from
$133
Connemara Day Trip from Galway with Kylemore Abbey and Sheepdogs
Explore a 19th-century castle inside and out, then watch herding dogs in action at a working farm
What's included
Experience rural Ireland in its purest form
Expert English-speaking local guide
Round-trip coach from Galway
Entry to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Guided tour inside Kylemore Abbey
Sheepdog demonstration at Joyce Country Sheepdogs
30-minute stop in Leenane village
Guide tips
Lunch
Itinerary
Your tour begins in central Galway
Meet your local guide at the designated meeting point in central Galway and board a comfortable midi-coach. Settle in for the ride west into Connemara, a rugged region of bog land, lakes, and mountains on Ireland's Atlantic coast.
Pause in the lakeside village of Leenane
Pull into Leenane, a harbor village tucked between the Maumturk and Mweelrea mountains, home to Killary Harbour, Ireland's only natural fjord. Take time to grab a coffee, or browse the Connemara Sheep and Wool Centre.
Explore the fairy-tale grounds of Kylemore Abbey
After your break, continue on to the next stop. Step into Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century neo-Gothic castle turned Benedictine monastery. Follow your guide through the elegant interiors, then set off to wander the Gothic church and Victorian Walled Gardens independently.
Watch border collies at work on a working farm
Depart the Abbey, and head to meet third-generation farmer Joe Joyce and his border collies for an hour-long demo of traditional sheep herding. Cuddle a sheepdog puppy, hold a baby lamb in season, and say hello to miniature ponies and donkeys.
Drive past the peaks of the Twelve Bens
Roll past the Twelve Bens, a chain of quartzite peaks rising over the lakes of Connemara on your way back to Galway. Keep your camera ready as your guide shares tales of the area's bog land, Irish-speaking Gaeltacht traditions, and old legends.
Your tour ends in central Galway
Arrive back in central Galway at the same spot where the day began. Ask your guide for pub or seafood recommendations before heading off to enjoy your evening, perhaps with a pint of stout and live traditional Irish music in the city's pubs.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Sun, 30 Aug 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are allowed, though some stops involve uneven ground and short walks from the coach. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Lunch: Lunch is not included on this tour. You'll have time during the stop in Kylemore to grab a bite at one of the local cafes or pubs before continuing on.
Weather Advisory: Connemara weather can shift quickly between sun, mist, and rain in any season. Please dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket so you can enjoy the outdoor stops in any conditions.
Children: Kids of all ages are welcome on this tour. Please keep in mind that some stops involve uneven ground and short walks from the coach.
Please note: Joe Joyce's working farm often has baby lambs in spring and sheepdog puppies at various times of year, but interactions cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Luggage: You can bring your luggage on board. It's the same coach and driver all day, which works well if you're connecting onward after the tour.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking local guide
Round-trip coach transport from Galway
Entry to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Guided tour inside Kylemore Abbey
Sheepdog demonstration at Joyce Country Sheepdogs
30-minute stop in Leenane village
What to bring:
Valid ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Waterproof jacket
Camera
Water bottle