Travel through Ireland’s most untouched, rugged landscapes on this Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill Day Tour from Galway. You’ll discover a region blanketed in majestic mountains, expansive lakes, golden beaches, and breathtaking valleys, with the opportunity to even hike among these vistas!
You’ll journey into the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region of Ireland and discover a traditional way of life. Exit the coach to visit iconic Irish landmarks independently and discover rivers and lakes that flow off the Twelve Bens Mountain Range to naturally shape this majestic region.
At the Connemara National Park, enjoy free time to hike Diamond Hill and experience the panoramic views. You’ll soon see why film directors chose Connemara as a backdrop for their movies! This tour is a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Ireland’s wild heart.
(To experience even more of Ireland’s traditional culture, check out our Connemara, Sheepdog Show and Medieval Castle Full Day Tour.)
This tour departs at 10 am sharp from the centre of Galway City, on Foster Street just outside the Hyde Hotel. We encourage guests to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start to the day’s exploration. Guests staying in Galway City or suburbs can avail of our pick-up service. See the checkout section for more details.
Explore notable stops in the Connemara region, including Oughterard, where you’ll have beautiful views of the River Corrib and see historic cottages. At Maam Cross, a crossroads in Connemara, you’ll continue on to Joyce County and encounter stunning loughs and the Twelve Bens Mountain Range. We’ll also make a stop at some fascinating ancient stone ruins. All along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Connemara ponies and mountain sheep!
During the trip, you’ll discover why famous films like The Quiet Man, The Field, and Marley & Me were all shot here! See if you can spot the backdrops to some of the scenes. This fascinating glimpse into the film history of the region adds an extra layer of enchantment to the tour.
This tiny mountain-side village is simply bursting with colourful Irish charm and overflowing with ever-changing scenery. Some guests may choose to stroll out along the edges of Killary Fjord, while others can opt for an Irish Coffee or Hot Whiskey in one of the local bars.
Length of stay approximately 30 minutes.
As part of the Galway to Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill Full Day Tour, you have the opportunity to spend 2 hours at the Connemara National Park at Diamond Hill.
There are three routes to choose from, each varying in length and difficulty. There is no additional charge to enter the national park, and there are tea rooms on site for coffee and light snacks.
Please be aware that the bus and driver cannot wait any longer than the allotted 2-hour duration, so please plan your visit cautiously.
Ireland’s only fjord serves as the natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. This breathtaking vista helps tell the story of millions of years of natural geographical evolution, while also doubling as a featured photo stop.
Length of stay approximately 10 minutes.
In the afternoon, the journey leads you through the Inagh Valley, one of the most scenic in Connemara! Returning to Maam Cross, you’ll head south into the region to Gaeltacht areas like Camus and Screeb where you can hear the Irish language being spoken.
The second half of our tour takes the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive along South Connemara, but not without a stop at one of our absolute favourite seaside villages. An Spidéal is also a “Gaeltacht” town where the Irish (Gaelic) language is spoken as a first language and where many Irish cultural traditions still thrive these days. Here we get a sample of these traditions, experience a taste of seaside living in Ireland, and (if you dare) dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll drive through Salthill and Barna, making your way back into Galway City. The tour typically returns to the city between 5:15 and 5:30, providing the ideal opportunity to head into town for dinner. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations!
You will have 2 hours of free time to hike Diamond Hill at Connemara National Park
No, you are free to enjoy the hike on your own
There are 3 x routes: 1 x Short, 1 x Medium, 1 x Long (to the peak of Diamond Hill). It is possible to reach the peak and back down in 2 hours if you have a good pace and only make brief stops. Please be realistic with your ability and speed, don’t push yourself too hard and make sure to allow time to have a bite to eat.
Please make sure to keep an eye on the time – If you are not back within 2 hours, the driver will have to continue the tour without you, and you will have to arrange alternative transport back to Galway. There is a local / public service bus that passes near the national park.
Please make sure to keep an eye on the time – If you are not back within 2 hours, the driver will have to continue the tour without you, and you will have to arrange alternative transport back to Galway. There is a local / public service bus that passes near the national park.
Yes we do! Our HQ is the Explore Galway Kiosk in Eyre Square. Please come and say hello ahead of your trip and ask for some local tips for Galway and the West of Ireland.
Our first main stop is in Leenane village where we will have a short 20/30 minute stop, you will have the opportunity to get something small to eat here. When you visit the National Park, there is a cafe on site there,you will also be dropped off near the village of Letterfrack where you can also pick up some food to bring with you for the hike. Quite a lot of our hikers for Diamond Hill do bring a packed lunch with them so they can spend more time hiking, and make a stop for lunch when they feel like it along their way up to the peak.
In peak season, there can be a max of 61 people on this tour.