Castles of Connemara Tour

From €112

Full day guided tour of historic Connemara

A full day tour to explore the untouched splendor of Connemara while discovering the majestic castles of the region. Step back in time at Kylemore Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, Clifden Castle, and Ballynahinch while travelling through the breathtaking landscapes with dramatic mountains and glistening lakes.

Book the Castles of Connemara Tour

Your initial stop will be at Aughnanure castle, A particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house where you can still see the ruins of a dining hall, a watchtower, a unique double bawn, bastions, and a dry harbour. Visit the charming pub in the thatched cottage village of Oughterard for a quick coffee break. Continue on with stops at the fabled Connemara Giant and the Quiet Man Bridge before passing through the stunning landscape of the Inagh Valley.

Discover the finest castles in Connemara

A highlight of the tour will be your visit to the famous Kylemore Abbey where you’ll have plenty of time to discover this charming monastery, its Gothic Church, and its immaculately conserved Victorian Walled Gardens. After which your journey will take you up the Sky Road in Clifden to enjoy epic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the islands off the west coast.

Before enjoying some delectable tea and scones, you can lose yourself in the surroundings of Ballynahinch Castle and its extensive estate grounds, which includes the recently restored walled garden.

Finally, pass along the iconic dry stone walls separating lush pastures with sheep, cows, Connemara ponies as you return through quaint villages towards home.

Castles of Connemara FAQs

What should I bring on the Connemara Castles Tour?

To make the trip more pleasant, you should consider bringing the following items:

Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Raincoat
Seasonally appropriate attire
Snacks and a water bottle

Who lived in Ballynahinch Castle?

In order to serve as an inn at first, the Martin family commissioned the construction of the current castle building in 1756. The mansion was eventually transformed into a private dwelling, and Richard Martin, often known as “Humanity Dick” because of his dedication to animal welfare, spent a sizable portion of his life there.

Who lived in Clifden Castle?

Clifden’s founder John D’Arcy lived at this Castle, which he had built in 1818, as their primary residence. You can see this once-beautiful manor mansion from Sky Road.

Is Kylemore Abbey worth visiting?

Yes, you can learn a lot about the experience offered here through the web evaluations of Kylemore Abbey. Be prepared for a rich history, stunning buildings, and stunning gardens.

Who built Aughnanure castle?

The castle fortress in Oughterard is thought to have been created by Walter de Burgo, the first Earl of Ulster, in 1256, during the O’Flahertys’ brief exile from the region.

Who lived in Aughnanure castle?

From this beautiful six-story tower on the shores of Lough Corrib, the ferocious O’Flaherty family, whose motto was “Fortune favors the strong,” dominated west Connacht for 300 years.