15-20 minutes prior to departure.
Please allow enough time to get to the departure point (if you travel by car ) due to a high traffic in Galway City. There is car parking available on Merchants Rd.

Important notes

Travelers cannot enter their own pickup location
Meeting point:
Kinlay Hostel Galway, Merchants Rd, Eyre Square, Galway, H91 F2KT, Ireland
Please be there by 9:40 am

About Galway

Galway is a vibrant city on the west coast of Ireland, known for its rich cultural heritage, lively arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. It offers a unique blend of traditional Irish charm and modern creativity, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Eyre Square (John F. Kennedy Memorial Park)

A central landmark in Galway, this square is a hub of activity and a historic site with the famous statue of John F. Kennedy.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Galway Cathedral

A stunning example of modern Irish religious architecture, this cathedral is a must-visit for its beauty and tranquility.

Religious 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Spanish Arch

A historic arch that is part of the old city walls, offering a glimpse into Galway's rich history and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Salthill Promenade

A scenic coastal walkway offering stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a workout.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Claddagh

A historic fishing village that is now part of Galway, known for its rich heritage and the famous Claddagh ring.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (shopping and dining costs vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Oysters

Fresh Galway oysters, often served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of brown bread.

Appetizer Seafood, gluten-free option available

Irish Stew

A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, slow-cooked to perfection.

Main Course Gluten-free, can be made vegetarian

Seafood Chowder

A creamy and comforting soup filled with a variety of fresh seafood.

Soup Seafood, gluten-free option available

Soda Bread

A traditional Irish bread made with buttermilk, known for its dense texture and slightly tangy flavor.

Bread Gluten-free option available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Connemara National Park Kayaking on Galway Bay Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way Strolling along Salthill Promenade Enjoying a spa day Reading in a cozy café Attending a traditional Irish music session Visiting local museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer the warmest weather and the most daylight, perfect for exploring the city and its surrounding natural attractions. This is also the peak tourist season with festivals and events in full swing.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Irish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (GMT+1 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Galway is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
• Use licensed taxis and check the meter

Getting there

By air

Shannon Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
Galway Airport • 6 km (4 miles)

By train

Galway Ceannt Station

By bus

Galway Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Latin Quarter Salthill Claddagh

Day trips

Aran Islands

30 km (19 miles) from Galway • Full day

A group of three islands known for their unique cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and traditional Irish language and customs.

Connemara National Park

60 km (37 miles) from Galway • Full day

A stunning national park with a variety of landscapes, including mountains, bogs, and forests, offering numerous outdoor activities.

The Burren

80 km (50 miles) from Galway • Full day

A unique limestone landscape with a rich history, diverse flora, and fascinating geological features.

Festivals

Galway International Arts Festival • July Galway International Oyster Festival • September Galway Races • July/August

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
Explore the Latin Quarter for a taste of traditional Irish culture and nightlife
Take a day trip to the Aran Islands for a unique cultural experience
Try traditional Irish dishes like oysters, Irish stew, and soda bread
Attend a traditional Irish music session in a local pub