Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey Day Trip

Your Connemara Day Trip Itinerary

Your day unfolds among Connemara’s windswept peaks and shimmering lakes, with each valley leading to new vistas and hidden stories. 

Into the Heart of Connemara

Leaving Galway, your driver-guide takes you west past stone-walled fields and traditional thatched cottages before the land opens to bogs, mountains, and loughs. 

Through the Inagh Valley and over Maam Cross, each bend reveals landscapes more dramatic than the last.

Your guide will point out turf cutters at work, old sheep paths across the hills, and the local lore that connects this region deeply to both Irish tradition and the Atlantic way of life.

We just returned from a 15-day trip to Ireland, 11 days of which were arranged with Prestige Tours. We could not have been happier. Working with Michelle initially, we were able to plan our itinerary to include activities and stops that interested us and were somewhat off the beaten tourist track. For example, we wanted to spend time in harbor towns such as Kinsale and wilder outdoor settings such as Connemara for a different kind of experience. We also did several Greenway bike rides: one from Dungarvan toward Waterford and the other from Achill Sound near Westport. We enjoyed our accommodations, several of which were in unique countryside locations. None of this, however, would have been as wonderful without the pleasure of being with our fantastic driver/guide, Damien Heaney, who made every day special, lively, and interesting. He regaled us with his well-versed knowledge of Irish history and had a story about every stop and point of interest along the way that you will not find in any guide book. He was fun, and flexible, and a delight to spend time with (and, we should add, a very competent driver). We appreciated him every day. All in all, we would highly recommend Prestige Tours.

The Kelleys ★★★★★​

Connemara National Park

Arrive at Connemara National Park, where a network of trails winds into the Twelve Bens mountain range. You may take a short hike along the lower Diamond Hill trail with your guide, offering vast panoramas over heathland, bogs, and lakes below.

Your driver-guide ensures the pace is tailored to you, whether you prefer a gentle walk with sweeping views or simply time to enjoy the stillness of this vast landscape.

Kylemore Abbey

Set on the shores of a still mountain lake, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most photographed sites. 

Built as a romantic castle in the 19th century and later home to Benedictine nuns, its story combines love, loss, and resilience.

Inside, you’ll tour the elegantly restored rooms, while outside, your guide will walk you through the Victorian walled gardens, often called the “Versailles of Connemara.” 

With mountains reflected in the lake and a neo-Gothic chapel nearby, Kylemore is a place of beauty, history, and serenity.

Clifden – Capital of Connemara

Continue to Clifden, the lively yet laid-back “Capital of Connemara.” Georgian townhouses line the streets, and cafés and pubs offer warm welcomes. 

Your guide may share stories about early aviators Alcock and Brown, who landed here after the first transatlantic flight, or point out local artisans whose crafts reflect the region’s wildness.

It’s a perfect place to pause for coffee, browse shops, or soak in the rhythm of daily life in Connemara.

Our group of four women hired Prestige Tours for a 5 day excursion – Dublin-Galway-Killarney-Cork-Dublin. We couldn’t have been happier with the service. It was a true vacation not having to worry about getting lost or where to eat/sleep. Accommodations were included with our tour and our knowledgeable guide, Peter, gave us awesome dining recommendations at every stop. During our drive, Peter entertained us with related facts and stories. Experiencing the local culture is paramount to me. Prestige Tours did not disappoint. Some highlights for me were attending the Celtic Steps show in Killarney, the delicious dining in Kinsale and browsing the shops in Dingle and Kenmare. Thank you to Peter and Prestige Tours for a memorable trip to your beautiful country!

Michele Curtis ★★★★★​

Return Drive

As your driver brings you back toward Galway, the evening light often casts a golden glow over the mountains and lakes. 

Optional Extras For Your Connemara Day Trip

• Private sheepdog demonstration on a working farm
• Boat trip on Killary Fjord (seasonal)
• Extended hike in Connemara National Park