If you’re dreaming of winding roads, windswept valleys, misty lakes, ancient ruins, and a place where sheep definitely outnumber people – let us introduce you to Connemara. It’s wild, it’s romantic, it’s ruggedly remote, and best of all, it’s right on Galway’s doorstep.
At Galway Tour Company, we’ve been showing off this spectacular slice of the Wild Atlantic Way for years, and trust us – Connemara in real life is even better than it looks on Instagram. Filters begone!
Ready for the ultimate Irish road trip? Hop aboard one of our comfy coaches and let’s go!
First Stop: The Inagh Valley – A Photo You’ll Want to Frame
Our first stop is the jaw-dropping Inagh Valley, and no, your eyes aren’t playing tricks – that’s actually how it looks. With a glacial lake at its heart and mountains rising on either side, this is postcard-perfect Ireland. You might even spot red deer or a swooping kestrel if you’re lucky.
Inagh Valley has a history as rich as its scenery. Ancient clans once travelled these lands, and some say the old spirits still whisper in the wind. (Don’t worry, they’re friendly enough.)
Kylemore Abbey – Fairy Tales Are Real Here
Next, we journey to one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: Kylemore Abbey. Nestled on the edge of a shimmering lake, this neo-Gothic castle is what travel dreams are made of. Originally built as a romantic gift (take note, hopeless romantics), it’s now home to Benedictine nuns and some seriously serene gardens.
You’ll have two glorious hours to explore the castle, you lucky things. Wander the Victorian Walled Gardens, visit the chapel and mausoleum, and grab a hearty lunch or a slice of the famous Kylemore chocolate. Entrance isn’t included in the tour (boo!), but you’ll get a discounted rate just for riding with us (yay!).
Killary Harbour – Ireland’s Only Fjord (and Yes, It’s a Beauty)
Heading further into Connemara’s untamed north, we arrive at Killary Harbour – one of just three fjords in Ireland, and definitely the most dramatic. Picture towering cliffs, seaweed-strewn shores, and Atlantic waters that shimmer under the ever-changing sky.
It’s not unusual to spot salmon farms, seabirds, and even a pod of dolphins if Neptune’s in a good mood. Plenty to do and see, all at an A-fjord-able price.
Joyce Country & Lough Nafooey – Wild, Ancient, and Utterly Beautiful
Now, things get really off the beaten track. As we pass into Joyce Country – named after the powerful Irish clan, not the famous writer – we find ourselves in a land shaped by time, glaciers, and a long-extinct volcano.
Here lies Lough Nafooey, a peaceful glacial lake hugged by ancient hills. It’s a quiet kind of beauty that gets under your skin – the kind of place that makes you want to stay forever (or at least until your next pint).
Cong Village – Hollywood Meets History
Our final stop before heading home is the charming Cong Village. Film buffs may recognise it from The Quiet Man, a 1950s classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Even if you’ve never seen the film, you’ll fall for Cong’s cosy charm, duck-dotted riverbanks, and towering trees of Cong Woods – one of Ireland’s largest native forests.
Don’t miss the 12th-century Cong Abbey, a medieval marvel that still stands proud despite everything time and weather have thrown at it.
So…if we had to boil it down…
Why Visit Connemara?
- Breathtaking scenery: Mountains, lakes, coastline – it has it all.
- Authentic Ireland: It’s rural, remote, and refreshingly real.
- Flora & fauna: Heather-covered hills, rare orchids in The Burren, Atlantic salmon, wild goats, and more.
- Deep history: From ancient clans to monastic ruins.
- Peace and quiet: Especially in the off-season months like autumn and winter, you’ll often have the views to yourself.
- Unforgettable memories: This is the kind of trip that sticks with you.
Did You Know?
- Over 2 million tourists visit the Wild Atlantic Way each year, and Connemara is a key highlight.
- Kylemore Abbey alone welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually.
- The region is part of a Gaeltacht – where Irish is still spoken daily.
Join Us on the Connemara Tour
Whether you’re chasing scenic views, snapping photos, exploring Irish culture, or just want a great day out with friendly guides and zero stress, the Connemara day tour from Galway is the way to go.
Let us do the driving. You just sit back, soak up the scenery, and let our knowledgeable drivers take you on a journey of discovery.
Ready to explore Connemara? Book your tour with Galway Tour Company and see Ireland the way it was meant to be seen: wild, warm, and a little bit magical.
