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Top 33 Incredible Day Trips and Tours From Galway (2024)

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Galway is a beautiful city in western Ireland that is full of culture and history – it’s my favorite city I visited while living in Ireland! Plus, you can use it as a home base to take many incredible day trips through the gorgeous towns and scenery that make up the Wild Atlantic Way.

Here are 33 of the best day trips from Galway… whether you’re looking for stunning hikes and adventures or friendly towns and laid-back vibes, there’s something for everyone here!

overview image of Galway City

Best Day Trips From Galway

Galway is one of the best cities to stay in to experience the Wild Atlantic Way. The most popular day trips from Galway are typically to the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the Burren, and Connemara National Park.

In this article, I will share some of the top tips and locations for taking a day trip from Galway, along with some of my favorite tours and options for how to get the most out of your experience!

Cliffs of Moher

📍 Distance from Galway: 1.5 hours

The Cliffs of Moher are dramatic sea cliffs above the North Atlantic Ocean and are one of the main natural attractions in Ireland. They are famous for their beauty, stunning scenery, and spectacular views. They run for about 14 kilometers (9 miles) and reach 214m (702 feet) in height at their highest point.

Cliffs of Moher

How to Get To Cliffs of Moher From Galway

Galway is located about 1.5 hours from the Cliffs of Moher, making it pretty easy to get to by car or by bus.

Option 1: Driving or taking a taxi will be the quickest option (just over 1 hour) but could cost more money, depending on whether you have already rented a car or not.

Option 2: Taking a bus costs around €11 to €16 and will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

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Option 3: Otherwise, the most popular way to see the Cliffs of Moher is to take a day tour from Galway. There are quite a few options online, these three are my top suggestions for the best-rated Cliffs of Moher day tours from Galway:

best day tours from galway

1 . Cliffs of Moher Day Trip From Galway

I appreciated taking a tour of the Cliffs of Moher, it’s the best way to see more of the area than you might be able to on your own, and to take the stress out of planning .

This guided tour is exceptional and takes you not only to the Cliffs of Moher, but to other areas of interest such as Poulnabrone Dolmen (one of the most ancient religious sites in Ireland at 5,800 years old), Dungaire Castle , and the small town of Doolin .

Plus, you will hear interesting information about the history, geology, and folklore of the places you visit.

➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK

castle at Cliffs of Moher

2. Cliffs of Moher Explorer Tour From Galway

The first tour takes you straight to the Cliffs of Moher, whereas this tour is best for people who want to do the FULL Cliffs of Moher walk from Doolin (about 5mi / 8km).

This tour also takes you past quite a few more places including Kinvara Harbor, Black Head Lighthouse, Fanore Beach, Lisdoonvarna (home of the matchmaking festival), and Corcomroe Abbey.

Cliffs of Moher

3. Private Cliffs of Moher Tour + Boat Experience

Or, if you have it in your budget and prefer the utmost comfort… take a luxury private tour that you can customize and personalize to what YOU want to see and do on your Cliffs of Moher day tour from Galway.

This tour also includes a boat experience , which gives you two ways to see the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are especially spectacular to see from below by boat!

Aran Islands

📍 Distance from Galway: 1 hour from Galway City to the ferry dock and 1.5 hours ferry ride

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands in Galway Bay off the Atlantic coast and are well worth the visit. They’re special because of their history, culture, and natural beauty .

The islands have a long history dating back to the Bronze Age, with many ancient ruins to explore. The island of Inis Mór is known as an “outdoor museum.” 

Aran Islands

The culture of the islands is unique, and you will find traditional music and dance as well as crafts such as knitwear and pottery.

The landscape of the islands is also stunning , with cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills. If you are looking for a day of adventure, relaxation, or simply want to experience something different, the Aran Islands are the perfect day trip destination.

How to Get to the Aran Islands From Galway

There are two ways I recommend getting to the Aran Islands from Galway.

Option 1: The first is to book a ferry ticket and explore on your own.

Option 2: Otherwise, you can take a tour of the islands and have a local expert guide you through the top sites.

the biggest Aran Island near Galway

Taking a Ferry to the Aran Islands

If you are heading to the Aran Islands on your own you can either drive to the ferry terminal in Rossaveel (parking is available at the pier for a few euros per 24 hours) or there is a daily shuttle bus.

Ferries to the Aran Islands depart from  Rossaveel port  in Connemara. You can book your ferry ticket and find out more information on the Aran Island Ferries website.

On the islands, you can rent a bike, hike around, join a mini-bus tour, or relax in the pub.

views on the Aran Islands

4. From Galway: Aran Islands Including Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Another option to see the Aran Islands is to take this full-day tour from Galway that goes out to Inisheer Island for two hours of exploration . PLUS, you will get to see the Cliffs of Moher and a few other attractions such as Dunguaire Castle and Fanore Beach along the way.

📍 Distance from Galway: 1 hour

The Burren is a unique and fascinating place. The landscape is like nowhere else on earth, with its rocky outcrops, sheltered valleys, and winding rivers.

The history is just as fascinating – the Burren has been home to humans for over 10,000 years , and there are remains of Bronze Age settlements, Iron Age forts, and early Christian churches to be found throughout the region.

Today, a Burren day trip from Galway is popular for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers , with something to offer everyone. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, add the Burren to your must-visit list.

the Burren

How to Get to the Burren From Galway

Burren National Park is about an hour south of Galway. Many visitors start in a small harbor village called Ballyvaughan.

Option 1: The best way to explore the Burren on your own is to rent a car to drive through the loop and make stops along the way.

Option 2: Otherwise, if you are taking a Burren day trip from Galway without a car, you will need to take an hour bus to Crusheen and then a 20-minute taxi to the Burren.

the Burren scenery

There aren’t very many tours directly from Galway just to the Burren. Many of the Cliffs of Moher tours though do drive through and see parts of the Burren.

The best thing I can recommend to bundle your transportation and have a guided tour of the Burren is to take this private tour where you can customize and make more stops in the Burren than other tours will:

the Burren ocean view

5. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Private Tour from Galway

With this tour, you will visit the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, but the day can be customized to fit hikes, pub trips, or other attractions. It’s best if you want a knowledgeable local guide to take you along the safest routes for exploring the Burren.

Otherwise, here are two other ways you can explore the Burren if you can drive yourself down from Galway:

The Burren, Ireland

6. Guided Walk of the Burren

The scenery and exploration waiting for you in the Burren are pretty incredible! Get the most out of it by exploring the Burren with your guide and find the most incredible views with ease.

Navigate stony hiking and walking trails and open pastureland safely, and learn about the over 5,000 years of human habitation and Burren’s rich geology along the way.

Irish farmland near Galway

7. Burren Farm Experience

This farm in the Burren is truly a hidden gem. You will first hike through the land and limestone before taking a moment to look over the stunning Lough Bunny Lake . Take a picnic at the historical remains of the original parish Church and get up close to the livestock.

This is a unique experience and is especially great for families and those with young kids who want a taste of traditional Irish culture

Connemara National Park

📍 Distance from Galway: 1 hour 15 minutes

Connemara National Park is located in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast. The park covers an area of 2,957 hectares and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and horse riding trails, as well as picnicking and camping areas. The park also has a Visitor Centre which provides information on the local flora and fauna.

Connemara National Park is a great day trip for those who want to experience the beauty of the Irish countryside outside of Galway.

Connemara National Park

How to Get to Connemara National Park From Galway

Option 1: The best way to get there on your own is to rent a car and drive.

Option 2: Or, there’s a bus that takes about one hour and 40 minutes to the Letterfrack stop , which is a five-minute walk from the National Park.

Option 3: Luckily, there are a couple of tours to Connemara National Park that will let you explore and experience incredible natural sights with ease.

cows and castles in Connemara National Park

8. From Galway: Guided Tour of Connemara  

Pass by quaint villages, beautiful beaches, bridges, gardens, castles, and stop at a picturesque little waterfall all along the way to Connemara National Park. The tour allows you three hours to explor e the mountains, bogs, grasslands, and woodlands of the park.

The tour is not much more expensive than taking a bus, and you get to see far more of the coast and scenery along the way. I highly recommend forgoing the public bus for this more fulfilling day trip experience from Galway.

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara

9. Private Tour of Connemara National Park

To customize your trip, take a private tour up to the national park. While the highlights of the tour are often Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, and the Doolough Valley, you can get off the beaten path to check out Ireland’s beautiful scenery including beaches, mountains, and loughs.

Walled Garden in Connemara National Park

10. Castles of Connemara Tour From Galway City

Or, if you happen to be especially interested in Irish castles… this tour is the one for you! You will see three different castles in Connemara and explore the castles and grounds at your own pace.

The castles include Aughnanure Castle, Kylemore Abbey (and the Victorian Walled Garden), and Ballynahinch Castle.

The Ring of Kerry

📍 Distance from Galway: 3 hours

While some articles list the Ring of Kerry as a day trip destination from Galway, I actually highly advise against that. The drive takes over 3 hours one way, and there is just far too much to see to try and cram it into one day with that long of a drive.

If you are looking to experience the Ring of Kerry, you should take at least a night or two and stay in the adorable towns of either Killarney or Kenmare .

For the best Ring of Kerry tours , click below:

Top 5 Best Ring of Kerry Tours from Killarney

Is Dingle Close to Galway?

No, Dingle is also over a 3-hour drive away from Galway.

You can explore the Dingle Peninsula from Killarney (about 1 hour away), or you can stay in Dingle itself . The Dingle Peninsula is gorgeous and well worth a visit!

Day Trips From Galway Without a Car (By Bus)

If you don’t have a car while in Galway, it’s still possible to do some day tripping. There are public buses that you can check out to get between some of the nearby cities and explore from there.

Rome2Rio will be your best friend when planning day trip transportation. It’s a site that provides you with all possible routes and prices to get to a destination.

Or, you can tour in a group by bus or by private chauffeur , depending on your style and budget. See below for the top options.

Aran Islands

11. Best of the Wild Atlantic Way Group Tour

This is the best all-around small-group day trip tour, where you can combine several landmarks in one Wild Atlantic Way tour.

This incredible tour combines travel by coach bus and boat to see the top landmarks in the west of Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Connemara. One of the highlights is to take a horse and cart ride out to the Plassey Shipwreck !

If you have limited time in Galway but want to see as many of the top sites as you can, this is the tour for you.

