From Dublin: Connemara, Killary Fjord & Kylemore Abbey Day Trip
See Ireland's wild western edge by small boat with round-trip transport and an expert local guide
This 12-hour adventure from Dublin pairs Ireland’s only fjord with Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic castle built in 1868 as a husband's love token, and the painted streets of Galway. At Killary Harbour, carved by Ice Age glaciers, you'll cruise those very waters with a guide who knows every story along the shore. Along the way, pass herds of native Connemara ponies and the rugged Twelve Bens mountains. Spots fill fast in summer, so book before they're gone.
What You Get With This Tour
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Take in Ireland's unique fjord views
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Round-trip coach from Dublin
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1.5-hour Killary Fjord cruise
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Kylemore Abbey photo stop
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Galway City walking tour
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Guide tips
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Kylemore Abbey entry
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Lunch
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at the Molly Malone Statue
Meet your guide at Dublin's iconic Molly Malone Statue, a bronze tribute to Ireland's unofficial anthem. Settle into a comfortable air-conditioned coach for the scenic drive west across the country to the Atlantic coast. -
2
Travel west to Connemara
Cross into Connemara, a rugged Gaelic-speaking region of bogs and lakes on Ireland's western edge. Watch wild ponies graze beneath the Twelve Bens, a sweeping mountain range, as your local guide shares stories. -
3
Cruise Ireland's only fjord at Killary Harbour
Board a small boat for a 1.5-hour cruise on Killary Harbour, Ireland's only true fjord. Glide past mussel beds and the steep slopes of Mweelrea, the tallest mountain in Connacht province. In winter, a visit to a charming Killary sheep farm replaces this cruise. -
4
Snap photos at romantic Kylemore Abbey
Next travel by coach to Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century neo-Gothic castle and one of Ireland's most romantic estates. Built in 1868 as a husband's love token, it reflects across a still lake framed by forested hills. Take beautiful photos of the exterior before moving on. -
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Wander Galway's bohemian Latin Quarter
Then roll into Galway, a lively harbor city nicknamed the City of Tribes after its 14 founding merchant families. Take a guided walking tour through Galway's Latin Quarter. Then during free time, explore medieval streets lined with painted pubs, traditional Aran wool sweaters, and Irish Claddagh rings. -
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Your tour ends at the Molly Malone Statue
Settle back in the coach for a relaxing drive east through Ireland's green countryside. Arrive at the Molly Malone Statue in central Dublin with memories of fjords, abbeys, and Galway's painted streets to take home.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Tour Changes: During winter months, the Killary Harbour boat cruise is replaced with a visit to a charming Killary sheep farm. We'll notify you if any further adjustments are needed.
Lunch: Lunch is not included on this tour. You'll have time to grab a meal at Kylemore Abbey or during your free time in Galway.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The coach is stroller accessible, but the boat cruise and walking sections may be challenging. This tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Children and Infants: Kids are welcome on this tour, and infants under 1 year of age can join for free. We highly recommend all guests traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. You can bring your own car seat on board for free, or rent one for €15 (please request in advance).
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 12-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking local guide
Round-trip transport from Dublin in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
1.5-hour Killary Harbour boat cruise
Photo stop at Kylemore Abbey
Walking tour of Galway's Latin Quarter
Free time to explore Galway at your own pace
What to bring:
Valid ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Layered clothing
Rain jacket or umbrella
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome on this tour, and infants under 1 year of age can join for free. We highly recommend all guests traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. You can bring your own car seat on board for free, or rent one for €15 (please request in advance).
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The coach is stroller accessible, but the boat cruise and walking sections may be challenging. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
How much walking is involved?
This is an active day with walking around Galway's medieval streets and the grounds of Kylemore Abbey, plus boarding the boat at Killary Harbour. Most of the day is spent on a comfortable air-conditioned coach with stops at each highlight.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included on this tour. You'll have time to grab a meal at Kylemore Abbey or during your free time in Galway.
Does this tour run if it rains?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Irish weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket or umbrella regardless of the forecast.
What happens during winter months?
During winter, the Killary Harbour boat cruise is replaced with a visit to a Killary sheep farm. The rest of the itinerary stays the same, so you'll still see Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Galway.





