lally tours kylemore abbey

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This tour takes a look into traditional way of life on the West coast of the Emerald Isle along with the history that has shaped the region. Be prepared to learn a bit of the Irish language and to hear a few tales of the local residents.

Connemara Day Tour Highlights

This full day, guided tour has been designed to showcase the best of the west of Ireland, providing an immersive experience that encapsulates the essence of this enchanting region. As you travel from Galway City, listen to your expert driver/guide share the origin of the Irish language and how it is still the native language of Connemara, despite its diminishing status in the rest of Ireland. 

From the rugged beauty of the 12 Bens Mountain Range to the serenity of Connemara's lakes, from encounters with native Connemara Ponies and sheep to the charm of traditional thatched cottages, every moment is an invitation to savour the authentic rural beauty of Ireland. 

Delving deeper into Connemara, the tour unveils the awe-inspiring Kylemore Abbey and its historic estate, allowing you to step back in time. As you venture into Irish-speaking rural areas, you'll gain a genuine sense of the nation's linguistic and cultural heritage. 

This tour is a perfect choice for anyone seeking to experience an authentic and immersive experience of Ireland's diverse landscapes and fascinating heritage.

Galway City Center -  Tour Departure

This tour departs  at 10:00 am sharp from the centre of Galway City, on Foster Street just outside the Hyde Hotel. We encourage guests to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start to the day's exploration. Guests staying in Galway City or suburbs can avail of our pick-up service. See check out section for more details.

Immerse in Irish Culture and History

Gain a deeper understanding of Ireland's cultural heritage, folklore, and history, through our expert local tour guides. The tour presents ample opportunities to experience the 'Craic' – the unique spirit of Irish fun and conviviality.  As your guide shares stories and traditions passed down through generations, you’ll uncover customs, traditions, and geographical nuances that define this island nation's exceptional character.

Captivating Photo Stops Throughtout The Day

Throughout the day tour, the bus will stop on numerous occasions for some captivating photo stops, allowing guests to get some shots of the scenic beauty of the Connemara region. From the charming Oughterard to the majestic River Corrib, the awe-inspiring 12 Bens Mountain Range, and the iconic Maam Cross, your camera will be your trusted companion. Or, keep it old school, and use these stops as an opportunity to really soak in this beautiful part of Ireland; device free.

Oughterard - River-Side Village

The tour heads north-west, leaving the city behind and passes through commuter villages such as Moycullen and Roscahill, reaching Oughterard, where you'll be treated to stunning views of the River Corrib and picturesque thatched roof historic cottages, setting the stage for a day of immersion into the beauty of Connemara. 

Conemara Ponies and Native Wildlife

As you journey through Connemara, you'll have the privilege of encountering Connemara Ponies, a beloved native breed of horse. It’s very likely you’ll come across some wild Connemara Mountain Sheep during the tour. They freely graze in the region and might even cross your path during the tour. There's no need to be alarmed; these curious creatures are a cherished part of Connemara's landscape.  Keep an eye out for some typical Irish Cattle breeds such as Charolais, Angus, Belgian Blue, and Hereford cows, and you'll be utterly amazed by how slow they moooove.

Step Back in Time - Immerse Yourself In Ireland's Past

Continuing on this picturesque route, you'll chance upon stone ruins of homesteads from eras long past, serving as poignant reminders of Ireland's rich history. These ancient ruins, combined with the scenic beauty, create a profound connection to Ireland's past, where history and nature entwine in a captivating tale. 

Maam Cross - The Connemara Cross Roads

At Maam Cross, a pivotal crossroads in the heart of Connemara, the tour takes a right turn, unveiling a gateway to the past with its preserved old railway tracks, offering a glimpse into Ireland's transportation history. . The tour progresses towards Recess, the gateway to the mesmerising landscapes of Joyce Country, where you're greeted by the serene beauty of Connemara's shimmering loughs and the majestic 12 Bens mountain range. 

Romantic Film Locations

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to delve deeper into 'the real Ireland.' You'll visit iconic film locations featured in renowned movies.  You’ll surely see reasons why Hollywood directors chose Connemara as backdrops to movies such as The Field (Written by John B. Keane, starring Richard Harris and John Hurt) and most recently, Marley & Me (Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston).  This fascinating glimpse into the film history of the region adds an extra layer of enchantment to the tour.

Stop at Leenane Village - Coffee Time!

The tour then leads to Leanne Village, a secluded and scenic haven. Here, you'll have the opportunity to pause for a coffee, and our driver will recommend the best places to enjoy a snack and a coffee. A particular favourite among our guests is the Sheep and Wool Centre in Leanne, offering a unique experience and the chance to take home traditional Irish woollen souvenirs.

Killary Fjord - Stunning View Point

The tour continues alongside beautiful lakes, leading to the Killary Fjord lookout, where you'll enjoy one of Ireland's most stunning fjord landscapes. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to an Irish Fairy tree, unveiling its significance in Irish folklore. This is a photo stop you won't want to miss!