Connemara National Park views

12. Private Wild Atlantic Way Tour

Maximize your time in the west of Ireland with a private tour of the Wild Atlantic Way where you can customize what you see and d o. This tour typically extensively explores Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. However, you will see many sights along the way and can pick and choose what to add to your tour.

Take a look below for ideas and all the possible stops you can take along the way:

Additional Sites to See in a Day From Galway

While I’ve included the above information for the most popular sites and guided tours, there are certainly plenty of options to customize your schedule to fit in the sites you are most interested in by using this list and the Rome2Rio site.

To plan a day trip from Galway on your own, here are a few more sites that are typically of interest to visitors of the west of Ireland.

gorgeous lake views in Connemara Ireland Park

13. Lough Key Forest Park

📍 Distance from Galway: 2 hours

Forest and activity park with typical outdoor activities such as walking and cycling trails and more unique ones such as the Boda Borg, a challenge and puzzle arena.

14. Limerick City

Limerick is known for its rich medieval history, vibrant cultural scene, and the scenic River Shannon that gracefully flows through the city.

restaurant in Limerick

15. Kylemore Abbey

An incredible castle-like Gothic Benedictine nunnery with restored Victorian rooms and free garden tours.

16. Coral Strand Beach

This beach offers an ideal setting for swimmers with its sheltered coast, perfect for enjoying a refreshing swim on sunny days, and many rock pools along the rugged shoreline to explore.

17. Leenane Village

Known for its stunning and varied scenery it has everything from exciting mountain walks to decadent spas and romantic restaurants, plus the unique megalithic tomb on Leenane Hill.

18. Oranmore Castle

📍 Distance from Galway: 30 minutes

Oranmore Castle is an 800-year-old national monument located on one of the historical inlets of Galway Bay and is open for guided tours, staying the night, and hosting events.

Oranmore Castle, a day trip distance from Galway

19. An Spidéal

📍 Distance from Galway: 25 minutes

Spiddal (An Spidéal) is a charming coastal village situated along the shores of Galway Bay and is a part of An Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking region.

20. Aughnanure Castle

This castle is a 16th-century tower house with unique ruins to explore.

21. Enniscrone

A sandy beach, campsite, and golf course make it popular.

22. Doolough Valley

Situated between two mountains with two lakes, this untouched nature is gorgeous to visit.

23. Croagh Patrick

📍 Distance from Galway: 1 hour 20 minutes

A mountain that takes two hours to get to the summit, and around an hour-and-a-half to come back down. Popular for hiking and birding.

Croagh Patrick, not far from Galway

24. Dunguaire Castle 

Dunguaire Castle was built in 1520, it’s open for tours and hosts popular castle banquets.

25. Fanore Beach

📍 Distance from Galway: 1 hour 10 minutes

Located in the coastal area of the Burren National Park, it’s popular for swimming and it boasts an impressive sand dune system.

26. Poulnabrone Dolmen

One of the most ancient religious sites in Ireland at 5,800 years old.

27. Killary Fjord

The 16 km-long fjord at Killary Harbour is one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords. View the impressive Mweelrea, Connacht’s tallest mountain at 814 meters, as well as the scenic Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens, showcasing some of the country’s most dramatic scenery.

Killary Fjord near Galway

28. Traught Beach

📍 Distance from Galway: 40 minutes

NOT one of the most popular beaches to visit as a day trip from Galway, but it has calm water for those looking to swim.

29. Kinvara Harbor

A small, authentic fishing harbor. Watch the sailboats go by or enjoy freshly caught fish for sale.

30. Ennis City

A small town but has a lot of history, some great spots for a pint, and plenty of charm.

31. Ailwee Cave

One of the oldest caves in Ireland , with geology and history stretching over 330 million years. 

A village with ancient sites and medieval wonders. Its claim to fame is that many sites from the 1952 Hollywood classic, ‘The Quiet Man’, starring John Wayne were filmed here.

33. Westport

A heritage-listed town with plenty to see and do including the Croagh Patrick, Westport House, Clew Bay with its 365 Islands, Achill Island, Clare Island, and the Great Western Greenway.

Half-Day Trips From Galway

kayaking on the Clare Coast

If you don’t have as much time in Galway, or if you don’t want an exhausting full day of traveling and sightseeing, here are a couple of amazing options for half-day tours you can take from Galway.

👉 Cliffs of Moher

👉 Doolin Cave Experience

👉 Kayak Along Clare Coast

👉 Explore a Deserted Irish Island

Can You Do a Day Trip From Dublin to Galway?

📍 Distance from Galway: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Yes, it’s possible! A day trip from Dublin to Galway (or vice versa) is entirely feasible and offers a taste of the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of the west of Ireland. You can take a train or drive to maximize your time.

However, my one caveat would be that it would be a very rushed day . If you are short on time and want to get a quick taste of Dublin or Galway, sure you can do the day trip. However, I personally feel that both cities need more than just one quick day of exploration to fully experience them and explore the areas surrounding each city.

For this reason, I would not recommend Dublin as a day trip from Galway but rather its own multiple-day experience. Still want to explore Dublin? Read through my informative guides to the capital city below.

Dublin Posts: Best Things to Do in Dublin at Night Romantic Things to Do as a Couple in Dublin Is Dublin Safe? Is It Expensive? Is It Walkable? 25 Half-Day Tours From Dublin 15 Dublin to Cliffs of Moher Tours Best Churches and Cathedrals to See in Dublin Top 7 Dublin Pub Crawls

Galway FAQs 

Galway City

Is Galway Ireland Worth Visiting?

Galway is a small city located on the west coast of Ireland. Despite its small size, Galway is a popular tourist destination (my favorite Irish city!) due to its vibrant culture and scenic location with access to much of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Visiting Galway will allow you to enjoy views of the sea and the surrounding countryside, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. From its lively music scene to its historic buildings , there is something for everyone in Galway. Plus, you will have plenty of opportunities to take day trips to some of the most popular and scenic locations in the west of Ireland.

street musician in Galway

How Many Days Do You Need in Galway?

It’s worth spending a few days in the city to fully explore all it has to offer. If you want to do multiple day trips from Galway, you could even spend up to a week exploring both the city and the surrounding nature and towns.

I stayed in Galway for one weekend the first time I went, and it was the perfect overview of the city. I lived in Dublin at the time, but as a visitor to Ireland, I honestly would have preferred to spend more of my time staying in Galway rather than the big city of Dublin!

houses along the water in Galway

Things to Do in Galway

Galway is a beautiful city renowned for its lively atmosphere and friendly people ( at any time of year, even December ), with plenty of pubs and live music to enjoy. It’s also surrounded by stunning scenery, making it an ideal place to explore the great outdoors.

While the Cliffs of Moher are often a large reason people visit Galway, there are many incredible things to see and do in the city itself.

Some of the top attractions and sights include Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, Galway Cathedral, and Salthill Promenade .

Eyre Square is the central square of the city, and it’s a great place to people-watch or relax in the park. The Latin Quarter is a vibrant area full of pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to many of Galway’s historical landmarks .

Galway Cathedral

Salthill Promenade is a beautiful seaside walkway that stretches for 2km along the coast. It’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the breathtaking views. The Marina and Galway Docks are a great place to take a walk or go for a swim, and they offer stunning views of Galway Bay .

If you’re looking for some lively nightlife, then head to Quay Street in Galway city center. This street is lined with traditional Irish pubs, where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and some live music. There are also plenty of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Galway City

There are plenty of little tours that you can take to explore the city and make the most of your time there. Walking tours (often offered for free at your hostel/hotel, so check there first) are a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn some of the history and facts of Galway.

Here are a few top-rated tours in Galway City:

👉 Morning Walking Tour of Galway

👉 Galway City on Foot with Seán “The most informative, funny, and downright passionate walking tour I’ve had in a long time.”

👉 Food Tour of Galway

👉 Whiskey and Food Tour

Where to Stay in Galway

Galway has plenty of adorable places to stay, and it’s a fairly walkable city so location is hardly ever an issue.

OR… Have you thought about  staying in a castle when in Ireland?  It’s pretty magical! And there are a couple near Galway!

a hostel in Galway

I stayed in Galway City Hostel when I was there and had a great time! The people were very friendly and helpful and the stay was clean and comfortable . Hostels will be the most budget-friendly option while staying in Galway, and if you don’t want to stay in a shared dorm you can always check for private rooms.

👉 Check Availability at Galway City Hostel

view of Galway harbor

As far as hotels go… if you want one closer to Eyre Square that is conveniently located to all the top attractions, The Lane is a bright and peaceful hotel with excellent staff.

If you want a stay in the Latin Quarter, the trendy Residence Hotel will be your best bet. It has a bar and restaurant on-site and great live entertainment. This stay is definitely more lively and can be quite happening (read: noisy ) on occasion, so if nightlife is your jam – this one is for you!

👉 Check Availability at The Lane – Boutique Residence 👉 Check Availability at The Residence Hotel

hotel and gardens

For those seeking 5-star luxury , Glenlo Abbey Hotel is an incredible stay. It’s a gorgeous lakefront property located about 10 minutes outside of Galway City. It almost looks castle-like and has a golf course, two restaurants/bars, and gorgeous gardens.

👉 Check Availability at Glenlo Abbey Hotel

Best Day Trips From Galway Wrap-Up

Galway is a wonderful city both to explore on its own and to take day trips around the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re looking for some ideas of day trips to take from Galway or sites to see in the area, hopefully, this post has given you a few good options. All of these spots are beautiful and definitely worth a visit. Enjoy!

Bookmark or pin this post for when you’re ready to book your day trips from Galway!

Related Posts: Cliffs of Moher Tours From Dublin Gap of Dunloe Tours Is Dubin Safe?

☘️ Ireland FAQs ☘️ ✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland? 1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible 2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal ❗ Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland? No, it’s not. However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing . >>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO ☔️  When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland? Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds. Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers ( spring )/greenery (fall). 🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland? Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are: • Booking.com • Hostelworld • Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland) • Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay) ☘️ Where Can You Find Tours? I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests. 🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland? I always tell my friends and family to  rent a car  in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking. >>> What to know about driving in Ireland >>> The best car rental in Ireland 🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs ! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.

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Janelle Axton is a travel consultant and owner of Make the Trip Matter, a service dedicated to helping people create a lifestyle around frequent travel and extended time abroad. She grew up in California and spent time living abroad in Ireland in addition to traveling to over 25 countries.

