Clonmacnoise, Clontuskert Abbey, Clonony and Athlone Castle Tour from Galway

Meeting Point

Galway City

. 1. Your chauffeur will pick you up from your Galway City hotel/accommodation. 2. Clontuskert Abbey. Historical landmark. The original abbey at Clontuskert was founded near the end of the 8th century by St. Baedan, however nothing from this period remains. In the 12th century, an Augustinian Priory dedicated to St. Mary, was founded by Turlough O’Connor, the king of Connacht. However, the friary went through some turbulent times and was burnt to the ground around 1413. 30min. Admission: Free 3. Clonony Castle built in the 1490’s by the Coghlan Clan, was seized by Henry VIII during the war of dominion by England. He ceded it to Thomas Boleyn, making him the Earl of Ormond, his daughter, the ill-fated Ann, a countess and marriageable by a king. When Henry tired of Ann and the Boleyns fell from grace, two ladies, Mary and Elizabeth, were sent back to Clonony and remained for the rest of their lives. Their tombstone lays beneath a tree in the castle bawn. Admission: here is no fee, but donations toward the maintenance of the castle is greatly appreciated. 4. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site spectactular, sixth century monastic site, located on the bank of the River Shannon is home to three high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers. This great monastery was founded in 548- 9 by St. Ciarán Mac a tSaor (“son of the carpenter”), who studied under St. Finian at the famous Clonard Abbey. The strategic location of the monastery at a crossroads between the major east-west land route through the bogs of central Ireland and the River Shannon helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 9th century. Admission: Adult €8, Senior/Group €6, Child/Student €4, Family €20. 5. Athlone Castle The earliest recorded "castle" of Athlone was a wooden structure built in 1129, by King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht, possibly on the site of the present castle. The stone castle which survives today dates from 1210 and was built for King John. The castle was greatly fortified in the late 13th century (c1276) when the original ‘motte’ was surrounded with a curtain wall with three-quarter round towers (or drum towers) at the corner. These features, again greatly rebuilt, still survive today. Admission: Adult €9.00, Senior €6.50 Children under 15 €4.50 per child, Children under the age of 3 yrs are free Family (2 adults & 2 children U15) €23.00 Please notice: Athlone castle is closed Monday and Tuesday. 6. Return and drop off to your hotel/ accommodation in Galway City. Chauffeurs provide a panoramic excursion with historic highlights and luxurious transport to and from the sites visited but are not certified tour guides. The tour descriptions are suggested itineraries, the passengers may visit any other sites within the tour areas that they may wish to visit, time permitting. The chauffeur will discuss any particular requirement with guests on the tour day.