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens Estate

Dive into the fascinating history of Kylemore Abbey and its immaculate gardens. You'll have approximately 2.5 hours to explore the Neo-Gothic Church, Victorian Gardens, Restored Gardeners-House, and more! Your guide will provide valuable insights on how to make the most of your time.

There is a free shuttle bus to the Victoria Walled Gardens, making this an enchanting oasis on the west side of the estate accessible to all. Top off your visit with a delectable lunch in the restaurant and a visit to the gift shop, where you can pick up souvenirs, including exquisite Aran knitwear. 

On the Road Again..

In the afternoon, the journey leads you through the enchanting Inagh Valley, where the trees form a picturesque canopy over the road, reminiscent of scenes from a movie!  Returning to Maam Cross, you'll head south into Connemara, an Irish-speaking region that offers a glimpse into life in these remote and traditional Irish communities.

Connemara's Stunning Loughs and Islands

The tour takes you on a picturesque route through Connemara, allowing you to admire the region's beautiful loughs and islands. These enchanting landscapes are an invitation to connect with the unspoiled natural world.

Gaeltacht Areas (Irish-Speaking Regions)

Head towards South Connemara into Gaeltacht areas like Camus and Screeb, and admire the breathtaking Screeb Waterfall. As you journey through this region, you'll have the opportunity to see anglers' huts on small islands dotting the beautiful lakes. 

South Connemara's Unique Landscape

The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation in South Connemara, characterised by flat terrain and limestone features that bear an uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon.

Wild Atlantic Way Galway

Driving through Costello, Baile na Habhann, and Inverin, all Irish-speaking Gaeltacht areas, you'll gain a sense of what it would be like to live in these vibrant communities, where the Irish language and culture thrive. Along the way, enjoy captivating views of Galway Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean, with the tour taking you parallel to the coast and offering stunning views of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Spiddal (An Spidéal) - Coastal Village

Pass through the area of Cois Fharriage, which translates to 'Beside the Sea,' allowing you to experience the rugged beauty of the Irish coastline. Visit Spiddal (an Spideal), a charming coastal town located in a Gaeltacht area. Here, you have the option to visit souvenir shops or enjoy a cup of coffee at our favourite spot, Rúnda coffee shop, owned by a local family.

Back To Galway City

As the tour draws to a close, you'll drive through Salthill and Barna, making your way back into Galway City. The tour typically returns to the city between 5:15 and 5:30, contingent on traffic conditions. This provides the ideal opportunity to head into the heart of Galway for a tasty evening meal. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations.

Traditional Irish Music Session Time?

We always recommend popping into Taaffes Bar, renowned for its daily sessions of Traditional Irish Music starting at 5:30 pm. Here, you can savour the best pint of Guinness in Galway and relish the genuine Irish 'Craic.' It’s the perfect way to round off the evening after a fabulous day tour with Lally Tours!

Why this tour?

Lally Tours' Galway to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour offers a profound and unforgettable experience, promising a deeper understanding of Ireland's stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. This tour will leave you with cherished memories of the captivating west coast of the Emerald Isle. Make the most of your visit to Ireland and book your tour today!

Join us on the Galway to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour, where each of these highlights weaves a tapestry of experiences that will linger in your memory for years to come.

Yes, no problem. It's the same coach and driver all day. This is a great idea if you are coming straight from a connection, if you are checking out of your accommodation, or catching an ongoing connection straight after the tour

The best rates are available by booking direct on LallyTours.com. Also, it's best to purchase multiple tours at the same time to avail of bundled discounts

Yes we do! Our HQ is the Explore Galway Kiosk in Eyre Square . Please come and say hello ahead of your trip and ask for some local tips for Galway and the West of Ireland.

Yes, we actively encourage a paperless environment as much as possible

A camera – You’ll see many beautiful landscapes and iconic Irish sights, so many guests bring their own camera Comfortable Shoes – On each of our tours, we make stops that can require lengthy walks. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes so you don’t miss out on Ireland’s hidden gems! Weatherproof clothing – If the forecast is showing anything other than 100% sunshine, you should probably bring a rain jacket. All of our vehicles have air-conditioning, but in the winter months it is advised to bring a scarf and/or gloves to keep you warm and snug when you’re outside in the elements.

Yes, there are plenty of stops for lunch and refreshment options. Lunch is not included in ticket price.

Gratuities are not required. However we think our drivers and guides have a tough job to do, so if you enjoyed your trip, feel free to tip your driver appropriately – it is truly appreciated.

Yes. You will need to verify enrollment in your home university. Please bring your valid Student I.D.

Yes, any remaining tickets will be available to purchase from the driver pre-departure

In peak season, there can be a max of 61 people on this tour.

