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Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey

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Galway, Ireland
Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey
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Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey
Connemara
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From $37.97

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon8 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the perfectly preserved Franciscan friary of Ross Errilly Friary and enjoy some leisurely free time in Cong, a picturesque village. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.
  • Full day trip to Connemara from Galway city with an expert guide
  • Explore Ross Errilly Friary, one of Ireland’s best preserved Franciscan friaries
  • Spend time at leisure in Cong village, where 'The Quiet Man' was filmed in the 1950s
  • Visit Kylemore Abbey and admire its Victorian walled gardens (entry at your own expense)
  • Transport by luxury coach
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From $37.97

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Professional Local Driver/Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Entrance Fee to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Kinlay Hostel Galway , Merchants Rd, Eyre Square, Galway, H91 F2KT, Ireland
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Please check in at the Galway Tour Company Office located on a ground floor of the Kinlay Hostel

10:00 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Depart from Galway Coach Station in a luxury, air-conditioned coach and admire stunning natural panoramas as you travel through the Irish countryside towards Headford, home to the ancient Ross Errilly Friary. Receive an insightful introduction to the sacred structure from your expert guide and then set out to explore the medieval tombs and atmospheric cloisters that beg to be discovered. 

After thorough exploration, travel onward to Cong village to delight in the quaintness of the setting for John Wayne epic movie, The Quiet Man. Stroll the cobbled streets during some leisurely free time, perhaps ambling over to Cong Woods to see the 11th-century Ashford Castle. 

Head next to County Connemara, home to the unspoiled glacier lake, Loch Na Fooey, and absorb sweeping countryside vistas. Listen to tales of Connemara’s rich culture and learn about the time-honored Irish traditions that are still preserved in the region. 

Next, venture to Kylemore Abbey and immerse yourself in the sacred ambience of an ancient Benedictine abbey shrouded in history. Hear legends surrounding the construction of the abbey and enter the abbey at your own expense. Spend ample time inside the Irish national treasure, opting to enjoy lunch at your own expense if you wish. 

On the return journey to Galway, meander through the incredible tableau of Connemara’s Inagh Valley and the Mamm Turks Mountains and then bid your guide and group farewell on arrival at Galway Coach Station.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
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.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
Lough Corrib
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 )
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Duration: 5 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Killary Fjord
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.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Cong
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.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Royal Abbey of Cong
A magnificent Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Galway Tour Company
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the pick up location?
A:We offer pick ups from most hotels in Galway City. Let us know where you are staying in the 'Special Requirements' box in the Traveler Details section during checkout. Or you can let us know after booking by visiting 'Manage my Booking' and emailing us there.
Jul 2019
Q:
Where is the meeting point?
A:The meeting point for this tour will be at Galway Coach Station on Fairgreen Road opposite to Discover Ireland Centre (Tourist Information Office).
Jul 2019
Q:
What is the meeting time?
A:Please be at our departure point by 09:45 AM.
Jul 2019
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey .
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey ?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey ?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey .

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "There were several places to take pictures and a great souvenir/gift shop.30 minutes was not enough time to do it all." See review
  • "A must visit for anyone on the West coast of Ireland." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
437 Reviews
5 stars
340
4 stars
69
3 stars
17
2 stars
5
1 star
6

