• Aughnanure Castle - Our first castle visit is to Aughnanure Castle. This castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to Lough Corrib and village of Oughterard. Built by the O’Flahertys, one of Connacht’s most notable lord families in 1500 and standing on what is a rocky island on the shores of Lough Corrib. This castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. On this visit you will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and dry harbour. Grace O’Malley, the notorious west of Ireland sea pirate was married to Donal O’Flaherty.
• Quiet Man Bridge - This bridge was made famous in the 1950s classic “The Quiet man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Tourists from all over the world to come visit this local attraction. The Quiet Man is regarded as one of the top 100 films ever made
• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - Kylemore Abbey, first founded by English industrialist Mitchell Henry as a present to his wife and now a Benedictine monastery. The next few hours are up to you to explore this romantic abbey, its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church. Choose to treat yourself to refreshments at the onsite café for lunch.
• Clifden Castle - Located on the scenic Sky Road, west of the town of Clifden, Clifden Castle was built in 1812 in the Gothic Revival style by John D’Arcy (1785 – 1839), who was the founder of Clifden Town and which is now the capital of the Connemara region of Galway. The estate of Clifden Castle originally covered over 17,000 acres. However, these lands which had been owned by the D’Arcy family for over 150 years, were lost to the family in the mid-1800’s when the family became bankrupt as a result of debts incurred during the Great Potato Famine. The castle has changed hands many times over the years and the land around it has been divided up and sold leading Clifden Castle to fall into ruin in the latter part of the 19th Century. The present day castle has only the stone shell remaining and is partly overgrown with thick ivy.
• Ballynahinch Castle - This castle on the lake is steeped in history and is connected to one of the 14 tribes of Galway the Martin family. Richard Martin was the founder of the RSPCA. Another Martin was Edward Martin who was very friendly with WB Yeats and Lady Gregory and later went on to establish the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Please note we view the old original castle on the island on Ballynahich Lough.

• Entrance into Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
• Guided tour of Connemara in minivan
• Entrance into Aughnanure Castle

• Gratuities
• Lunch

Join this captivating daily excursion to the renowned Castles of Connemara, as we head west into this picturesque region, celebrated for its untamed landscapes and seascapes. Our first castle stop is Aughnanure Castle, constructed by the O’Flahertys in 1500 and a notably well-preserved Irish tower house example. Our journey continues to the charming village of Oughterard for a brief coffee stop, before heading to the renowned ‘Quiet Man’ bridge. We then proceed through the scenic Connemara region to Kylemore Abbey, established by the English industrialist, Mitchell Henry, and currently home to a Benedictine monastery. Dedicate the next few hours to discovering this poignant Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church. We proceed onward to the Connemara capital, the vibrant town of Clifden. Along the way (weather permitting), we tour the scenic Sky Road, providing views of the dilapidated Clifden Castle, constructed in 1812 following the Gothic Revival design. After a day of exploration, we revert to Galway City.

• Do you or any of your party suffer from food allergies? If yes, please inform your guide before departing on this tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.