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Sightseeing Tours from Galway

  • Best Sightseeing Tours

Galway Tours, Trips and Excursions 📸

If exploring the unsurpassed natural beauty and heritage of Galway and its attractions is your aim, you’ll find a range of different tours here which provide an authentic Irish experience. Popular tours include visits to Connemara & Cong, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands. A sightseeing tour departing from Galway offers you a creative, fun and informative experience and walking tours, eco tours and day tours are also available from most of these providers. Explore the panoramic landscapes and ecologically sensitive areas of the west coast, all accompanied by a friendly, knowledgeable guide. It’s an ideal way to see some highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way !

Aran Islands Tour

Explore Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr or all three islands and find a wealth of historic sites, adventure activities and cultural attractions.Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands (14km x 4km) is the most popular with visitors and boasts the magnificent Dún Aonghasa, a stone fort standing precariously on the edge of a 100 metre high cliff above the Atlantic Ocean.

Inis Meáin is the second largest of the Aran Islands (4km x 2.5km) and is also the most tranquil. It was a retreat for J.M Synge, one of Ireland’s most famous playrights. More recently it has become a centre for diving with its beautiful marine life and clear waters.

Inis Oírr is the smallest of the three Aran Islands (3km x 2km) and is a true gem with a variety of historic sites, scenic walks and cycles and points of interest for all visitors.

All three of the Aran Islands have good restaurants, pubs, craft and gift shops. There is a wide range of accommodation available including hostels, small hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs.

Galway Tour Company

Lally tours, ireland west tours, wild atlantic way day tours.

Aran Islands Day Tour

Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour

A visit to the west of Ireland would not be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Day tours to the Cliffs of Moher and taking in The Burren depart regularly from Galway City. Tour providers generally make frequent stops along the route to allow you to visit the main attractions such as Dunguaire Castle, Doolin village, the Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Aillwee Cave. You will have plenty of time to take an exhilarating walk along the cliffs and to rest while taking in the natural beauty of the place. Ireland’s most popular scenic tourist attraction recently appeared in Harry Potter’s Half-Blood Prince and previously in the movie classic The Princess Bride.

Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour

Connemara Tour

Experience the wild beauty of Connemara, with its stunning patchwork of pale grey desolate mountains, rugged bogs, hidden valleys, breathtaking waterfalls, shimmering lakes and golden beaches. At the heart of Connemara are the Maumturk and Twelve Bens mountain ranges, and the dramatic setting of Leenane village at Killary Harbour, Irelands only Fjord and where the movie “The Field” was filmed. Close-by you can visit Kylemore Abbey to absorb the tranquil atmosphere, take a walk through the Victorian walled gardens and then relax in their famous tea rooms. Leaving Kylemore enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Inagh Valley, the Quiet Man Bridge, Maam Cross & Oughterard before arriving home to Galway City, fulfilled after day immersed in natural beauty.

Faherty Tours

Connemara Tour

Galway City Tours

Experience the beauty and heritage of Galway city with a Failte Ireland certified Tour Guide. A bus or walking tour of Galway is the ideal way to find out more about the heritage and history of the city while also getting the local advice on the best places to dine out, socialise and explore during your stay in Galway City. Perfect for both visitors to Galway who would like to get more out of their stay, and even for natives of Galway who would like to discover more about this wonderful city. The highlights of a city tour include a visit to Spanish Arch, The Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, Lynches Window, Eyre Square, Augustinian Church and much more.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

Galway tours, galway walks with brian nolan, galway trails with jim ward, great guides of galway, galway on foot with séan leonard, electric fat bike tour, galway food tours, galway bay boat tours, corrib princess river cruise, galway tourist train.

Galway City Tours

‘Not The Normal’ Tour

Looking for a tour with a difference? Whether you like sightseeing on a Segway or meeting fellow travellers while enjoying the best city hotspots or taking to the sea or skies to get a different point of view, Galway has the right tour for you. Below is a list of tour providers offering a tour that doesn’t involve a coach ride or a souvenir shop!

Kayakmor Guided Tours

Give it a go sea kayaking, aer arann islands scenic flights, executive helicopters scenic flights, galway whiskey tours.

Gaelic Games Experience

FAQs about Sightseeing Tours in Galway

What are the best tours from galway city.

  • Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher This tour includes a Cliffs of Moher cruise, Tour of South Connemara, Ferry to/from the Aran Islands and a Tour of the Burren.
  • Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip This tour includes a visit to Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway.
  • Connemara Day Trip from Galway This tour includes a visit to Kylemore Abbey, Film Locations, Killary Harbour, Ross Errily Friary and more.

What are the best child friendly tours in Galway for families?

The best tour in Galway for Children to enjoy is surely the City Sightseeing Galway Hop On Hop Off Tour on an open top bus. You and your family will see all the main sights of Galway City including Salthill Promenade and beaches, Blackrock Diving Tower, Galway Cathedral, Galway’s West End, The Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch and much more. Tours depart every hour from 9.45am to 5pm daily.

Click here to see tour prices and availability .

Is there a scheduled bus to The Cliffs of Moher?

How do you get to connemara national park without a car.

There is a regular bus service to Connemara National Park close to Letterfrack provided by Citylink (www.citylink.ie). Alternatively you could take a tour with one of the following tour operators who offer daily tours Connemara:

  • Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours (www.wildatlanticwaydaytours.com)
  • Galway Tour Company (www.galwaytours.com)

How far are the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?

What are the best group tours in connemara for groups.

In our opinion you won’t get better group tours in Galway than with the following experienced tour providers.

  • Real Adventures Connemara
  • Corrib Cruises
  • Killary Adventure Centre
  • Killary Fjord Boat Tours
  • Clifden Bike Shop

What are the best private driver tours in Galway?

There are many private driver tours available that offer a more personalized experience for visitors than a shared scheduled bus tour. A private driver tour allows you to sit back and relax while a knowledgeable driver takes you to the best sights and attractions in the area with just you and your friends and family. Here are some of the best private driver tours in Galway:

Connemara Private Tours – This tour with Corporate Cars Galway takes you on a journey through the beautiful Connemara region of Galway. Your private driver will take you to see picturesque villages (such as Letterfrack, Roundstone, An Spidéal), stunning scenery of the Maam and Inagh Valley, and historic landmarks including Kylemore Abbey, the Alcock and Brown memorial and Marconi Station.

Cliffs of Moher Private Tour – This tour with Hilltop Treks takes you to one of Ireland’s most famous and awesome landmarks, the Cliffs of Moher. Your private driver will take you on a scenic drive along the coast and then on a guided tour of the cliffs themselves.

The Burren Private Tour – This tour with Spirit of Ireland Executive Travel takes you on a journey through the unique landscape of The Burren, a region known for its karst limestone formations. Your private driver will take you to see the stunning scenery and unique flora and fauna of the area.

Galway City and Salthill Tour – This tour with Kennedy & Carr takes you on a guided tour of Galway City and the nearby seaside village of Salthill. Your private driver will show you the historic landmarks and famous sights of Galway City, before taking you to the beautiful beaches and attractions of Salthill.

Wild Atlantic Way Private Tour – With Butlers Tours , you’ll be taken on a journey along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Your private driver will take you to see some of the most beautiful and remote spots along the coast, including hidden beaches and picturesque villages.

These are just a few of the best private driver tours in Galway. Each tour offers a unique experience and a chance to see the city and its surroundings in a different way.

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Sweet Isle of Mine

DAY TRIPS From Galway: 10 Best Options (With or Without car)

Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare, Ireland

The city of Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland, a region known for its outstanding natural beauty. Galway is regarded by many as the cultural heartbeat of Ireland. It also enjoys an excellent location, being close to many of Ireland’s most iconic sights.

Luckily I lived in Galway for 7 years and have visited these regions more times than I can count. The list below is where I believe you must visit on your trip to Galway, from personal experience.

We will also let you in on a few local tips, to help you make the most of your trip!

Note : I work hard putting these free guides together for you. If you click on the links provided, I may get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks a million for helping offset the monthly costs of running this site.

Table of Contents

The 10 best day trips from galway, how to get there by car, day trips from galway to the cliffs of moher, day trips from galway to connemara, day trip from galway to connemara national park., how to get to the aran islands, day trips from galway to the aran islands, day trips to the burren from galway, how to get to lough corrib by car, day trips from galway to lough corrib/cong, how to reach these castles by car, day trips from galway to some nearby castles, day trips from galway to bunratty castle, day trips from galway to cleggan, father ted locations tour, how many days in galway is enough, why is galway so popular, what are the best months to visit galway, what’s the best pub in galway.

If you have chosen to spend a number of nights in Galway, you’ve made a great call! The city is perfectly located, with a wealth of natural wonders to explore, which will create memories to last a lifetime.

Galway City is located in the county of its namesake. The landscapes vary hugely from east to west, with the westernmost region of Connemara being one of Ireland’s true landscape highlights.

If you are planning an extended holiday to the western regions of Ireland, we highly recommend exploring Galway and Mayo . In our eyes, these regions offer visitors an amazing mix of culture, scenery, great food and traditional pubs.

If your time is limited, no worries! Here are some excellent day trips from Galway, either with or without a car.

The Cliffs of Moher

  • Connemara Region
  • Connemara National Park (Visitor Centre & Diamond Hill Trails)

The Aran Islands

The burren national park, lough corrib/cong, castles & abbeys, bunratty castle & folk park.

  • Father Ted Locations

best day tours from galway

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, welcoming over 1 million tourists each year. It’s easy to see why; the cliffs are jaw-dropping.

They stretch for a distance of 8 kms (5 miles) , dropping vertically into the pounding Atlantic and reach a maximum height of 214 metres (around 700 feet).

A spectacle of nature for sure, and if time is limited, visiting the Cliffs of Moher should be high on your priority list. Visiting the Cliffs is technically free of charge, although if you arrive by car, you’ll have to pay for parking.

Insider Tip: Many say to visit very early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. While I totally agree, from my experience, the best time is later on. The sunlight hits the cliffs in the afternoon, giving you the best opportunity for that perfect photo!

Luckily we have covered this topic in detail here.

In short, there are a few different options, including the most scenic route and over the motorway. We have completed a scenic looped route numerous times, which offers the perfect mix of coastal and countryside landscapes, which also takes in the Burren National Park.

Here is our route .

Cliffs of Moher Half Day Express Trip.