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 437 reviews
star-5
Stunning
MICHAEL_B
, May 2022
Visiting Kylemore Abbey was the highlight but the smaller stops are easy to appreciate too! Be sure to dress for rain though!
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star-4
Nice overall but a lot of bus
BRA_F
, May 2022
Nice day overall and the places seen/visited are great but it’s a lot of bus, and the shock absorber are not ideal which makes it a bit bumpy. The driver was nice and the comments were interesting.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Mike deserves a rise!
Elsa_G
, May 2022
We just came back from the Kylemore abbey tour from Galway and loved it! Mike, the tour guide, is an authentic national treasure. He gave lots of information, details and excellent jokes, and with him the tour was a true pleasure. He solved all our doubts and questions. Please give him a rise! He deserves it :)
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star-5
A truly magical trip!
Liana_H
, Apr 2022
The most amazing driver, funny, witty and with so much history and folklore knowledge. The landscapes were incredible, a place of surreal peace and beauty. Kylemore Abbey is unbelievable. Made me feel like a princess of times gone by.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a lovely review! We are delighted to know our driver made a truly magical trip for you! We are pleased to know the designed tour itinerary ticked all of the right boxes for you and we are looking forward to welcoming you back in Ireland sometime soon again!
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star-5
Wonderful excursion into Connemara
brendaknightgrove
, Apr 2022
The tour into Connemara was excellent. The coach was comfortable and clean. Our driver/guide Michael was knowledgeable and entertaining. The Connemara countryside is stunning, and Kylemore Abbey is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you for taking a part of our tour. We are pleased to hear that everything went perfect for you on the day.Thank you for your 5* review. Much appreciated.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Outstanding Landscapes
Tiago_C
, Apr 2022
Our driver/guide was extremely funny and put a smile on everyone in the group. The stops were perfect and very well timed. The landscapes of this tour are a must see. You have more than enough time to see everything.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Thank you very much Tiago. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the landscapes and our guide. Best of luck in the future. We hope to see you back in Galway soon.
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star-5
It's a great experience,...
Leslie_C
, Mar 2022
It's a great experience, though kylemore abbey was not included still had great time exploring connemara. Thanks a million Eamonn and Emily from Paris (i meet her during this tour.God bless!
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Leslie, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review regarding your recent tour with Eamonn. We are happy to hear that you had a great time travelling with our company and even made new friends with co-traveller,Emily ;-)..... ''And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand''.
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star-4
It was pretty nice, but...
Zummar_A
, Jan 2022
It was pretty nice, but it was more of a sightseeing trip than an exploring one. Nice and slow with beautiful scenery.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you, Zumma, for your positive feedback. We are pleased to know that you had a nice experience vacationing with our company. We loved having you on our tours.
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star-5
Our tour guide Michael...
Matthew_R
, Jan 2022
Our tour guide Michael was terrific. I have been to Connemara a few times before but he took us to spots I have never seen and he had knowledge of the area I was unaware of.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Hi Matthew, A big Thank you for leaving a nice review and for your compliments about our Michael. Happy to hear that you discovered new spots in Connemara Thanks to our guide and enjoyed the Connemara Tour in general.We wish to see you on our tours again!
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star-5
Beautiful trip and our...
Franca_C
, Jan 2022
Beautiful trip and our guide Eamonn was very nice and professional. I'm sure that if I'll come back to Galway I'll do again
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you Franca, for your positive review. We appreciate your compliments about Eamonn and will be only delighted to seeing you on our tours again ;-)
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star-5
100% Amazing Day!
Heidi_H
, Dec 2021
The Quiet Man was my dad's favorite movie and I was thrilled to be able to go to the town where it was filmed. Kylemore Abbey was so beautiful and filled with history. I didn't know what to expect from Connemara in general but Dubliners told me this is the real Ireland. And it was! Dry stone fences, sheep crossing the road, and the ocean. Mike was an awesome tour guide and driver!! His history lessons came with his fantastic sense of humor!!
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Hi Heidi, Thank you for taking time to leave such positive feedback about our Connemara Tour and our driver, Mike, in particular. Happy to hear you have seen Connemara in it's full beauty and enjoyed travelling with us.
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star-5
Great tour in Connemara!...
francesca_m
