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County Galway Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended County Galway Castle & palace tours

From Galway: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Full-Day Guided Tour

1. From Galway: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Full-Day Guided Tour

Experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rugged landscapes of Connemara on this day trip from Galway. Travel in an airconditioned bus and explore Kylemore Abbey and its elegant gardens with the included entry ticket. Stop in the charming mountain village of Leenane and take in the views of Ireland's only fjord at Killary. Then, get 2 hours to explore Kylemore Abbey and go for a nature walk in the Victorian Walled Gardens. Continue along the coast to the pretty Gaelic-speaking village of An Spideal to take a stroll amongst the many traditional thatched roof homes and admire the beautiful beaches.

From Galway: Cliffs of Moher and The Burren Full Day Tour

2. From Galway: Cliffs of Moher and The Burren Full Day Tour

Get back to nature on a day trip by bus from Galway to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Listen to your driver-guide share the history of Galway and the surrounding areas, as you journey through the infamous lunar-like landscapes of the Burren and its iconic limestone terrain. Depart from Galway and set out to visit Dunguaire Castle and see the former residence of the King of Connacht. Grab a photo with an Irish castle and take a tour through the underground cave at Aillwee Cave or relax and grab a coffee at the café.   Continue over Corkscrew Hill to arrive at the Cliffs of Moher, where you will have 1.5 hours to explore at your leisure. Experience a moment of magic as you stand atop the Cliffs of Moher facing the full force of the Wild Atlantic Way.   After visiting the cliffs, make your way to Doolin for a lunch stop before heading north up the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route back to Galway, offering a number of photo opportunities along the way.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

3. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

4. From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

Set off on board a luxury, air-conditioned bus and watch Dublin's urban cityscape give way to the rolling, green hills of the Irish countryside. Drive through several areas of interest, including the Galtee Mountains and the Curragh in County Kildare, which is home to Ireland's National Stud Farm. First, arrive at Blarney Castle which is known around the world for its famous Blarney Stone. Kiss the stone and receive the “gift of the gab." Be sure to explore the rest of Blarney Castle as well as its lush grounds and woodland walks. Discover the scenic Rock Close by taking the Wishing Steps.  Depart Cork and arrive at one of Ireland’s 7 Wonders, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Explore the Hall of Vicars, Cormack’s Chapel, the Celtic Cathedral, the Round Tower, and the surrounding grounds filled with ancient high crosses. Admire one of Ireland’s oldest Romanesque wall paintings inside this world-famous historical landmark. For your final stop of the day, visit one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, Cahir Castle. The Castle was built in the 13th century, to house the Butler family. Built as a defensive castle it still boasts a lot of the original structure. Afterward, return to Dublin city center to complete your tour.

From Galway: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Day Tour

5. From Galway: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Day Tour

Explore picturesque little fishing villages and tour the magnificent Kylemore Abbey. Start in the morning and hit coastal road through the villages of Connemara. En route, your locally-sourced and fully-trained driver and guide will entertain you with facts and tales from the areas passed. Enjoy a stop at Peacockes Hotel for a tea or coffee. Drive through the bog landscape to the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone. AFter that, it's on to the Derrygimlagh bog and Wild Atlantic Way. Make the most of a 3 hour stop at the jewel of the crown of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy this magnificent castle before journeying back to Galway via the Inagh valley, including a stop on the Quiet Man Bridge.

From Galway: Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour

6. From Galway: Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour

First, visit Aughnanure Castle, a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. Find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and dry harbour.  Stop in the quaint village of Oughterard with its thatched cottage pub for a short coffee break. Continue with stops at the Quiet Man Bridge and the legendary Connemara Giant and on through the desolate Inagh Valley. The next castle stop is Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery. The next few hours are up to you to explore this romantic abbey, its Victorian walled gardens and Gothic church.  After the break, head to the capital of Connemara, the colourful market town of Clifden. En route (weather permitting), join the famous Sky Road (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) viewing the ruins of Clifden castle and taking in the panoramic views.  Then, explore Ballynahinch Castle and the estate grounds including the newly restored walled garden. Finally, make your way back through storybook villages. passing green fields marked by dry stone walls, and see sheep, cows, Connemara ponies and blanket bogs, before returning to Galway City.

Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

7. Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

Check in at Dublin Heuston Station at 6:40 AM to take the InterCity train service to Limerick. Upon arrival, join your coach bus and have a short tour of the treaty city, the setting for "Angela's Ashes". From there, head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for our traditional Irish lunch stop. Then, it's on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the country's wild Atlantic coast, one of Ireland's most famous and beautiful attractions.  After that, enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway, the city of the tribes. After taking some time to take in this beautiful city, board our Dublin-bound train, arriving at Heuston Station at 9:00 PM.

Cork: Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel Tour in Spanish

8. Cork: Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel Tour in Spanish

First, visit Cahir Castle. Located on a rocky island in the Suir River, Cahir is one of the best preserved castles in all of Ireland. It kept its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. From here, travel to the picturesque city of Cork which is located between two channels of the River Lee. The compact nature of the city provides a cozy atmosphere and everywhere is easily accessible on foot. You will have 2 hours time to explore the city, the narrow streets and bridges, the bustling English market and St Finbarr’s Cathedral with its magnificent bell towers. There is also the opportunity to ring bells yourself in the 300 year old St Anne’s church! Heading back towards Dublin, make a final stop at one of the most iconic locations in Ireland – The Rock of Cashel. A spectacular set of medieval buildings set in a huge rock. It includes a Circular Tower, the traditional Irish Celtic Cross and a Gothic Cathedral. You will arrive back in Dublin around 7:30 - 8:00 PM.

Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way Fully Guided Day Tour

9. Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way Fully Guided Day Tour

Explore the rugged beauty of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way on the fully guided private day tour out of Galway City. Journey into the 12 Bens Mountains before visiting the jewel of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Kitchen Gardens. Get down and dirty on a working sheep farm before visiting one of Ireland's national monuments, the old cottage of the patriot, Padraig Pearse, and the interpretative center. Experience the stunning views of the Connemara Coastal Route.

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What people are saying about County Galway

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 5 reviews

We loved our Rail Tours excursion! Our tour guide Terence reserved seats on the train, so all we had to do was show up. We stopped at the Bunratty Castle first, which we really enjoyed. We learned about the history of the castle, the Vikings and their banquets, the status of women at the time, and the reasons the castle was built narrowly and with many hidden rooms. We even got to see an actual dungeon. Our lunch at Joseph McHugh’s was great. We all loved our traditional Irish lunches. When we arrived at the Cliffs, we had plenty of time. We were there during a windy day, so one area was blocked off, but we still got the full beautiful experience. After, we experienced the Wild Atlantic Way route, which was very scenic. We drove through the Burren and Galway Bay, but were unable to stop due to the rain that made it unsafe. Then our brief but lovely stop in Galway we enjoyed a great dinner at An Púcán. The train ride back was smooth and easy. Overall a great day, highly recommend!

John! John! Joohhhnnnn!!!!! Was the best!!! He was informative, personable, funny, and very polite. I wish I could take him as a tour guide everywhere here in Ireland! Next time I’m in Ireland during the warmer months I will take this tour again to be able to see all the flowers and foliage. I just need to call beforehand to make sure it’s John! Thanks John. -The one who kept falling asleep on the bus-who clearly needed more caffeine. CHEERS!

My experience was very good. The drive of the bus/tour guide was helpful, courteous, and professional. I travelled with Lally Tours. The bus was comfortable, clean, seat belts installed for our safety, the bus was driving safely and it was punctual. The tour contained all that was advertised. The booking instructions were clear and it was easy to see what exactly had been booked.

Great experience with beautiful views and friendly people! The driver/ guide was well informed and show us great places of the marvellous Connemara!

lovely guide, best places, would love to have more time during the trip.