Tour Itinerary
6:50am
Depart from Tourist Office on Suffolk St Dublin 2 (The old stone church). We will make our way west out of Dublin City heading for Galway as our adventure begins.
9:00am
Arrive in Galway for a short stop for a coffee before hitting the coast road. If we have any passengers to pick up from Galway we will be departing Galway city at 9:30 am.
9:30am
We then take the very scenic coast road from Galway towards Oughterard, the gateway to Connemara and passing through quaint villages on the way with views unmatched anywhere else in Ireland. Connemara is unique in the fact that it has no official boundaries to let you know that you are in Connemara. You just know you're there! Not far into our journey you will get to stop at the famous bridge that was used in the Quiet Man film with John Wayne. Take a picture with your guide as they all think they are John Waynes!
11.15am
We will pass Maam Cross where you will see for the first time one of numerous lakes that make Connemara so famous. This are is a gaeltacht region where the locals speak Irish so you may have to learn a few words on your journey if you want a cup of tea! Not all of Connemara is a gaeltacht region but some pockets keep Irish alive as their first language. It is a beautiful language and music to the ears. Someone said once that listening to Irish spoken was the most relaxing thing in the world. I would have to agree. While driving we will have the Maumturk mountains to our right side before seeing the magnificent Glencoaghan horseshoe part of the twelve Bens mountain range, one of Ireland's famous hiking routes. We will arrive in the lovely village of Recess where we will break for a short while. This is where Alcock and Brown famously landed their plane in a bog after their record breaking non stop flight from North America to Europe. This is also where Marconi based himself during his productive years and before marrying one of the Hennessy brandy girls!
12:00pm
We now make our way through the wonderful Inagh Valley, famous for the phone advertisement of losing reception. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Connemara where we will stop to take in the breath-taking views with some photos. You will also get a closer look at how 'Turf' is cut from the ground which was used as a fuel source for many hundereds of years.
12:30pm
We make a stop at Kylemore Abbey, one of the most distinct buildings in Ireland. It was a female only boarding school for years but now is mainly used by nuns for retreat and for tourists to visit. It is nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul and is regarded as one of most romantic places in Ireland. Originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift, the abbey is again steeped in history, including tragedy, Royal visits. After we depart from this majestic setting, we will make our way to 'Killary Fjord', Ireland's only fjord. Marvel at all the mussel beds in the fjord as you look at Mweelrea, the highest mountain on the west coast of Ireland. You will not be disappointed with this natural wonder of the world.
A 1.5hr boat cruise is included during summer months / A guided tour of Kylemore Abbey is included during winter months.
2:00pm
We will hop on the bus again for our trip to the little village of Leenane where the enigmatic movie "The Field" was filmed. This story of The Bull Mc Cabe really instils in you how land is in every Irish persons mindset. We will be driving in a circular route that will take in a picture stop of the Sheefry Hills before making our way back to Maum and then onto Galway City.
4:30pm
Spend an hour walking & sightseeing around Galway city before departing back for Dublin. Visit the main shopping district. Walk down to the busy harbour and see the Spanish Arch. Galway is a bohemian and happy city with a very young population. Home to the Claddagh Ring and 14 families, there is amazing history in this city. This was the last place Christopher Columbus visited before making his way over to the West Indies.
8:00pm
Arrive back in Dublin to reminisce about your fun filled day!