+353 91 562905 [email protected]

Lally Tours - Day Tours, City Tours and Extended Tours along the West Coast of Ireland, Explore Galway Kiosk, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland

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Kylemore Abbey

Great day out my only issues was we could have spent another hour easily at Kylemore as there was so much to see. Our drivers was great as was the tour Kylemore is excellent so beautiful.

Hi S H, Thanks for the review and nice words. We are glad you had a nice day out in Connemara with Micheal. He will be thrilled to hear this. We hope to see you again on another one of tours. Safe travels, Dónal

Connemara day tour organized by Lally tours, was just amazing. Our driver/guide was Michael, who I thank for the detailed explanation, and took us all around this beautiful landscape. I recommend this tour and the agency, they are super nice!

Hi SaraMongi, Thanks for the 5* review and nice words. We are glad you had a nice day out in Connemara with Micheal. He will be thrilled to hear this. We hope to see you again on another one of tours. Safe travels, Dónal

John was our bus driver and head of our guided tour. Besides being a very safe driver, he was an outstanding tour guide. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. It was great learning so much from him about the Irish culture and traditions. He was happy to answer any questions we had during the trip as well. We would highly recommend him for this tour!

Hi cdden, Thanks for the 5* review and nice words. We will be sure to pass this along to John who will be delighted with this great review. We hope to see you again on another one of tours. Safe travels, Dóna

We were part of a group who travelled to Connemara on Wednesday 17th. Our driver/guide for the day was Michael. He entertained us for the whole journey, with lots of information and witty remarks. We had a fantastic day and would recommend this trip to anyone

Hi rmk28, Thanks for the 5* review. We are glad you had a lovely day out in Connemara with Micheal. He will be happy to see this! We hope to see you again on another one of tours. Safe travels, Dónal

Our tour guide Vincent showed us Galway in a way we just wanted stay forever :) He told us many interesting storys with his Irish charming humor! This one hour on the bus felt like such a short time and we could have listen to Vincent the hole day. The bus driver Ian also did a good job and drove really softly :) Thanks for showing us this nice parts of Galway and making our time there really special :)

Dear LisaR1993, Thank you for your 5* review and for sharing your experience with other travelers. We are glad that you enjoyed the city tour with Ian and Vincent. It is great that we created happy memories of Galway. Safe travels, Dónal

Thanks Mike and Cyril for an awesome Hop on Hop off Bus Tour of Galway. Recently we travelled around Ireland and have experienced 3 Hop on Hop off Tours and yours was far the best. Having a separate driver and a person up top with a mike meant that we could actually here about the places you were mentioning. Overall We could not fault this tour. We certainly would not have seen much of Galway if we hadn't of been on your tour. I would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone who is short on time and want to see some highlights of Galway.

Dear JenniferTayl0r, Thank you for your 5* review and for your kind words. We are glad that you enjoyed the city tour with Mike and Cyril. Doing the city tours is a good way to get a good grasp of some Galway history and folklore. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Safe travels, Dónal

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lally Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

LALLY TOURS - DAY TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Lally Tours

Review Highlights

“ We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Connemara on September 16 with Mac as our driver, guide and troubadour. ” in 3 reviews

“ Thanks to John B for an amazing tour day to amongst many places including the Cliffs of Moher . ” in 6 reviews

“ Learned a lot about the culture and history of Ireland. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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4 Forster Street

Republic of Ireland

About the Business

Lally Tours specialise in exploring and showcasing the West of Ireland for visitors from near and far. Operating since 1988, we have built a wealth of experience and knowledge on the history of our beautiful country and are more than happy to share this with you. Our philosophy has always been to showcase TRUE Ireland, and to share with you our personal favorite places to be and things to do. …

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We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Connemara on September 16 with Mac as our driver, guide and troubadour. We were fortunate to see the mountains of Connemara on a rain-free day and learn about the history of Ireland from former history teacher Mac who even mentioned the aid provided by the Choctaw tribe to Ireland during the famine. Most of all, we enjoyed listening to Mac sing Star of County Down and Galway Bay.

Thanks to John B for an amazing tour day to amongst many places including the Cliffs of Moher. Amongst the amazing things he taught our group was the history of Irish famine and unfair taxation, the emigration of many Irish to other parts of the world, the famine cottages and walls, the

Lally Tours delivers a great experience! Our tour of Connemara and Kylemore Abbey was great because of our driver & tour director Cathal. He was very knowledgeable and told us how Ireland is preserving their culture and requiring students from 5 years old thru high school to learn Irish; how farmers spray a colored stripe on sheep to identify them; he pointed out Connemara ponies; told us about movies filmed in the area including The Quiet Man with John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara and The Field with Richard Harris & Sean Bean. He also made stops to let us see small towns, take photos and shop. I recommend Lally Tours!