, Dec 2021
Great tour in Connemara! We enjoyed the tour very much! Mike is a very friendly guide who shared lots if historical insights.
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a lovely review! We are delighted to know Mike made the tour so enjoyable for you. We will pass all of your compliments to him and hope we will be able to welcome you back on our tour(s) in the future.
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star-5
The trip was lovely and...
Madison_S
, Nov 2021
The trip was lovely and Mike was a fantastic tour guide! We got to see all of the highlights and learn a lot along the way.
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2021
Thank you for leaving us a favourable review. We are glad you were satisfied with our services and our guide Mike. We are hoping you will travel with us again soon.
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star-4
Mike is funny and gentle....
BeatrizGonzagaBurke
, Nov 2021
Mike is funny and gentle. He knows the history well and it’s always ready to tell you more about it if you show interest. He also cares about people’s safety during the trip.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Thank you Beatriz, for leaving us your positive review. We are delighted that the tour you have chosen with us left you with such a good impression. Thank you kindly for your compliments to our Mike. Hope you will travel with us again.
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star-5
Not to be missed
osetin
, Nov 2021
The guide Michael had the perfect combination excellent professional driving, deep knowledge, and relentless wit. My favorite tour ever.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Thank you for taking a part of our tour. We are pleased to hear that everything went perfect for you on the day and that Michael helped you to enjoy every aspect of it! Thank you for your 5* review. Much appreciated.
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star-5
Tour Kylemore Abbey
eric_s
, Oct 2021
Mike was excellent tour guide … Not only did he know history about destination point , He was very well versed about telling the story of people in west Ireland region past , present and future… He really is professional and passionate about being a tour guide and was very helpful. Good job Mike definitely recommend this tour and your company and Mike ! The Stall, Eric & Cherie👍👍🙏😎🍀
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Hi Eric, Thank you so much for your nice feedback about your tour with Mike. We are delighted to hear that you had an excellent trip and that you had enjoyed new experiences. We appreciate your recommendations and hope we will be able to welcome you back to Galway in the future.
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star-5
Nice day
Ral_G
, Oct 2021
Perfect. The bus driver guide was very kindly and funny. Nice tour. Interesting buildings and beautiful places.
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Thank you Ral, for taking the time to leave a review regarding your recent tour with our company. We are happy to hear that you had a great time and that our driver/guide helped you to enjoyed all aspects of the tour.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-3
Lovely places! Just a...
Alessandra_N
, Oct 2021
Lovely places! Just a pity we had only 2hour to spend at kylemore abbey. I'd like to have more time to visit the gardens and the church. I definitely wanna come back again!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Dear guest, Thank you for your feedback.Just to note ,we advertise the 2 hour stop at the Kylemore Abbey in line with most tour companies in Ireland.This amount of time is specifically picked to be included in 8 hour day tour. We wish you all the best in your future travels and if you like more time at the Kylemore Abbey on your next visit, we will be only delighted to organise a private tour for your. :)
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star-5
Amazing tour well...
Zainab_A
, Oct 2021
Amazing tour well organized, worth the money. The guide David was Amazing cooperative and made the tour fun and informative
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Thank you ,Zainab, very much for your kind review. We are glad to know you enjoyed the Connemara Day Tour and David's company. We will be delighted to welcome you on our tours soon ;-)
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star-5
Don’t miss this!!! Breathtaking views and lovely experience
Zoe_C
, Oct 2021
This tour was the highlight of my trip— Mike was fantastic, I can’t say enough good things about him and the tour. I went solo and met a friend who ended up being on the same tour as me the next day (also with Galway tours.) It’s perfect for solo travel or groups, you really get to see the country side. Connemara is breathtaking. I almost missed this trip because of some of the other reviews, I’m happy I did not listen to some of the negative reviews. It was wonderful, if your hesitant, book it! I also would recommend Connemara + Cong tour over Cliffs of Moher, (see both if you can, but if you can only do one, I would say do this one.)
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2021
Hi Zoe, We are so pleased you enjoyed your experience on our Connemara Day Trip and thank you for taking the time to write a fantastic review about us and Mike. It really means a lot to us these kind words you have said as it is the best way to let people know our impeccable service we have to offer. Kind regards from all of us here at the Galway Tour Company team.
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