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Things to do in Cong, Ireland

Our most recommended things to do in Cong, Ireland

From Galway: Connemara and Cong Full-Day Tour

1. From Galway: Connemara and Cong Full-Day Tour

Experience the wild beauty of Ireland on this full-day tour of Connemara from Galway. Visit Cong Village, which was featured in the classic "The Quiet Man" and Kylemore Abbey. First, stop at Cong Abbey, an Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century and one of the best examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture.  Enter Cong Village and explore Cong Woods, stroll around the village that was in the 1950s classic movie, ‘The Quiet Man,’ or feed the ducks on the edge of Lough Corrib - the Republic of Ireland's largest lake. Admire Connemara's hidden valleys upon entering on the Lough Nafooey route.  Continue to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a lunch break. Entrance into Kylemore Abbey and Gardens is not included in the tour price (purchase discounted entrance tickets from your driver on the day of the tour).  Leaving Kylemore in the late afternoon, drive through Inagh Valley, Maam Cross, and Oughterard. Complete the circuit of Lough Corrib before arriving home to Galway City. 

From Dublin: Connemara and Galway Full-Day Tour

2. From Dublin: Connemara and Galway Full-Day Tour

Among the many highlights of this full-day tour are visits to Cong Abbey and Lough Corrib. You’ll stop for 1.5 hours in the charming village of Cong, which became famous when it was featured in the film, The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Explore the ruins of Cong Abbey and take in the stunning views of the surrounding lakes. There are some local cafés that would be perfect for lunch! The tour then continues on through some of the most remote landscape in Ireland, and along deserted valleys that offer views of the lakes and mountains of Connemara. Stop at some of the most scenic points in the region. Later you’ll travel along the coast, admiring the fine views of Galway Bay as you make your way into Galway City. You’ll have a couple of hours to experience Ireland’s coolest city! In Galway you have the option of joining a local walking tour with a Galway tour guide or simply explore the charming city on your own before returning to Dublin.

From Dublin: Galway and Kerry 3-Day Budget Tour

3. From Dublin: Galway and Kerry 3-Day Budget Tour

Discover the majestic beauty of the Ring of Kerry and South Ireland on a 3-day budget tour by bus to Gaelic-speaking Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Mix with local characters, and learn the legends of the “Emerald Isle” up close and personal. Enjoy an unforgettable night in Killarney, Ireland’s party capital. Dormitory style accommodation is provided in hostels, with the option to stay in B&B or apartment-style accommodation for those that crave a bit more privacy. Day 1: Dublin - Connemara - Galway Depart Dublin for Galway, traveling towards the west of Ireland, and stopping en route for a comfort break. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Irish midlands. Experience the rugged wilderness of Connemara as you drive over dramatic mountains that have been the setting for countless Hollywood movies. Discover a working family farm and a historic silver mine at Glengowla. Continue along the Connemara coastline to Galway City. Find a nice pub in Galway Bay to listen to some traditional Irish music before retiring for the night. Day 2: Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Kerry Experience the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive down the west coast. See beautiful beaches of golden sand, keeping a lookout for dolphins and whales along the way. Follow the route of the Atlantic Way, the world’s longest coastal touring route. Explore the lunar landscape of The Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Then, discover the crown jewels of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. See why the cliffs were chosen as a backdrop for the film "The Princess Bride," and why world surf champ Kelly Slater shot the award-winning surf movie "Wave Rider" there. Spend the night in Kerry, where nightlife offerings include the chance to sing a few of the songs your guide will have taught you during the day (please note that on some tours, accommodation will be in Cork, depending on availability). Day 3: Kerry – Blarney Castle - Dublin Take in some highlights of the Ring of Kerry (which typically include Moll's Gap, Leprechaun Crossing, Killarney National Park, Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall) before enjoying time at leisure in Killarney. Many guests enjoy an (optional) horse and carriage or horse ride. The journey back to Dublin takes you on a leisurely drive through the heritage town of Adare, with its fabulous thatched cottages, and the Golden Vale, Ireland's finest agricultural land with its rolling fields and pastures. Return to Dublin by 19:00 approx.

Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

4. Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

Enjoy a scenic tour of Eire and Northern Ireland’s Atlantic Coast on a 5-day package tour from Dublin. Stay in quaint bed and breakfast accommodation in Portrush, Donegal, and Westport along the way. Go to the edge of Europe at Achill Island, explore the new Titanic Quarter in Belfast to see where the ill-fated ocean liner was built, marvel at the dramatic geology of the Giant’s Causeway, and immerse yourself in Gaelic culture. Day 1: Depart Dublin at 09:00 and travel north towards the border with Northern Ireland. From here it is a short journey to Belfast, famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a short tour of some of the city’s key areas, arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter, where you will have time for lunch and a visit to the award-winning museum. In the afternoon, experience the contrast between the busy city center and the scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. Follow part of the coast from Ballycastle to the world famous Giant's Causeway. Marvel at the stunning coastal scenery, before checking into your overnight accommodation in the holiday town of Portrush. Day 2: Go to the walled city of Derry, designated a UK City of Culture in 2013. Enjoy some free time to explore the old city center, and visit one of the many museums or galleries. Then cross the border to the Republic of Ireland, traveling into one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of the country. Explore County Donegal’s dramatic scenery and Gaelic culture. Pass through Glenveagh National Park and the Errigal Mountains, before following the coast through traditional fishing villages. Stop for nature walks along the way, and soak up the local culture before checking into your overnight accommodation in Donegal. Day 3: Travel south along the coast from Donegal to County Sligo, and see the grave of the famous poet W.B. Yeats. Gaze at the mountain scenery of Ben Bulben, before exploring Sligo Town at Carrowmore, site of the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland. Continue west into County Mayo to discover an area hit hard by the great potato famine, leading many to emigrate to North America. Drive through large areas of farmland, bog, and open moor, enjoying panoramic views of the distant hills. Return to the Atlantic Coast and Achill Island on the edge of Europe. Savor the peace and quiet of the beautiful area, before driving to Westport for your next 2 nights accommodation. Day 4: Today’s itinerary is weather dependent, and your guide will advise the best things to see. Explore the beautiful house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, or marvel at the wilderness of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden to see where the first transatlantic flight landed. Other options include the scenic Sky Road and 12 Bens of Connemara. Return to Westport for an evening at leisure, and the chance to sample some local seafood in one of the many excellent restaurants. Day 5: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, before leaving Westport and going inland through the heart of Connemara. Visit the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib to see where the classic movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Explore Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, before driving through the Maam Valley to Galway City. Enjoy some free time for lunch, and to explore the vibrant city center. Return to Dublin, stopping at the old whisky distillery of Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan to learn about Ireland’s favorite tipple en route.

Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour

5. Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour

Experience the beauty of Ireland’s wild west coast on a 3-day tour that takes you from the dramatic Maam Valley to the pretty villages of The Burren. Enjoy fantastic coastal views on a clifftop walk at the Cliffs of Moher, see the landing site of the first trans-Atlantic flight, visit the Quiet Man Museum, and much more. You will be traveling by small minicoach from Dublin for a more intimate experience. Day 1 You’ll take the fast road from Dublin west through the farmland and peat bogs of counties Kildare and Offally. The destinations today are on Ireland’s dramatic Atlantic Coast and the goal is to get you there as quickly as possible! The first stop is the village of Kinvara, where you’ll have a chance to admire Dunguaire Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop looking out over Galway Bay. From here it’s just a short drive to The Burren, which is one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. The Burren is a land of limestone pavements, barren hillsides, rare flora, early Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. Spend a few hours exploring this unique area, stopping in one of the pretty local villages for lunch. After The Burren you’ll head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, which drop nearly 700 feet straight into the crashing Atlantic waves. Walk along the cliff-top trails, watch the many seabirds, or visit the award-winning environmental exhibition. From here the tour follows the coastal road, and you’ll have stunning views across Galway Bay back to Galway City itself, which is your base for the next 2 nights. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants! Day 2 Galway lies at the edge of Connemara, which is the area you’ll explore today. Travel inland through the Maam Valley to the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. It is here that the classic film, The Quiet Man, was made. Visit the Quiet Man Museum or Cong Abbey. Continue through the heart of Connemara and stop to tour the lovely grounds and house of Kylemore Abbey. Continuing on, you’ll experience the majesty of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden, where the first trans-Atlantic flight landed, and then drive along the Sky Road and take in the views of the 12 Bens of Connemara. Day 3 After a relaxed start to the day you’ll leave Galway behind and take some of the back roads through central Ireland on the way back to Dublin. The first highlight of the day is the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise, featuring a collection of churches, stone crosses and round towers beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Shannon River. Following lunch in a local village the tour continues through an area of unique peat bog scenery that is typical of this part of Ireland. Your guide will explain both its environmental and economic importance to the country. The final stop on the tour is Locke’s Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey and discover the true spirit of Ireland! From here you’ll continue east to Dublin, arriving at around 7:00PM.

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What people are saying about Cong, Ireland

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 939 reviews

I had the delight of having Ken as my tour guide and he was lovely! We made great time on this trip with lots of pit stops for photo ops. Unfortunately Kylemore Abbey was closed for when I had booked, but they were prepared and informed us that instead we would spend longer at the other stops and make an additional stop at the Ross Errilly Friary, which was still a memorable tour into the countryside. I would definitely book this again!

Very nice landscapes, i would highly recommend the tour! You will have the chance to take some amazing photos and discover Kylemore Abbey, a place you should not miss if you are in Galway.

I took the trip on 19 Feb 2023, The guide also the driver was so cute and fun, thanks for giving us an amazing experience. I also met a cute friend on my solo trip.

Our bus driver who also served as a guide was excellent. It was an amazing day and he outdid himself with his knowledge and openness to questions and discussions.

I loved the tour and the guide was superb. He was very knowledgeable, funny and stopped at certain points for photo opportunities. Would 100% recommend.