Kylemore Abbey

My husband and I took the Galway to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour and boy did we luck out! Our driver, Macdara had been a Irish language and history teacher in the area for 35 years! Needless to say, he was extremely knowledgeable and a great guide. He took the time to ask each passenger where we were from and greeted each of us in our native language. He kept us both engaged and was more than willing to answer our questions. Being a teacher, of course he told us that the only dumb question is one not asked. So we asked! His driving skills were impeccable, taking great care and driving slowly when needed to ensure his passengers' safety. I can't speak for the other tour guides, but if you can get one with Macdara, do so! The landscape of the Connamara region is incredibly beautiful and will not disappoint. The Abbey grounds were also lovely to walk through.

Phil and Seamus are some of the BEST tour guides you can ever come across! Had a blast on this trip! Highly recommend taking a tour with these guys!

Lally tours was fantastic. Our tour guide John B, he was the very best. We took a day tour to the cliffs of Moores. He is very informative and knowledgeable. Extremely patient with guest. He sticks to the schedule , this is a must to be courteous to other tours. This tour was very well worth the money . John B has a great sense of humor which makes the bus ride very enjoyable.

See all photos from Cecilia R. for Lally Tours

Great trip to Cliffs of Moher, winds were very strong but our guide John C was a terrific driver and knowledgeable tour guide. Our time and ability to see the cliffs from the top was very short due to the hurricane force winds but he made it up by taking us to another area to view them which was just amazing. The lunch was delicious and and local beer a great complement to the food.

John B gave an incredible tour of Burren and the Cliffs of Moher while giving the best commentary and answering questions throughout the ride! His recommendations were out of this world and we had an exceedingly punctual ride. If I end up back in Ireland and get to do another tour, I'll call ahead to make sure I get John B!

Beautiful tour! Make sure you bring nausea meds for the ride. Just very narrow roads on a big bus that might make you feel a little sick. Great guide and great tour!

Took a terrific day tour by boat and land around Galway Bay. Our tour guide Phil was super! Knew the answers to all our questions and had a great sense of humor. This tour "Cliffs cruise and Aran Islands" gives one a great overview of Galway Bay and the surrounding area and is a must for everyone coming to Galway.

6 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Day Trip From Galway: How to Visit Ireland’s Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey: A Review of Lally Tours

Everybody told me that if I wanted to see the best of Western Ireland then I HAD to check out Connemara National Park. A quick peek at Google photos and I saw picturesque mountains, lush fields covered in colors and lakes that glistened. Oh yeah, I definitely wanted to go there. A bit more research and I stumbled upon Kylemore Abbey, an estate that looks more like a Disney castle nestled right in the mountains of Connemara. I was already in love and I hadn’t even gotten on the plane. I was so excited to find out that Lally Tours offered a tour that combined these two stunners and turned them into a day trip from Galway. PERFECT.

Arranging a tour with Lally was a breeze. Their website has a quick book option. I had a few more questions and was easily directed to what I can only describe as a stellar representative for Lally, Luke. He was SUPER responsive to my emails and kindly answered any questions/concerns that I had.

They also have an office in Galway . This can be convenient if you would rather pop into an office and check out all of your tour options (THERE’S SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM).

The tour left right out of city center at the main bus terminal which was really easy to find. I was pleasantly surprised to see that instead of a huge coach our tour was in a large van with maybe 14-16 seats. This meant that the tours felt personal and it wasn’t just 50 people being shipped from attraction to attraction.

Our tour guide/driver hopped on and introduced himself as Michael. Now, where do I even start with Michael…

This man was one of the sweetest men I had ever met and also FULL of all the good information. Whether it was Irish history, culture, where to catch the perfect view, fun facts or knowing exactly what song to play to make riding through Connemara feel even more special, he was good for it all. The perfect kind of tour guide.

Our morning started with leaving Galway and hitting the countryside. Which after riding along the Wild Atlantic Way a few days before I was practically at the edge of my seat anticipating this ride. The views were just as glorious as you would imagine. I really had no idea how many hues of green existed until we set off. When people say Ireland is green THEY WEREN’T KIDDING.

Michael’s conversation would effortlessly glide from talks of architecture, current events, and even movie facts! After we cruised past traditional thatch cottages we made a pit stop once used as a film location in the 1952 John Wayne movie, The Quiet Man . My Dad would be so proud and probably REALLY jealous. LOL.

Michael knew exactly when to pull over to make sure we were able to get out and take in the landscape. In the van, Irish music played in the background which couldn’t have been more appropriate as we passed Highland ponies riding along country roads.

Mid-morning we made it to Leenane Village. Situated along the 16km Killary Fjord, this small town was far from bustling and that was perfect. A quiet, relaxing place, where serenity rang with each small wave that washed up along the harbor. Up until this point we had outraced a small rain shower that was continuously on our tail. By the time we made it to Leenane, the shower had caught up which meant it was the perfect chance to take in the local pub, Gaynor’s Bar .

A dark, wood-laden pub, the kind of place where the bartender knows everybody in the village. The fire was roaring, and along with my tea, I was staying nice and warm. I could have stayed in that pub all day. The atmosphere felt so cozy and the ideal place to wait out a storm.