This trip will give you full access to the cliffs and visitor centre and is ideal or those with limited time. You’ll get 2 hours at the cliffs.

Cliffs of Moher Cruise & Aran Island Day Trip This full-day trip also takes in our favourite Aran Island, Inisheer, after witnessing the magnificent Cliffs of Moher from below (an unforgettable experience) Expect a day with memories and photos to last a lifetime.

The Connemara Region

Tourism Ireland

Images via Failte Ireland

Connemara is a large region which starts west of Galway City and stretches all the way to the Atlantic shores.

It’s an area known for its inspiring landscapes, which range from rocky mountains and green valleys to some of the most pristine beaches you’re likely to see anywhere. Connemara is a Gaeltacht region, meaning the mother tongue is Irish (Gaelic).

Do not fear though, the locals also speak English!

Connemara is one of our favourite places in Ireland and we highly recommend spending as much time as possible here. In terms of sheer variety of landscapes, there are few regions to match it.

The route we are about to show you we have completed numerous times. After trying different options over the years, we settled on this route as we feel it offers the most in terms of scenery and stopovers.

You won’t fit all of Connemara into one day, but our route will make sure you’ll see the best of it.

Should you wish to return to Galway the same day, we highly recommend setting off good and early to get the most of it. The ideal time of the year would be April to the end of September.

Click here for our recommended route.

Total riving time is approximately 4 hours . With stops along the way, calculate a full daytrip of approx. 10 hours.

Insider Tip: If you are blessed with some warm summer weather, we highly recommend visiting the beaches of western Connemara. No joke, they are truly breathtaking. Have a look here at our pick of the best.

Maybe you’d like to kick back and enjoy the views from the comfort of a luxury tour bus. Here are some great day trip options:

This very popular and highly rated tour will allow you to witness the wildness of Connemara, with its countless lakes, mountains, beaches and intricate coasts.

You’ll also have a good 2 hours to explore the magnificent Kylemore Abbey and Gardens , one of our favourite places along the west of Ireland.

Connemara National Park

Diamond Hill_Web Size (4)

images via Failte Ireland

This trip is for those of you hikers or walkers out there, or indeed for anyone who enjoys spending time in the Great Outdoors.

Connemara National Park is located in the north-western region of Connemara. We believe the park ticks a lot of boxes.

The magnificent Diamond Hill, a moderate climb , offers spectacular views over the mountains and coastal landscapes. The park also has a series of other easier trails, some of which are ideal for children.

Take a look at our helpful guide to climbing Diamond Hill here.

Speaking of children, there’s a good sized green area out the back of the visitor centre, along with a great playground .

Insider tip: If visiting/passing through the ‘capital’ of Connemara, Clifden, we recommend lunch at Mitchell’s. It’s a predominantly seafood restaurant (with other options available also), and is easily one of my very favourite restaurants in Ireland.

It will take you around 1.5 hours to reach Connemara National Park by car, by driving the most direct route. You can also take the route mentioned above in the ‘Connemara Region’ section, to take in the best of the scenery.

Guided 3 Hour Tour of Connemara with 3-hour stopover at Connemara National Park. This 5-star rated tour is an excellent mix of sights and hikes.

You’ll take the scenic route through Connemara and then have 3 hours – a generous amount of time to hike Diamond Hill or take on some of the easier trails on site, along with the visitor centre.

Wild Atlantic Way

images via Failte Ireland/sweetisleofmine.com

The iconic Aran Islands are located off the coast of County Galway, at the entrance to Galway Bay. There are 3 in total, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. (Inish means ‘island’)

Here, Irish culture is strong and Irish is the language of choice . Expect a myriad of stone walls, spectacular beaches and ancient clifftop forts that will leave you in awe.

We have visited all islands numerous times and I can’t decide which one I prefer! Inisheer is the smallest and because of this, you can explore the whole island in one day.

On the other hand, Inishmore has the world-renowned Dun Aonghasa fort, a truly unique historic sight and also a must-see.

Whichever one you decide to visit, here is how you get there:

  • From Rossaveel: If you’ve access to a car, the nearest port is Rossaveel, about an hour from Galway. You’ll definitely have to book the ferry in advance if it’s during the summer. Tickets are here for Inishmore and here for Inisheer.
  • From Doolin : Doolin is located about 1 hour 40 minutes from Galway and offers ferry transfers to all islands. When we visited last year in the middle of summer, the carpark was completely full about 45 minutes before departure. Arrive extra early! Details are here.

Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour This massively popular tour will allow you to experience 2 highlights in one day. The tour must be booked well in advance in the high season (June to mid September)

From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise . This tour will depart from the docks in Galway city centre. You’ll be taken out into Galway Bay, spend some time on Inishmore and to top it all witness the majestic Cliffs of Moher from below.

Must be booked well in advance and is seasonal.

Insider tip: My favourite way to explore the Aran Islands is by bicycle, and because there is virtually no traffic, it’s ideal. There’s something special about cycling through narrow lanes, lined with stone walls and sea views every which way you look.

burren

The Burren is located south of Galway, in County Clare. This karst (limestone landscape) is a UNESCO Geopark, owing to it truly unique, almost lunar quality.

But it’s not just all bare rock. The Burren is also teaming with life. It is one of the few places in the world where you’ll find both Alpine and Mediterranean flora growing side by side. In fact, over 70% of Ireland’s 900 native plant species are found here.

It’s a starkly beautiful region, along with being home to some of Ireland’s most impressive megalithic sights, such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen.

This link will bring you to an excellently planned route, which will take in the inland regions of the Burren, while also guiding you to the beautiful coasts along Black Head.

You could also take a slight detour to the Cliffs of Moher to make the most of your day.

Insider Tip: The Burren, being a limestone region, possesses many caves. Why not pay a visit to either Aillwee or Doolin caves?

Full-day Burren and Cliffs of Moher tour This is both the highest rated and best value tour to the Burren.

You’ll be given ample time at the Cliffs of Moher (2 hours), a stopover at Dunguaire Castle and Doolin Pier , along with passing by many historic castles and abbey ruins.

You’ll also be driving through the heart of The Burren, witnessing the landscape with its endless stone walls. A solid tour in our eyes , and a tour you’ll have to book in advance.

Lough_Corrib__Clonbur_._Co._Galway

Often an overlooked region, Lough Corrib is an area we personally love.

The Republic of Ireland’s largest lake, it covers an impressive area of 68 square miles (176 square km) At the northern shore of the lake, you’ll find the quaint, world-famous village of Cong.

Cong is home to one of Ireland’s greatest castle; Ashford . Sitting spectacularly on the shores of Lough Corrib, there are few hotels to match it.

Cong is also renowned as one of the prime filming locations of John Ford’s The Quiet Man , starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne.

Step back in time and witness the classic thatched cottages , and pay a visit to Cong Abbey. From here you can explore the dense woods which border Ashford Castle, and you’ll be spoiled with lovely views over Lough Corrib.

Because it is such as vast lake, you won’t manage to take it all in in one day, but we have a route which we highly recommend taking. It takes in some classic west of Ireland scenery, with sheep-dotted, rolling green hills and those endless stone walls.

You’ll also be taking in some breathtaking wilderness on route, including a mountain pass and the beautiful lake of Lough Nafooey . One of our favourite road trips in the west of Ireland.

Click here to see our route.

Insider Tip: One of my favourite trips to do in the Cong area is to take a cruise out on Lough Corrib. The boat departs near Ashford Castle and brings you out to Inchagoill Island, with its churches and ancient monuments. Exact details here.

Connemara and Cong Full-Day Trip. This excellent tour will take in 3 of arguably the west of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes (certainly my personal favourites) These include Lough Nafooey, Lough Inagh and Lough Corrib.

You’ll get a stopover at Cong and also at Ireland’s most photographed castle: Kylemore Abbey.

Ireland

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to a castle! And the good news is, there are thousands of them!

Better still, the most beautiful of all is within an hour and a half of Galway, the almost-too-perfect Kylemore Abbey .

There are countless other ruins you will encounter if you are out and about in the countryside, from Norman castle ruins and abbeys, to the the uniquely Irish round towers .

This link shows you where many of the most-known castles near Galway are. For example, you could tie in these castles with the trip outlined above to Lough Corrib, and you’ll find that many are located on the outskirts of the city.

Castles of Connemara Full-Day Tour This castle-themed tour will make sure you experience all that is special about an Irish castle.

You’ll get to visit Aughnanure castle ruins, Kylemore Abbey with its Gothic church and gardens (entry included) along with a stopover at Ballynahich Castle Hotel & Gardens . Having stayed there myself some years back, I remember having one of the best meals I ever enjoyed.

The tour will also take in the Sky Road, one of the signature points and highlights of The Wild Atlantic Way.

Bunratty Castle, Co_Web Size (1)

images via Failte Ireland/Adare Manor

While on the topic of castles, there are few in Ireland to match the majestic Bunratty, located just over an hour south of Galway.

The castle dates back to the 15th century and is incredibly well-preserved. Right next door, you’ll find Bunratty Folk Park, one of my favourite things to do in County Clare.

The folk park includes a huge variety of old Irish buildings, from thatched cottages to a whole 19th century street with working pub! There are also some resident animals on site, such as Irish red deer .

Both attractions are included in one ticket. You can buy it directly here.

I nsider tip: Keep a look out for the 2 resident Irish Wolfhounds: Rian and Mide. They are the definition of gentle giants!

You can drive directly south along the M18 (motorway) to Bunratty (approx. 1 hour driving time)

Or…you can take the route we have completed numerous times.

This route is in combination with the Cliffs of Moher and we have completed it numerous times. We planned as follows:

  • If the weather is promised good in the morning, make the most of it and visit the Cliffs of Moher. Should the weather be a little iffy in the afternoon, then visiting Bunratty Castle and Park after the cliffs is ideal.
  • Apply the opposite rule should the weather be promised bad in the morning, with improvement in the afternoon. By the way, this type of weather is very common in Ireland, and we have had to put this plan in place numerous times!
  • If the weather just looks terrible in general, a visit to the castle and folk park is certainly worth it (with a good rain jacket)

Unfortunately there are no guided bus tours that operate from Galway, but you can get there by public bus. Details are here .

West-Quarter-Loop-Inishbofin-Connemara-Co-Galway_Web-Size

The wonderful Inishbofin is located off the west coast of Connemara . Translated as ‘Island of the White Cow’, many Irish regard it as their favourite of all Irish islands.

