Connemara Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Connemara Small Group Tours & Trips

33 Connemara trips. Tours from 30 tour companies. 73 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Small Group Tour
Biltmore & Beyond: The Wonders of Western North Carolina
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Connemara

Highlights

  • Explore the 125,000-acre grounds of the turn-of-the-century Biltmore Estate and learn the history of the Vanderbilt Family and the men who built America’s largest home
  • Visit the Old Kentucky Home and Connemara, once home two of Western North Carolina’s most famous writers: Thomas Wolfe and Carl Sandburg
  • Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you hike to Chimney Rock and enjoy a narrated boat ride on Lake Lure

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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Ireland's Rugged Beauty Along the Wild Atlantic Way
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Connemara, Dublin, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Take in magnificent views of the Atlantic from the world-famous Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League Cliffs, a Donegal secret
  • Learn about ancient peoples at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, Neolithic burial chambers
  • Step back in time at Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentically restored castle in Ireland

Themes

50 plus

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Emerald Isle
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Connemara, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Galway

Highlights

  • Dublin : Orientation drive; welcome dinner
  • Kildare : Guided tour of the Irish National Stud
  • Strokestown house: Guided tour of the house and Famine Museum, and visit the gardens
  • Kylemore : Visit the Benedictine abbey
  • Connemara : Visit a marble workshop
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

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Scenic Ireland
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Connemara, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • Limerick : Welcome dinner
  • Cliffs of moher : Savor the spectacular views
  • Rathbaun farm: See the farmer at work, bake your own scones, and enjoy coffee in the farmhouse
  • Galway : Orientation
  • Connemara : Visit a marble workshop
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
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Ireland
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Connemara, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • Three Irish cities: Kilkenny, Galway, & Dublin
  • The picturesque fishing village of Howth
  • Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
  • Pints in a local pubs, listen to live Irish music and chat with the locals
  • Bike tour the medieval town of Kilkenny
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Themes

18 - 30's, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I had an amazing time on the Costa Rica starter trip. This was my first time traveling solo and U30X was a great way for me to safely see another part of the world and meet new people. Our trip leaders were Adrian and Delphine; they were very knowledgeable and fun. It felt more like we were just hanging out with our friends who happened to know a lot about the country rather than following around tour guides."

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The Ultimate Tour
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5/5 Excellent
76 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Connemara, Cork, Derry, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Galway, Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the splendid Ring of Kerry
  • Kayak with dolphins and Explore the mighty Cliffs of Moher
  • Enjoy Bohemian Galway and venture to the ancient Aran Islands
  • Learn about the history of the Troubles in Derry and Belfast
  • Giants Causeway, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney national Park

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I chose to the 10 day tour of Ireland for our Honeymoon and we had just the best time. We saw much of the small villages and some of the big cities with all the greenery and food in between. My favorite place personally was Galway with a great food and drink scene and a cute college-town vibe. The best tour definitely was Newgrange site which shows ancient tombs from 4000 years ago. Our tour guide Mark was amazing! He made the tour with interesting insights and knowledge of where ever we were going. He was always willing to accommodate requests from us for quick extra stops and sight seeing. Mark even went the extra mile planning a small party for my birthday on the tour as well. I cannot speak highly enough of Mark as a tour guide."

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Enchanting Ireland
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Connemara, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny

Highlights

  • Dublin touring, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Magnificent natural scenery of counties Galway and Kerry: Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Connemara
  • Irish sheepdog demonstration
  • Beautiful Kylemore Abbey
  • Dramatic Aran Islands
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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Emerald Explorer Tour
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5/5 Excellent
76 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Connemara, Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ring of Kerry

Highlights

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the splendid Ring of Kerry
  • Enjoy Bohemian Galway and venture to the ancient Aran Islands
  • Learn about the history of the Troubles in Derry and Belfast
  • Giants Causeway, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney national Park

Themes

Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I chose to the 10 day tour of Ireland for our Honeymoon and we had just the best time. We saw much of the small villages and some of the big cities with all the greenery and food in between. My favorite place personally was Galway with a great food and drink scene and a cute college-town vibe. The best tour definitely was Newgrange site which shows ancient tombs from 4000 years ago. Our tour guide Mark was amazing! He made the tour with interesting insights and knowledge of where ever we were going. He was always willing to accommodate requests from us for quick extra stops and sight seeing. Mark even went the extra mile planning a small party for my birthday on the tour as well. I cannot speak highly enough of Mark as a tour guide."