When we left Leenane we were in the heart of Connemara. I couldn’t stop staring out the window in awe. The Twelve Bens Mountains  stood tall and were covered in what looked like cotton balls that were actually mountain sheep. The Fjord was nothing like I was anticipating and far exceeded any expectation I had before setting out on the tour. WE WEREN’T EVEN DONE.

Before we arrived at Kylemore Abbey, Michael gave us all of the background info. Built in the late 1800’s by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy businessman, and his wife, Margaret. Mitchell and Margaret were the epitome of true love, Mitchell built this estate as the nesting place for his budding family. What a couple of lovebirds!

As romantic as this all sounds…..it doesn’t have the happiest of endings for ole’ Mitch and Marg. While on a grand holiday in Egypt, Margaret contracted dysentery and died sixteen days later….

Talk about ROUGH.

Mitchell was DEVASTATED, his one true love, gone far before her time. He was left with his nine kids.

Now rather than just setting aside a charming spot on the property to lay his beloved Margaret to her final rest, he kept the romance coming even after her death. He built her a giant mausoleum and a Neo-Gothic church right on the property. Yes, you read that correctly, an entire mausoleum AND church in honor of her memory.

Since the 1920’s Kylemore Abbey has been owned and run by the Benedictine community and is still a functioning Abbey today.

I started to catch glimpses of Kylemore as we made our way around the water. By the time we pulled into the parking lot I was bouncing out of my seat. Lally tour’s schedule allowed for us to have plenty of time at each location and we never felt rushed. Whether we were stopping for a photo spot, making a pit stop, or grabbing a drink in Leenane, there was always ample time to take in that moment. Kylemore was no different. Michael told us that we had nearly 3 hours to explore the Abbey, walk the grounds, have a meal in the café (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE IRISH STEW & SCONES ) and explore the Victorian walled gardens .

While I was walking the grounds I found the cathedral that Mitchell had built for Margaret. Sure enough just like Michael said, rather than the cathedral being decorated with gargoyles which was common for a gothic style church, Mitchell instead decorated the exterior with angels. This church WAS built for the love of his life. Are you crying?! Because I’m DEFINETLY not…..

….okay I am….but I mean how sweet and romantic is that gesture?!? True romance does exist people!!

The interior is even more lovely. Competing with the beauty of the Abbey and the Victorian garden it was hard to decide which was more beautiful. They were all compelling and I was awestruck walking around the property.

After a couple of hours spent at Kylemore we were back in the caravan cruising through the hills of the countryside during the golden hour. The mountains shone in the last rays of sunshine for the day. We made it to Spiddal just in time for an unforgettable sunset. The blue sky shifted into purples and pinks and I sat along the Atlantic ocean with the Aran Islands and a gorgeous sunset as my backdrop. It was the perfect way to cap a really spectacular day.

Our drive home along the Salthill Promenade back to Galway went by in a blink. We arrived back to Galway city center at the main bus terminal around 5:30PM. Which was perfect because I needed to hop on a bus back to Dublin for a reunion with some of my Irish ladies. I had plenty of time to leave the bus station, shoot back to my hostel, grab my pack and make it back to the bus station with time to spare. It was a perfect way to spend my day and I still had plenty of time in the evening to not only make it back to Dublin but also have a fantastic dinner at The Market Bar and a drink at P.Mac’s while catching up with my long lost gal pals that I met in Krakow.

My experience with Lally Tours was really out of this world. The company itself is a shining example of customer service. They really went out of their way to make sure that this was one of my very best experiences Ireland. My day was packed with killer views and I was really completely enveloped in the spirit of Ireland.

Lally tours offer such a wide array of tour options that can meet any traveler budget. I would go back to Connemara anyday and really intend to. The same can absolutely be said about booking another tour with the guys at Lally! Two pints wayyyyy up for the day!!

Have you been to West Ireland? What are your favorite things to do? Let me know in the comments!

**Disclaimer** Although this tour was offered by Lally Tours all opinions are my own!

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2 thoughts on “ Day Trip From Galway: How to Visit Ireland’s Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey: A Review of Lally Tours ”

These look like professional photos. What kind of camera are you using? Beautiful shots!

Like Liked by 1 person

Hi Donna!! You’re so sweet. Believe it or not most of my pictures were taken with my GoPro session or my Samsung Galaxy S7 phone!

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Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Day Tour from Galway

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Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

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Galway to Connemara National Park Day Tour

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lally Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Reviews 4.7.

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Did the Connemara Diamond hill tour…

Did the Connemara Diamond hill tour with Lally tours and it was fabulous. The driver was Sean who explained everything on the tour he was excellent. Loved the tour as we had loads of stops and saw Connemara in a day. Excellent tour which I highly recommend

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Great day trip and even better tour guide

Gerry was a fantastic bus driver and tour guide! He was extremely friendly and made the whole trip enjoyable and interesting. The tour to the Cliffs of Moher ran super smoothly and felt like a very relaxing trip. Would highly recommend!