Less visited than the far more popular Aran Islands , Bofin offers that escape from the hectic pace of modern life we all know too well.

The island can be explored by foot or by bike , the latter being my personal favourite. You’ll be treated to hidden beaches, stone walls, a seal colony, spectacular coastal scenery and pure peace and quiet. You can also enjoy some excellent fresh seafood on the island.

The ferry departs 3 times daily from Cleggan, from March to September.

You’ll have to drive to Cleggan on the western coast of County Galway. Google Maps says it’ll take a good hour and a half but I would personally plan an extra half hour or so.

The first ferry departs at 11.30 giving you ample time in the morning to reach the harbour. In July and August an extra 10 am ferry departs . Aiming to be there at least 30 minutes in advance will give you peace of mind.

Make sure to book tickets in advance!

The last ferry departs the island at 5 pm , giving you a good 5 hours to explore the island.

Insider Tip: We recommend hiring bicycles for the day. We highly recommend cycling along the coastal laneway in the West Quarter. A real romantic west of Ireland experience! If brave enough go for a swim in the chilly waters of the spectacular Trá Gheal beach.

There are unfortunately no guided tours to Inishbofin.

However, there is a Citylink bus service which operates from Galway, where you’ll arrive in time for the first ferry. The bus will be there for you when you arrive back on the mainland in the evening too. Details here .

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Who’s Father Ted? Father Ted was the main character of one of Ireland’s most iconic and hilarious TV shows, named simply Father Ted .

The show centred around 3 priests marooned on an island off the west coast of Ireland. Ted was (arguably) the more sensible of the 3, Doughal was an awful eejit and poor old Jack was awful fond of the bottle…

In any case, they were so lazy that if there was work in the bed, they’d sleep on the floor.

If you’ve grown up in Ireland or the UK in the 90s, you’ll be well aware of Father Ted , and if you’re looking for a bit of craic on your holiday to the west of Ireland, why not visit some of the filming locations?

These lads here will happily bring you around and cater for any of your Ted needs, be it in the form of a hen party or a custom tour.

So, you’ll have noticed there is a wealth of places to discover within a few hours of Galway. We recommend bookmarking this page , it’ll come in handy to get an overview of what routes/tours to take when you’re there.

If you would like to see our pick of the best places to visit in County Galway , we have a detailed top 10 guide here .

We’ll finish off with some of the most frequently asked questions we have received down through the years about Galway. We hope you have a excellent time in Galway, it’s a place I have very fond memories of!

We recommend 3 to 4 nights minimum. With this amount of time, you’ll easily take in everything the city has to offer, while also being able to explore the huge variety of sights on its doorstep.

Galway’s thriving cultural scene, its great selection of pubs and restaurants, coupled with its prime location near some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and sights, make it a very popular destination.

It has also been voted numerous times as the most welcoming/friendly city in the world.

The months of July, August sees the warmest weather, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Visiting in the shoulder months (April, May and September) will offer you better prices, less crowds and decent weather.

The Crane, located off Dominick St., is a must-visit on your trip to Galway. You’ll be treated to some of the finest Irish music you’re likely to hear, all in classic Irish pub atmosphere, topped off with some cracking Guinness.

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The 9 Best Day Trips from Galway

best day tours from galway

Galway is one of the star destinations on Ireland’s western coast. There is plenty to do in Galway city , which has a history that stretches back through medieval times. However, after a few nights in Galway’s lively pubs , you may want to stretch your legs further afield. Luckily, Galway is well placed to visit some of Ireland’s major natural wonders, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

Whether you want to shop, lounge on the beach, or hike along the hills and cliffs, here are the nine best day trips to take from Galway.

Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Famous Coastal Scenery

 Getty Images

Snaking along the crashing waves of the blue-gray Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the top things to see in Ireland . The stunning natural wonder offers windswept walks high above the water and unforgettable views of the coast. The beautiful cliffs are in County Clare, but are a short trip from Galway and easy to see in a day. After strolling along the jagged edges of the cliffs, warm up in the visitor’s center, which has a tea room and several exhibits on the geology of the area.

Getting There: The drive to the Cliffs of Moher takes about two hours and follows the Wild Atlantic Way. Or you can take Bus Éireann, which leaves from Ceannt Station five times a day during the summer and heads to the cliffs along the 350 route. Many private tour companies also arrange guided coach bus tours to and from the major landmark.

Travel Tip: Climb O’Brien’s Tower for the best views of the scenic landscape.

Kylemore Abbey: A Lakeside Castle

Bernd Biege

Formerly the grand home of a well-to-do family, this historic landmark is now an abbey, bought by a group of Benedictine nuns forced to flee Belgium during World War I. The nuns still live and work here, and have restored and reopened parts of the castle and famed gardens to the public.

Getting There: From Galway, follow the N59 for about an hour towards Clifden; when you get to the village of Letterfrack, you can then follow signs to Kylemore Abbey. Citylink 923 buses do run to Letterfrack, but you will need to hail a cab to get from the bus stop to the Abbey. However, several tour companies offer day trips from Galway.

Travel Tip: After seeing Kylemore, drive to the nearby village of Leenane to admire the Killary Fjord.

Connemara: Hike in a National Park

 Aurélien Pottier/Getty Images

Connemara National Park is one of six national parks in the Republic of Ireland, and offers the perfect escape from buzzing downtown Galway. With a lovely mix of mountains, bogs, and grasslands, Connemara is a spectacular place for walking among the hills. Don't know where to start? Diamond Hill is the most popular hike, and the trip to the summit well marked. The visitor's center can also provide maps with other recommended routes.

Getting There: If you are driving yourself, take the N59 to Letterfrack, where you will find the entrance to Connemara. Alternatively, you can take a Citylink 923 bus from New Coach Station to Letterfrack. From there, it's an easy walk to the park. Bear in mind that the bus route is slower and may leave you with less time to explore.

Travel Tip: A large herd of Connemara ponies lives inside the park, so keep an eye out while walking through the landscape.

Aran Islands: A Boat Ride Away in Galway Bay

Jose Antonio Maciel (Getty Images)

The famed Aran Islands are located just off the west coast of Ireland, in Galway Bay. This archipelago of three islands is an easy ferry journey away but feels much more remote, probably because it's home to only 1,200 people. Here you'll find seaside walks and cozy pubs, ancient ruins and castles. Although the islands are a part of the Gaeltacht (a region where Irish is still spoken) don't worry: Everyone speaks English, too.

Getting There: Ferries leave from Galway Bay, Doolin, and Rossaveal.

Travel Tip: Inishmaan is the largest island in the archipelago and has some of the best ancient sites, including the ruins of Dún Chonchúir fort.

The Burren: A Rocky Landscape and Natural Wonder

Located in a natural no man's land between County Clare and County Galway, the Burren is an unexpected change from the usual lush, green fields Ireland is best known for. In Irish, the name means "bleak area," although the rock-strewn countryside and limestone plateaus of the Burren are mesmerizing in their own way. For a full day excursion, you can even combine a drive through the area with a stop at the nearby Cliffs of Moher.

Getting There: Bus Éireann’s 350 route will get you to Lisdoonvarna, which is in the Burren. However, the best way to see the Burren is to drive yourself, and you can reach the landscape in about an hour from Galway City.

Travel Tip: Head out with a full tank of gas and a plan. There are no service stations in the heart of this bleak landscape.

Bunratty: A Castle and Folk Park Experience

Patryk Kosmider / Getty Images

Bunratty is a bit further outside Galway, but it is still an easy day trip from the city. The family-friendly castle is a major attraction, and has been fully restored and filled with antiques from the 15 th and 16 th centuries. The neighboring folk park—another must-see—provides a model of life in 19 th -century Ireland, complete with costumed performers.

Getting There: Bunratty is about an hour's drive from Galway. There are no direct buses there, but it is possible to take the train or bus from Galway to Shannon and arrange private transportation from there.

Travel Tip: If you are traveling with kids, carve out time to visit the Viking playground and petting zoo at the folk park.

Dog’s Bay: Spend the Day at the Beach

Don't let the chilly Atlantic waters keep you away from the beach: County Galway is home to some incredible, sandy shores. Dog’s Bay is often known as one of the best beaches in all of Ireland, with pure white sand and crystalline, calm waters that are made for swimming.

Getting There: Follow the road to Clifden and you will find the beach about two miles beyond the village of Roundstone.

Travel Tip: Pack a picnic lunch as there are no restaurants along this stretch of sand.

Doolin: A Quaint Seaside Village

LWYang/Flickr  (CC BY 2.0)

If you want to see small-town Ireland, plan a trip to colorful Doolin, right on the coast. Its location and character make it a great option for shopping, lunch in a traditional pub, or peaceful views of Doonagore Castle, pastures, and rolling hills.

Getting There: The best way to get to Doolin is to drive, and a trip here can be combined with the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren. Bus Éireann route 350 also stops in Doolin.

Travel Tip: Start in Doolin and hike the coastal trail to the Cliffs of Moher instead of driving. 

Spanish Point: Golfing and Surfing on the Coast

Psyberartist /Flickr  (CC BY 2.0)

Spanish Point takes its name from an old shipwreck that occurred here in 1588, though these days it is a popular seaside resort town outside of Galway. The coastal area is one of the best surf spots in County Clare, but those looking for land-based activities will find one of the oldest nine-hole golf courses in all of Ireland. The course is 130 years old and offers picturesque views between holes. In addition to swimming and white sand beaches, you can also take boat tours out to the Spanish Armada shipwreck.

Getting There: The best way to reach Spanish Point is to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, heading towards Miltown Malbay.

Travel Tip: The Spanish Point Golf Club opened in 1896 and is often voted the best in Munster. Be sure to check online for information about booking a tee time.

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10 Spectacular Day Trips from Galway Ireland

The Irish city of Galway is one of the most popular places to visit along the west coast of Ireland. Aside from the city’s history, restaurants, and pubs, its location places it in an ideal location for day trips around the Galway area.

Whether you’re hoping to see iconic sights like the Cliffs of Moher or get off the beaten path in the Burren, this guide has 10 of the best day trips from Galway.

10 Best Day Trips from Galway

I explored the Galway area as part of this 10-day Ireland road trip itinerary . I based myself for 2 nights in Galway as I visited popular sights from the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren to Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara.