Trip dates & details
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Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Connemara, Cork, Dublin, Galway

Highlights

  • Delight in the lilt of an Irish brogue as a local expert leads you on a guided tour of The Burren.
  • Explore the medieval churches, Neolithic tombs, and sacred sites of Noughaval.
  • Marvel at the rugged and magical countryside of Connemara, whose mountains, lakes, and peat bogs have inspired poets for centuries.
  • View Kylemore Abbey, the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland.
  • Listen to crashing surf as you trace the coastline of the unspoiled, tranquil Renvyle Peninsula.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

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11 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

Connemara Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
73  Reviews
See all Connemara tour reviews
Excellent
30
Great
10
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
B

Bradley

Oct 2017

Provided byTrafalgar

Castles and Manors

The tour was very well laid out

M

Mary

Oct 2017

Provided byTrafalgar

Castles and Manors

Loved the castles and manor tour.

D

Donald

Oct 2017

Provided byTrafalgar

Castles and Manors

Length of time on a bus between stops

M

Marianne

Oct 2017

Provided byTrafalgar

Castles and Manors

We wish there was more time in Killarney but we can always return to see it again. Some local gems felt rushed but every local guide answered questions and added gre...

E

Edward

Oct 2017

Provided byTrafalgar

Castles and Manors

Locations, Locations< Locations!

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Connemara Tour Selection Trips

  • Connemara, and Western Ireland, is typically experienced in one of two ways: either it is done in a couple of days, and a tour bus is used to make sure you make it to all of the key attractions, or it is experienced slowly over a longer trip, the “soak it in” approach. These two types of travel are very different so be sure to take your options into consideration when deciding on your Ireland tour.
  • While there are plenty of luxury accommodation options in Connemara, lower-end housing options can be very charming and are sometimes even preferred by travelers. If you stay at a local B&B, for example, your host will likely be a local and be able to tell you about the area, and maybe even teach you a few words in Irish Gaelic!
  • If you prefer outdoors activity and like to fully embrace the natural landscape you are traveling to, consider going on a cycling tour or even a hiking themed tour.

Additional details

Weather in Connemara

Connemara is located in Western Ireland, and as a result its weather patterns are usually similar to the rest of the region. Weather in Connemara never gets too hot or too cold, with summer temperatures maxing out in the mid-70’s, and winter temperatures only dropping below freezing some nights, and usually staying above it during the day. No matter the season, weather in Western Ireland is always unpredictable, and can be rainy, so you’re always better off packing layers and being prepared for anything.

The main difference between winter and summer is sunlight. In the dead of summer, Connemara can receive more than 18 hours of sunlight. In the heart of winter, some days can have less than eight hours a day. For these reasons, summer is the most popular time to visit Connemara, and its the best time to visit. Connemara is not heavily populated by tourists, and as a result, you don’t have to worry about fighting off crowds at any time of year.

What is Connemara Whiskey?

Like in most of Ireland, visiting Connemara will not deprive you of good whiskey. However, there aren’t actually any distilleries in Connemara. If you have heard of Connemara whiskey, you are perhaps thinking of the whiskey brand Connemara.

“Connemara” the name of a whiskey brand brewed by Kilbeggan Distillery (and in their own words, the most decorated Irish whiskey of all time).

Best Hikes in Connemara

Oscar Wilde once described Connemara as a “wild and mountainous place,” and this description has not changed today. Connemara’s diversity of terrain and lack of development makes it a great place to go hiking and explore the Irish wilderness. Here are some of the top hikes to go on when in Connemara:

  • Omey Island Walk. This island is made even more interesting to visit by the fact that it’s a tidal island, and can only be accessed certain times of the day. On your 2-hour walk, you will see beautiful sea cliffs, early Christian monastic sites, pristine beaches, and a series of abandoned farms from when the island was home to a large population in the 19th century. 
  • Ballynahinch Estate. This trail takes place inland, and showcases some of Connemara’s beautiful forest, lakes, and rivers. With multiple trails and clear signage, you can decide how long you plan to walk for -- and how long you intend to visit the impressive Ballynahinch Castle (now a high end hotel which you can stay at on a Connemara luxury tour) for!
  • Sky Road Walk. This walk can take up to two hours, but is still quite physically easy. The Sky Road walk affords beautiful views of the city of Clifden on sunny days, and takes you past the John D’Arcy monument. It will also take you by the ruins of Clifden Castle, and along the rocky shores of Clifden beach.  
  • Bog Road. This path will take you past the acclaimed Roundstone Bog conservation area, so you can see Ireland’s famous marshland up close and personal. Not only will you get scenic nature views on this hike, but you will also get to pass through several cute towns, including Roundstone, where the traditional Irish goatskin drum is made.

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