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

10 stars for Cathal our guide and experience.

Our guide, Cathal, was a safe driver who provided history, shared related movies based on locations and stops that we did. He was patient, friendly, and humorous commentary throughout the journey. He took the time to explain things thoroughly, and thanks to his efficiency, we even had the opportunity to visit some breathtaking locations ahead of schedule. If you're planning to tour with Lally Tours, make sure to request Cathal as your guide.The coach was clean and comfortable. Great experience, highly recommended.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Loved everything about it

Loved everything about it. Amazing experience. My tour guides were also amazing!

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Absolutely amazing tour with John B

We had an exceptional tour (Full Day Cliffs of Moher) with John B as our tour guide and driver. We loved the itinerary and especially John's guidance and commentary. We enjoyed every moment of the tour and John ensured we learnt a lot about the Irish countryside.

Date of experience : January 27, 2024

Lally Tours Delivers A Great Experience!

Our tour of Connemara and Kylemore Abbey was especially great because of our driver & tour leader Cathal. He was very knowledgeable and told us how Ireland is preserving their culture and requiring students beginning at 5 years old to learn Irish; how farmers spray a colored stripe on sheep to identify them; he pointed out Connemara ponies; told us about movies filmed in the area including The Quiet Man with John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara and The Field with Richard Harris & Sean Bean and much more. He also made stops to let us see small towns, take photos and shop. I highly recommend Lally Tours!

Date of experience : September 22, 2023

Excellent tour of Cliffs of Moher and the Burren area

Superb tour of Dungduaire castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee caves and the Burren area. John C gave us very well informed and interesting commentary during the whole trip. John was also very humorous and made sure everyone was comfortable and answered our questions. Superb trip, highly recommended!

Date of experience : September 07, 2023

Trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey…

Trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey was absolutely awesome 😍😍😍 We took millions of fab pictures, and had great few stops to look around. Our bus driver and tour guy Gerry Sweeney was brilliant, with all the stories that he was telling us about, and how carefully he was checking on our stops if all the group is in the bus already. And we could even feed sheep and goats 😍🥰😍🥰 We can highly recommend Gerry and Lally Tour to everyone, who wants to visit Ireland around, because you can learn a lots of new bits and truly enjoy the whole experience 😍😍😍

Date of experience : August 08, 2023

A day well spent.

The simpathy and efficiency of the driver, Mac Tara, made the difference on what was my third time at Kelymore Abbey and gardens (been there on 2006 and 2017). If only we had had 3 hours instead of 2 at the Abbey it would have been perfect. I think this could be easily done, simply anticipating the departure of the bus at 9 am instead of 10.

Date of experience : August 16, 2023

Unique experience !

Exceptionnal trip with Ciaran in Connemara (06/08/23) and John B in The Burren (07/08/23) ! Exceptionnal guidance and driving ! I discovered so much in both trips about the history of Ireland and the wonderful landscapes and places. You can book a trip with Lally Tours with no second tought ! It was the best I ever had !

Date of experience : August 06, 2023

A day to remember

We did the Cliffs of Moher full day trip,enjoyable from start to finish,John B.was our driver,it was a joy to sit back and listen to all the information he was giving..the views were outstanding,we were lucky with the weather.would recommend this trip👍

Date of experience : October 29, 2023

Gerry made our experience great

Gerry made our experience great. So friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaged in sharing many interesting thoughts. Only thing is that ideally would be better to have 3 hours at the Abbey.

Date of experience : July 20, 2023

Fantastic tour in Connemara National Park

The tour guide Gerry was knowledgeable, interesting and had a great sense of humour. Great views and an all around fantastic experience. Great way to discover Connemara with the point of view of the local guide.

Date of experience : October 03, 2023

A pleasure to deal with

These guys are always a pleasure to deal with. The booking system is very straightforward and hassle free, and their customer service is second to none. Highly recommended

Date of experience : October 07, 2023

Amazing Experience

The trip was amazing! The bus is very comfortable, it has charging ports, washroom and big big windows for a good view. John, the guide was the highlight of the trip, he is absolutely amazing and a legend in what he does. More power to you John, wish there were more like you.

Date of experience : September 14, 2023

Just back from a tour of Kylemore Abbey…

Just back from a tour of Kylemore Abbey Our driver MacDara was great .Gav e a running commentary all the way. a wealth of information and even sang 2 songs for us. Great day out despite the weather Maureen 87

Date of experience : August 19, 2023

Best day on the premium tour of Galway…

Best day on the premium tour of Galway Bay in the Day! Despite the misty weather 🌧 it was a great trip! Our driver and guide were amazing and super knowledgeable ⭐️ Would advise anyone to do this tour. 10/10

Date of experience : September 09, 2023

Tour guide and scenery just great!