If you prefer staying longer in 1 place instead of road-tripping from place to place, Galway is one of a few cities around Ireland that make a great base to explore the Irish countryside. You can plan many a day trip from Galway, all without the need to pack up every night to head to a new hotel.

Ready to explore the Galway area? Let’s go!

1. Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher Ireland

A Cliffs of Moher tour from Galway is unquestionably the most popular sight to see near Galway, and in all of Ireland for that matter.

The Cliffs of Moher stretch for nearly 5 miles along the Atlantic coastline, reaching 700 feet high in some places. From the pathway leading in either direction from the visitor’s center, the spectacular views stretch as far as the eye can see.

But it’s the accordion-like layout of the Cliffs of Moher that creates its one-of-a-kind natural beauty. The further you walk the more of the cliffs you can see and timed right, the sun’s rays shimmer off the face of the cliffs. They’re truly a can’t miss on your Ireland trip!

How to Get There:

If you’re driving, the trip from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

While it’s possible to spend an entire day at the Cliffs of Moher if you plan on walking a lot or all of the coastal paths between Hags Head or Doolin, most visitors spend a few hours (a morning or an afternoon) enjoying the cliffs. This makes it possible to visit other places on a full day’s outing.

You could easily spend some time in the Burren, visit the town of Doolin, or make castle stops at Doonagore and Dunguiare.

Cliffs of Moher Bus Tours from Galway

If you don’t have a car, there are also day tours from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher by bus. Each tour is a bit different so it’s important to read what each includes before you book.

  • This popular Cliffs of Moher tour stops at Dunguaire Castle and drives through the Burren, making a stop at Corcomroe Abbey, before stopping for 2 hours at the Cliffs of Moher. Afterward, you’ll stop at Doolin Pier for photos and then continue on to the town of Doolin for a self-guided lunch stop. You can also choose to add on a Cliffs of Moher cruise to your day for an extra fee.
  • If your time is limited, this half-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway spends 2 hours at the Cliffs before returning back to the city.
  • You can also join a Cliffs of Moher Explorer tour that allows you time to walk the coastal cliff path from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher.
  • This Cliffs of Moher tour focuses only on the Cliffs and the nearby town of Doolin. The later start makes for a more laid-back day of sightseeing.

2. Aran Islands

Inishmore on the Aran Islands Ireland

The Aran Islands consist of 3 islands just off the Galway coastline, Inis Mor, Inis Meain, and Inis Oirr. These islands are overflowing with natural beauty, old-world culture, and ancient history.

The locals are Irish-speaking first, although not to worry, English is still widely spoken. The islands have historic sites dating back to the stone age including, Dun Aengus, a stone fort from the 1500s B.C., the Seven Churches, and the round tower.

You can rent a bike to explore the islands, along the way taking in the coastal views, plenty of Celtic and Early Christian sites, and the vast stretches of stone walls carving the landscape.

There are ferries that run from just outside of Galway (Rossaveal) to the islands all year long or from Doolin, March-October. You can visit 1 of the islands or hop between them all.

Day Trip to Aran Islands from Galway

There are also tours that depart from Galway if you are in the area without a car to drive to the ferry.

  • This Aran Island day trip from Galway allows for 2 hours of exploration on Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. After, you’ll have an hour to enjoy the views at the Cliffs of Moher.
  • This Galway to the Aran Islands tour spends 4 1/2 hours on Inis Mor. The return ferry trip travels along the Cliffs of Moher so you can appreciate their size from the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Another similar day trip from Galway to the Aran Islands includes cruising along the Cliffs of Moher but stops for 2 hours on Inis Oirr instead.

3. Connemara

Connemara National Park Ireland

Ireland’s rugged beauty, the Connemara, is set just an hour north and west of Galway City. The puzzle pieces of the region’s mountains, valleys, lakes, and harbors create a spectacular panorama with soft yellows in spring to oranges and reds in fall. The colors reminded me of the scenic roads in County Wicklow.

The Connemara is known for the historic Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara National Park. But as you drive its scenic routes, you’ll discover castles, Wild Atlantic Way viewpoints, turquoise water beaches, colorful seaside villages, and lots of sheep!

From Galway, N59 leads you towards the Connemara and eventually into the Connemara Loop, a scenic roadway circling 50 miles of the region. If you head straight to Kylemore Abbey, the drive from Galway is roughly 75 minutes.

Connemara Tour from Galway

Connemara day trips from Galway are among the most popular things to do while in this part of Ireland. Even without a car, there’s no need to miss out on this stunning corner of the Irish countryside.

  • On this tour , you’ll get a taste of all the Connemara has to offer. Visit Killary Fjord and the seaside town of Leenane. Spend time at Kylemore Abbey and enjoy the mountain and beach landscapes within the region.
  • Spend a full day at Connemara National Park on this day trip from Galway. To and from the national park, you’ll make photo stops throughout the Connemara. At the national park, you’ll have a few hours to hike.

4. Wild Atlantic Way

Road Connemara Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic coastal route spanning from Ireland’s southern coast near Cork and along the country’s entire west coast to the northern point of Derry. In total, it winds 1,600 miles of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline and countryside.

Most visitors drive sections of this road and, luckily, it’s easy to chunk the route into separate drives depending on where you are in Ireland.

From Galway, you can drive the route to Clifden and onto the Sky Road Loop in the Connemara, enjoying views of Dog’s Bay, the Twelve Bens, and visiting Clifden Castle. Another stretch of the road connects Clifden to Westport with places like Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Killary Harbor along the way.

You could also drive south of Galway. The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and The Burren are all along the Wild Atlantic Way, as well.

Wild Atlantic Way Tours from Galway:

  • This Wild Atlantic Way day trip passes through seaside villages and into the Connemara. You’ll also have 3 hours to explore Connemara National Park, as well as take in the ocean views from the Sky Road Loop.

5. Castles Near Galway

Connemara Aughnanure Castle Ireland

You can never see enough castles on your Ireland trip! Whether restored or beautifully decaying, castles speckle Ireland’s countryside.

If you’re based in Galway or just near the city, you can easily plan a day of castle exploration. Aughnanure, Ballynahinch, Clifden, Doonagore, Dunguaire, Bunratty, King John’s, and Ashford castles are just a few of the more well-known stops near Galway.

Depending on any other Galway day tours you might have planned, some of these castles could be part of that exploration. Plan a route, then, around the remaining castles that you’re interested in seeing.

For example, Aughnanure, Ballynahinch, and Clifden (along with other Connemara stops) can be grouped together. Bunratty Castle and King John’s Castle are near or in Limerick and can easily be visited in a single day.

Castle Day Tours from Galway:

  • This day tour from Galway is a full day of castles, history, and beautiful architecture. Stops include Aughnanure, Ballynahinch, and Clifden castles, as well as time at Kylemore Abbey.

6. The Burren

Stone Age Tomb The Burren Ireland

The Burren (together with the Cliffs of Moher) make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The limestone landscape of the Burren transports you all at once to another planet and back to the Stone Age.

Here you’ll find stone forts and Neolithic tombs, as well as a one-of-a-kind ecology. In Burren National Park, you can use the walking trails to take in the vast scenery and wonder over the plants and animals (and the Stone Age humans!) that survive(d) here.

There’s also the beautifully eerie Corcomroe Abbey, abandoned and a symbol of the more recent medieval time period.

It’s possible to group a visit to the Burren with seeing the Cliffs of Moher. But it’s just as easy to spend a day “getting lost” in the Burren’s sights, history, small villages, and culture.

From Galway to Corcomroe Abbey at the northern end of the Burren, it’s just a 45-minute drive. Burren National Park is an hour by car.

Burren Day Tours from Galway:

The easiest way to see the Burren without a car is to go on a group tour. These tours often combine time at the Cliffs of Moher with some exploration of the Burren.

  • This tour combines the Burren with the Cliffs of Moher. Notable stops in the Burren include the Stone Age tombs of Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb and the Poulnabrone Dolmen.
  • Another incredible natural feature of the Burren is its system of caves. This tour explores Aillwee Cave, one of the most popular in the region, before eventually stopping at the Cliffs of Moher.

7. Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle Ireland

While you may not need an entire day at Bunratty Castle, you could easily spend a few hours touring the castle and the village of historic Irish houses to learn more about the area and the classes of people who lived here.

Bunratty Castle is also notably very family-friendly. If you’re traveling with young children, this could be a great way to engage them with Ireland’s past in a real and interactive way.

With a full day, you could also visit nearby Limerick, Ennis, or even spend half a day in the Burren. Either way, it’s best to book your Bunratty Castle tickets in advance to avoid the line.

Bunratty Castle is just an hour south of Galway. For reference, you will pass through the Burren and to the east of the Cliffs of Moher.

Bunratty Castle Day Tour from Galway:

Unfortunately, there aren’t any group tours to Bunratty Castle from Galway that allow you to spend time visiting the castle.

8. Dog’s Bay Beach

Connemara Dogs Bay Beach Ireland

Depending on the time of year you visit Ireland, you may be able to spend a day at the beach! To be honest, Ireland’s beaches were one of the biggest surprises on my trip. I never imagined the color of the water would look so…Caribbean-esque!

If you’d like a beach day, from Galway, you won’t find a prettier spot than Dog’s Bay Beach. Nearby Gurteen Beach also makes a fabulous spot to put your toes in the sand.

Both beaches have soft white sand and are in coves that keep the waters calmer than open-ocean beaches.

By car, both beaches are about 75 minutes northwest of Galway. You’ll also be heading towards and into the Connemara, making it possible to spend a half-day in each place.

Unlike the other ideas on this Galway day trip list, you’ll need a car to reach Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beaches.

Cong Abbey Ireland

Cong is a village north of Galway. It has a storied past including the notoriety that came because the 1952 romantic comedy “The Quiet Man” was filmed there.

The movie starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. There’s a small museum dedicated to the movie and a statue to honor the film.

Cong is also steeped in history. In the village, you can visit the ruins of Cong Abbey which dates back to the 12th-century. The Cong Cross, which is now on display in Dublin, was discovered here. It’s believed it was made in the early 1100s.

Just a few minutes from Cong, you can also visit Ashford Castle. The castle is an operating hotel so there are no castle tours. However, visitors can enjoy the grounds, and activities, as well as make reservations for lunch to glimpse the inside.

Cong is 40 minutes from Galway. Depending on how you plan your day, it’s possible to spend time in the Cong area and loop back through part of the Connemara before returning to Galway.

Cong Day Tours from Galway:

  • Combine a visit to Cong and the Connemara on this full-day tour . Sights include places like the 12th-century Cong Abbey and the popular Kylemore Abbey.

10. Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle Ireland

Dunguaire Castle was built in the early part of the 1500s. The tower-house-style castle is beautifully positioned on the shores of Galway Bay. In fact, it’s one of the most photographed castles in all of Ireland.

The defensive walls and castle have been restored to reflect its 16th-century history. In addition to touring the castle, you can attend a castle banquet to enjoy the ambiance of the castle after dark.

Dunguaire Castle is only 30 minutes by car from Galway. Given its location just south of the city, it’s also possible to combine a castle visit time at the Cliffs of Moher or exploring the Burren.

While there aren’t any day tours that focus specifically on Dunguaire Castle, this tour makes a stop there so visitors can see the castle from the outside before heading into the Burren and then to the Cliffs of Moher.

One Day Trip From Galway NOT to Take

Countryside Views Dingle Peninsula Ireland

If you’re considering a trip to the Dingle Peninsula, absolutely do it! It’s one of the prettiest places in all of Ireland to experience. Just don’t do it as a day trip from Galway.

From Galway to Dingle, the colorful seaside town on the peninsula, takes 3 hours one way. And, this is before you drive the Slea Head Loop on the far western end of the peninsula.

There are a lot of things to do on the Dingle Peninsula. It deserves at least a full day of your Ireland itinerary.

If you’re arriving in Galway from Dublin, consider spending a night or 2 further south to enjoy some time on the Dingle Peninsula. If you’re heading to Galway from the southern part of Ireland, use a town like Killarney or even Dingle itself to explore the area.

How to Get from Dublin to Galway

Renting a car is the fastest way to get from Dublin to Galway. It also allows for total flexibility to explore places near Galway. The drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes along well-maintained highway roads.

You can also take a bus from Dublin to Galway. There are private bus companies that operate services between the 2 city’s transportation terminals. It’s also possible to take a bus right from Dublin Airport. You can check prices and schedules at GoBus and Eireann .

Lastly, it’s possible to take the train from Dublin to Galway. The journey takes about 2 1/2 hours, departing from Dublin’s Heuston’s Station. The Irish Rail website has information about timetables and tickets.

ProTip: You can use this guide if you’re also planning a few Dublin day trips !

Galway Day Trips for the Win!

Galway’s ideal location positions it next to many of Ireland’s top sights and things to do!

Whether you plan to spend a weekend in Galway or a few days during your trip to Ireland, you can easily use the city as a base to take advantage of all the natural beauty, historic sites, castles, and scenic roads the area has to offer.

What are your questions about the best day trips from Galway?

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17 Best Day Trips From Galway City (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2024)

Categories Clare , Galway , Where To Go

Galway is an amazing harbor city with lots of things to do. From medieval buildings, quaint fishing village to awesome nightlife, Galway is a good base for your Ireland adventure. However, if you find yourself running out of things to do in this city , there are several day trips from Galway that you can do.

Here are the 7 best day trips from Galway.

Things you'll find in this article

17 Best Day Trips From Galway City

How to get to cliffs of moher from galway, recommended hours for the day trip, how to get to kylemore abbey from galway city, how to get to connemara national park from galway, how to get to aran islands from galway, how to get to burren from galway, how to get to killary fjord from galway, 8. dunguaire castle, 10. doolin village, 12. croagh patrick, 13. leenane, 14. aughnanure castle, 15. bunratty castle, 16. wild atlantic way, 17. the céide fields, 1.the cliffs of moher.

Christine Rogador at Cliffs Of Moher

Christine Rogador at Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located in County Clare , Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland with 1.5 million visitors annually.

Standing 702ft above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. In a good day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.

Admission Fee

Adults €6

Students €4

Senior Citizens €4

Children under 16

Free Group rates available on request

Take a bus from Galway Bus Station on Eyre Square to Cliffs of Moher. Take the Bus Eireann #350 and it will take you directly to the gate of the visitor center. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes for €16-19 one-way trip. Bus leaves every hour.

Or you can also take this day tour from Galway which is cheaper by a lot.

This tour to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren region is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway that includes a 2hr stops at the Cliffs of Moher and visits to Kilfenora and the Poulnabrone Dolmen. It’s € 30 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 8 hours to enjoy Cliffs of Moher.

Opening Hours

8 am to 7 pm although, during winter, the cliffs are closed by 5 pm.

Contact Information

Location: Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

Phone: [email protected]

Email: +353 65 708 6145

Buy your ticket online here.

2.Kylemore Abbey

kylemore abbey castle

Kylemore Castle was built by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from England, as a gift to his wife Margaret in 1871. It was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903 and was then purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns in 1920. Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery was then founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara . Since the 1970s, the estate has been opened to the public.

Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain and along the shore of Lough Pollacappul in Connemara, the Abbey is one of the most iconic attractions in Galway , Ireland. It is also one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland . And no visit to Ireland is complete without spending a half day to the castle ground.

Check out this Kylemore Abbey Tour article for more information.

€13 for adult, €9 for a student, €10 for senior, and €26.00 for a family of 4.

Take a Bus Eireann (bus #419) from Newcastle Road-NUIG West Gate to Kylemore Post Office. This takes around 2 hours and it costs between €13-17 one way. Then walk towards the estate’s garden for less than 5 minutes.

Or you can also take this day trip from Galway.

This tour to Kylemore and Cong is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway that also includes Killary Fjord and Lough Nafooey. It’s € 30 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 7 hours to enjoy Kylemore Abbey.

9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.

Location:   Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway , Ireland

Email: [email protected]

3.Connemara National Park

Connemara national park ireland

The Connemara National Park is the second smallest national park in Ireland with only 30 square kilometers area size. It was established in 1990 and the area covers bogs, heaths, grasslands, and forests. It is well known for the diversity of bird life in the area.

Admission is free to the national park and visitor center.

Take a Citylink bus (#923) from Newcastle Road-NUIG West Gate to Letterfrack/Veldons. This takes around 3 hours and it costs between €8-20 one way. Then walk towards the park’s visitor center for 10-15 minutes. The visitor center is about 1 km from the bus stop.

Or you can also take this day tour from Galway

This tour to Connemara and Cong is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway that also includes Killary Fjord and Lough Nafooey. It’s € 30 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 10 hours to enjoy the national park.

Visitor Center – Open daily, 9 am to 5.30 pm from March to November

Park Grounds – Open daily 9.00 am-5.30 pm all year round

Location: Letterfrack, Connemara, Galway

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 76 100 2528 

4. The Aran Islands

Aran Islands

Aran Islands are a group of rocky islands located in Galway Bay. The islands include Inishmore ( Inis Mór – the largest island) , Inishmaan ( Inis Meáin – the second largest) , and Inisheer ( Inis Oírr – the smallest) . On the islands, you can explore ancient stone forts and churches, awesome cliffs, and flora and fauna. The islands are considered the soul of Gaelic culture and it’s considered one of the top island destinations by National Geographic.

Take a bus (#524) from Galway Bus Station in Eyre Square to Rossaveal Port. The journey is about an hour and it costs between €8-11 one way or €16-22 for a round-trip fare. Then take a ferry from the port to Inis Mór. The ferry journey is about half an hour but make sure to check in half an hour before sailing time. Return ferry fare is €25. For sailing schedule, click here .

Or you can also take a bus to Doolin and take a ferry from there. Although the ferry in Doolin is just season compare to Rossaveal where they have ferries all throughout the year. To get to Doolin, take a bus (#350) from Galway Bus Station to Doolin. The bus ride takes about 2 hours and it costs €15-18 one way or €30-36 for a round-trip fare. From Doolin port, take a ferry to any of the islands. Return ferry fare is €30-40. For sailing schedule, click here .

This tour to the Aran Islands is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway that includes Inis Oirr and Cliffs of Moher. It’s € 50 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 10 hours to enjoy one of the islands.

5. The Burren day trip from Galway

Burren National Park

The Burren National Park is the smallest among the national parks in Ireland . Established in 1991, it only covers an area of 5.8 square miles near Doolin in County Clare .

The name Burren came from the word “Boireann” which means “great rock”. It is because the entire park is dominated by a glaciated karst landscape. Despite the soil being covered by rocks, the park has diverse and rich floras. During summer, these floras bloom in a way that will leave the visitors in awe because of the park’s natural beauty.

Take a bus (#51) from Galway Bus Station in Eyre Square to Crusheen. The journey is about an hour and it costs between €10-13 one way or €20-26 for a round-trip fare. Then take a taxi from the station to Burren National Park. The taxi journey is about half an hour and it costs between €25-30 for a one-way ride.

This tour to the Burren region and Cliffs of Moher is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway . It’s € 30 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 8 hours to enjoy the national park.

Opening Times

April to September only. Daily between 9:30 am to 5 pm. To verify the schedule, click here .

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353-65-6827693 

6. Killary Fjord

killary fjord

Killary Fjord is the only fjord in Ireland. It extends up to 16 km and it’s around 45 meters deep. The fjord is also famous for shellfish farming, bird watching, and there are several protected animals in the area such as otters. There are available boat tours/ cruises for a fee in the area.

Cruise Rates

Adult €21.00

Child 0 – 10 free

Youth 11 – 17 €11.00

Senior/Student €17.50

Family tickets from only €42 when booked online (up to 6 children)

Take a bus (#51) from Newcastle Road-NUIG West Gate to Leeann, Leeann. The journey is about an hour and 15 minutes and it costs between €19-24 one way or €38-48 for a round-trip fare. Then take a taxi from the station to Nancy’s Point. The taxi journey is about 5 minutes for 3 km and it costs between €7-10 for a one-way ride.

Or you can also take this day trip from Galway which is cheaper.

This tour to Killary Fjord is a leisurely guided day tour from Galway that also includes Kylemore, Cong,  and Lough Nafooey. It’s € 30 per person. To book, click here .

Allocate at least 6 hours to enjoy the fjord.

For the updated list of opening hours, click here .

Location: Nancy’s Point, Leenane, Co Galway, Ireland

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: +353 (091)566736

Lahinch beach

Lahinch is a small town in the County of Clare , a popular surfing spot for locals . Aside from surfing, there are many other interesting activities in Lahinch that visitors can enjoy. Beaches, galleries, and quaint villages are just among the things to see in Lahinch.