This was our second time with Lally Tours and we enjoyed it a lot, again. The Connemara Nationalpark is so worth seeing and our tour guide, John C., was so kind and really wanted us to get the most out of our stops along the tour. Definitely recommend!

Date of experience : July 10, 2023

Connemara day trip

Michael was our tour guide and he took every opportunity to share the Connemara experience.

Date of experience : February 22, 2024

Our tour guide John was legendary

Our tour guide John was legendary! Amazing. Great info, fantastic photo stops, and a great pace. Fantastic. Highly recommend! And a great meeting point and drop off is flexible as well.

Date of experience : March 06, 2023

How much is it to enter Kylemore Abbey?

Updated on: 09/07/2022

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Kylemore Abbey Tour (Tips and Guide For First Time Visitors)

Categories Galway , Where To Go

Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain and along the shore of Lough Pollacappul in Connemara, Kylemore Abbey is one of the most iconic attractions in Galway , Ireland. It is also one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland . And no visit to Ireland is complete without spending a half day to the castle ground. If you are looking for Kylemore Abbey tour tips and guide, this article covers everything that you need to know about Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden.

The castle has over 70 rooms and it’s located in 15000-acre of lands. The Abbey also features visitor center, gift shops, cafe and tea house, a gothic church and the Victorian-walled garden.

Things you'll find in this article

Who built Kylemore Abbey?

Can you stay at kylemore castle, 1. check out the restored rooms in the castle and learn its history, 2. visit the neo-gothic church, 3. pay respect at the mausoleum, 4. explore the victorian walled garden, 5.witness an amazing performance from global artists, the visitor centre, shuttle bus is running, kylemore craft & design shop, mitchell’s cafe, garden tea house, how to get to kylemore abbey from dublin, how to get to kylemore abbey from galway, how to get to kylemore abbey from cork, how to get to kylemore abbey from shannon, how to get to kylemore abbey from limerick, 1. check the weather, 2. always layer up, 3. take a group tour if you can’t drive, 4. take a packed lunch with you, kylemore abbey tour from dublin, kylemore abbey tour from galway.

Kylemore Castle was built by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from England, as a gift to his wife Margaret in 1871. It was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903 and was then purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns in 1920. Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery was then founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara . The abbey was made to an international boarding school from 1923 up to 2010. Also, since the 1970s, the estate has been opened to the public.

No. The Abbey doesn’t have a hotel. However, if you want to stay in castle hotels in Galway , you can check these affordable castle hotels in Ireland to fully experience the castles in Ireland.

Things to do in Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

There are several rooms inside the castle that are accessible to the public which will give you a peak to the lives of the Mitchell family and the succeeding owners of the Abbey.

Some of the rooms are also used as a place to exhibit the artifact collections of the nuns and those who lived in the Abbey.

The Neo-Gothic Church of Kylemore was built after Margaret died. Margaret contracted a dysentery while on holiday in Egypt with her family. After 16 days and at the age of 45, Margaret died and left a grieving husband and 9 children. The church was built in memory of Margaret and a testament of Mitchell’s love for her.

The Mausoleum is the resting place of Mitchell and Margaret Henry. When Margaret died in Egypt in 1874 due to dysentery outbreak, Mitchell made sure to bring her body back to Kylemore castle and built the church and the mausoleum for her. When Mitchell died in 1910 in the United Kingdom, his body was also brought back to the Abbey to finally rest with his beloved wife.

The Victorian walled garden is one of the best features of the Abbey. With 6 acres of space, it consists of a formal flower garden, vegetable garden, herb garden, glass houses, fruit trees, shaded fernery, and the famed head gardener’s house.

The garden is also considered one of the best gardens in Europe and considered one of the most advanced gardens during the Victorian period.

The neo-gothic church in Kylemore castle occasionally holds a number of events all throughout the year which showcases performances from amazing choirs and performers across the world.

Inquire with Kylemore Abbey directly using the contact information below for the schedule of these performances.

Opening Hours of Kylemore Castle

From 9:00 am to 6.00 pm (Garden closes at 5.45 pm)

From 9:00 am to 6.00 pm (Last Bus from Garden to VC at 5.50 pm)

The following are the opening hours of the establishments inside the castle ground:

Open seven days a week throughout the year

November to March: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm

April to July: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

July & August: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm September to October: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Bank Holidays will operate as normal working hours

Open every seven days a week throughout the year

An entrance ticket is required

Open 7 days a week, Easter to November 13th 11.30 am to 4.00 pm

Henry’s Takeaway Coffee Shop

Open everyday in July and August from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm

Admission Fee

€14 for adult

€10.50 for a student

€10 for senior

€28.00 for a family of 4.

The ticket for Kylemore Abbey includes access to the following:

• The restored rooms in the Abbey (Ground Floor Only)
• The Neo-Gothic Church
• The Mausoleum
• Woodland and Lakeshore Walks
• The Victorian Walled Garden (Including shuttle bus to and from the Garden)
• Entry to performances in the Neo-Gothic Church when scheduled.

How to go to Kylemore Abbey by public transportation

Kylemore Abbey is over 283 kilometers from Dublin . If you don’t have a car, you can take connecting buses from Dublin to Galway and then to Kylemore Abbey. From Temple Bar , Crampton Quay station in Dublin City , you can take a Citylink bus (#716, #763, #660) to Galway Coach Station. This takes about 2.5 hours for €12-21 one way or €24-42 round trip.  

And then from Galway Coach Station, walk to Eyre Square for 2-3 minutes, Galway Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Kylemore Post Office. This takes about 2 hours for €14-17 a trip or €28-34 for a round trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey. In total, you’ll spend between €52-76 for the bus fare alone.

Or you can take this full-day guided tour in Cong and Kylemore Abbey from Dublin . It is only €45 and it includes a side trip to Cong in Connemara, a hotel pick up, an air-conditioned coach and a tour guide.

Kylemore Abbey is over 78 kilometers from Galway. If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus that goes directly to Kylemore Post Office. From Newcastle Road-NUIG West Gate station in Galway, you can take a Bus Eireann (#419) to Kylemore Post Office. This takes about 1.5 hours for €13-17 one way or €26-34 round trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey.

Or you can take this full-day guided tour in Connemara and Kylemore Abbey from Galway . It is only €30 and it includes a side trip to the villages in Connemara, a hotel pick up, an air-conditioned coach and a tour guide.

Kylemore Abbey is over 281 kilometers from Cork City . If you don’t have a car, you can take connecting buses from Cork to Galway and then to Kylemore Abbey. From St. Patricks Quay station in Cork, you can take a Citylink bus (#251, #251-X) to Galway Coach Station. This takes almost 3 hours for €12-20 one way or €24-40 round trip.   And then from Galway Coach Station, walk to Eyre Square for 2-3 minutes, Galway Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Kylemore Post Office. This takes about 2 hours for €14-17 a trip or €28-34 for a round trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey.

Kylemore Abbey is over 169 kilometers from Shannon City . If you don’t have a car, you can take connecting buses from Shannon to Galway and then to Kylemore Abbey. From Shannon Airport bus station, you can take a Bus Eireann (#343, #X51, #419) to Galway Coach Station. This takes almost 4 hours for €11-16 one way or €22-32 round trip.   And then from Galway Coach Station, walk to Eyre Square for 2-3 minutes, Galway Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Kylemore Post Office. This takes about 2 hours for €14-17 a trip or €28-34 for a round trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey.

Kylemore Abbey is over 97 kilometers from Limerick City . If you don’t have a car, you can take connecting buses from Limerick to Galway and then to Kylemore Abbey. From Henry St station, you can take a Citylink (#251, #419) to Galway Coach Station. This takes almost 1.5 hours for €8-15 one way or €16-30 round trip.   And then from Galway Coach Station, walk to Eyre Square for 2-3 minutes, Galway Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Kylemore Post Office. This takes about 2 hours for €14-17 a trip or €28-34 for the round trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey.

Contact Information

Location:  Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Phone: +353 95 52001

Tips for visiting Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is best to enjoy in fine weather.  So if you can, try to visit during summer or early spring season so you can better explore the place by walking around the area.

Ireland’s weather is fickle and one moment it is fine but it gets colder without any warning. To make sure you are up to date with your packing list, check our monthly packing list guide .

Driving in Ireland is recommended but if you can’t rent or drive a car, then it is better to join tours rather than take public transport. Aside from the fact that taking public transport is more expensive, it is also more time-consuming.

If you are joining tours, we recommend packing your own lunch. Although there are cafes in Kylemore Abbey, it takes time to get food and consume them which eats up time that you can use for exploring the castle grounds. If you packed your own food, then you can eat lunch on the way to Kylemore and then just start exploring when you get there. It saves you time and money as well.

Kylemore Abbey Tour

There are several tours that go to Kylemore Abbey. It just a matter of starting point. Below are some of the best day tours to Kylemore Abbey that we recommend if you are staying in Dublin or Galway .

This full-day guided tour in Cong and Kylemore Abbey from Dublin is a good alternative for commuting . It is only €45 and it includes a side trip to Cong in Connemara, a hotel pick up, an air-conditioned coach and a tour guide.

This full-day guided tour in Connemara and Kylemore Abbey from Galway is cheaper than taking public transport . It is only €30 and it includes a side trip to the villages in Connemara, a hotel pick up, an air-conditioned coach and a tour guide.

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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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[…] Kylemore Castle was built by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from England, as a gift to his wife Margaret in 1871. It was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903 and was then purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns in 1920. Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery was then founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara. Since the 1970s, the estate has been opened to the public. […]

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