A journey to one of Ireland’s numerous medieval castles is not complete without a stop. Dunguaire Castle is situated on the coast of Galway Bay close to Kinvara in County Galway.

The castle has a 75-foot structure and protective wall amid a magnificent background, making it the most captured castle in Ireland.

Shannon Development presently owns the castle, which is one of Galway’s most popular tourist attractions.

Every year from April to October, the castle holds medieval banquets where visitors may enjoy a delectable four-course dinner and great wines while being entertained.

How to get to Dunguaire Castle from Galway

You may go from Galway to Dunguaire Castle via bus, taxi, or car. Driving from Galway to Dunguaire Castle is the cheapest option, costing between $3.79 and $8.31 and taking 25 minutes.

If you don’t have a car and want to arrive early, the quickest method from Galway to Dunguaire Castle is via cab, which costs between 46.98 USD and 57.82 USD and takes 25 minutes.

You may also take This Tour at a lower price of 50.47 USD. This tour will make a stop at Dunguaire Castle, which is located on the outskirts of Kinvara. Learn why the medieval tower house castle has become one of the most photographed castles in Ireland by viewing it.

Clifden is Connemara’s capital, located between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean. The greatest view of town may be had from the hill where the John D’Arcy monument, an homage to the town’s founder, stands.

With a good range of outstanding restaurants and vibrant bars and being surrounded by some of Connemara’s key attractions, it’s the ideal location for seeing this lovely part of Galway.

Clifden is an excellent base for visiting the Connemara region since it has a wide range of accommodation options, including Clifden vacation homes and Clifden hotels.

How to get to Clifden from Galway

You may get from Galway to Clifden via bus, taxi, or vehicle. Clifden is readily accessible from Galway City by following the N59 to Oughterard, continuing onto Maam Cross, Recess, and at last Clifden.

The cheapest way to commute from Galway to Clifden is by bus, which costs between 10.84 and 18.07 USD and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The quickest method to go from Galway to Clifden is to take a cab, which costs between 135.51 and 171.64 USD and takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. You may also book This Tour to save time for 190.64 USD.

Doolin in County Clare is ideal for a midweek or weekend getaway in the west. This charming town on Ireland’s western shore, along the famed Wild Atlantic Way, is a unique tourist destination. With so much to see and do in Doolin and its surroundings, there is something for everyone.

Doolin is an excellent starting point for new land and sea excursions. Local restaurants and food manufacturers stock all of the greatest local vegetables, artisan beers, wine, and Irish favorites.

How to get to Doolin Village from Galway

Route 350 from Galway to Doolin leaves at 8:00 a.m. each day and reaches Doolin well before 10:00 a.m. Each travel takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes and is priced at $10.78.

You may save a lot of energy on your journey if you have a car. The trip from Galway City to Doolin takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The path itself is incredibly attractive, passing via Kinvara hamlet.

Alternatively, you may take this Doolin village Day Trip and have lunch in the charming fishing hamlet of Doolin.

Cong Ireland is located in County Mayo, roughly sixty minutes from Westport in Ireland’s southwest area. Cong is situated on the boundary of Galway and Connemara, near the town of Moytura, which happens to be home to several of Ireland’s oldest stone monuments including circles.

Even if you’ve never heard of the film The Quiet Man, Cong in Mayo is worth a visit since it’s a charming place to explore on foot and has many excellent walking routes.

How to get to Cong from Galway

There are four methods to go from Galway to Cong: bus, taxi, and vehicle. The Line 422 Bus will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to go to Cong via Galway Cathedral .

The quickest method to go from Galway to Cong is via cab, which costs between 66.85 and 79.50 USD and takes 40 minutes.

There is no direct transport from Galway station to Cong. Nonetheless, operations are leaving from Galway Bus Station and reaching Cong via Headford. The travel, including transfers, takes around 2 hours. You may save the hassle by taking this Cong Full-Day Tour for 39.25 USD.

Croagh Patrick, which spans Clew Bay is regarded as Ireland’s holiest peak. Its religious importance extends back to the period of the pagans when humans congregated here to commemorate the start of the harvest season.

The mountain is currently named after Ireland’s patron saint, who, based on Christian legend, fasted at the mountain’s top for 40 days. Croagh Patrick is a high peak with a tough climb, therefore anyone who attempts it should be well-equipped.

I advised that you wear solid footwear and bring proper clothing, in addition to a mobile phone. The peak of the mountain may get rather frigid, and the weather could shift during the trip.

How to get to Croagh Patrick from Galway

There are three options for getting from Galway to Croagh Patrick: bus, taxi, or vehicle. The quickest method from Galway to Croagh Patrick is via cab, which costs between 135.51 USD and 171.64 USD and takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Without a car, the easiest way to go from Galway to Croagh Patrick is by bus, which takes 2 hours and 5 minutes and costs 36.14 USD to 46.98 USD.

Leenane Village is a charming tiny village in Connemara. While it is popular during the summer, it is rather peaceful throughout the off-season. It is located in a lovely natural setting, bordered by mountains and on the brink of the magnificent Killary Fjord.

Leenane is where to go if you want to get a true rural experience. Apart from the summer months, it is a very peaceful village for most of the year and is rarely visited by visitors.

Locals also like going for a stroll in the adjacent hills and mountain paths to appreciate the wonderful natural surroundings. The town certainly provides a pleasant experience away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

How to get to Leenane from Galway

You may get from Galway to Leenane via bus, taxi, or vehicle. The cheapest way to travel from Galway to Leenane is to take the bus, which costs between $9.94 and $14.45 and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Alternatively, for 56.06 USD, you may explore the picturesque mountain hamlet of Leenane and take in the vistas of Ireland’s unique fjord at Killary by booking this Tour .

Aughnanure Castle in Galway is recognized as one of the finest and most distinctive castles in Ireland. It is one of approximately 200 fortified tower houses erected by Ireland’s most prominent family centuries ago.

This castle, which is home to the O’Flaherty clan, is located approximately 1.9 miles away from Oughterard at the entry point of Connemara.

The famed trap door in the dining hall is one of the castle’s most well-known attractions. While there may have been a large forest of trees in the past, just two examples survive within the townland.

A trip to Aughnanure Castle, an astonishing architecture with centuries of historical events, should be on everyone’s to-do list.

How to get to Aughnanure Castle from Galway

You may go from Galway to Aughnanure Castle via bus, taxi, or vehicle. The Line 923 bus from Galway takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to Oughterard and then a 30-minute walk to Aughnanure Castle.

Driving from Galway to Aughnanure Castle is the most affordable option, costing between 4.70 USD and 7.05 USD and about 25 minutes. You may also use this Tour to visit Aughnanure Castle, an exceptionally well-preserved model of an Irish tower house.

The present castle is the 4th to be erected on the site of a Viking trade camp in the 10th century, and it was controlled by the most prominent family in the region of Munster.

The Studdert family were the last to live here, leaving behind the hefty stone fireplaces, vaulted vaults, and great hall for the more contemporary amenities of Bunratty House. Bunratty Castle represents one of the most fully built and entire castles on the island of Ireland nowadays.

Bunratty was all about magnificence, with breathtaking surroundings, gardens, and a herd of over 3,000 deer. It still sits on approximately 25 acres of beautiful farmland in County Clare, which is currently the location of the Bunratty Folk Park.

How to get to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park from Galway

You may go from Galway to Bunratty Castle via bus, rail, taxi, or vehicle. There is a direct bus that departs from Galway Bus Station and arrives at Bunratty. Services run every hour and every day. The travel lasts around 2 hours and 10 minutes.

The cheapest mode of transportation from Galway to Bunratty Castle is by rail, which costs between 13.55 and 19.87 USD and takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.

For 84.10 USD, you may take This Tour and see Bunratty Castle, as well as a sightseeing tour of the Cliffs of Moher and a stop in the fishing hamlet of Kinvara.

From beginning to end, the Wild Atlantic Way path reveals the grandeur of nature, the force of the ocean and its stamp on Ireland’s west coast, and the gorgeous countryside in all its complexity.

Enchanting settlements are tucked along the shore as well, and old monuments dot the scenery with their origins long lost in the mists of time. The Wild Atlantic Way runs across all eight counties along Ireland’s west coast. Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal are among them.

How to get to Wild Atlantic Way from Galway

The bus ride from Lios Ealtan to Spiddal takes around 25 minutes and is followed by a 5-minute walk to the Wild Atlantic Way Midpoint. The quickest method from Galway to The Wild Atlantic method Midpoint is via taxi, which costs between $30.71 and $37.94 and takes 23 minutes.

Alternatively, for 56.06 USD, you may take this trip and travel along the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. This tour also includes visits to Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave’s icy waterfalls.

The remarkable Neolithic site of Céide Fields, located atop the beautiful coastal cliffs of County Mayo, features the world’s most extensive Stone Age field layout. The location is one of the world’s most historically significant.

The Céide Fields now provides a cutting-edge tourist experience. The center’s upgraded experience includes an updated interpretation that describes the archaeological tale of the site and how it was found.

A new cutting-edge audio-visual exhibition enables visitors to the site to find out more about the region’s rich past and to discover north Mayo and its surroundings.

How to get to Céide Fields from Galway

There are two options for getting from Galway to Céide Fields: bus or vehicle. There is no direct bus service between Galway and Céide Fields.

Services, on the other hand, leave from Galway Forster Court and arrive at Behy through Dunnes Stores. The total travel time, including transfers, is around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Driving from Galway to Céide Fields is the most affordable choice, costing between $27.10 and $41.56, and taking 2 hours and 5 minutes.

If you don’t know where to stay yet in Galway, check out our Galway’s accommodations here .

best day tours from galway

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

10 Things To Do In Lahinch - Ireland Travel Guides

Friday 10th of December 2021

[…] It is also one of the most convenient day trips from Galway. […]

11 Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides

Tuesday 22nd of June 2021

[…] Killary Fjord is the only fjord in Ireland. It extends up to 16 km and it’s around 45 meters deep. The fjord is also famous for shellfish farming, bird watching, and there are several protected animals in the area such as otters. It is also one of the best day trips from Galway City.  […]

Utsav Srinet

Wednesday 31st of March 2021

Definately all the places should be on the bucket list once the travel restrictions will be eased after lockdown. Thanks for the listing.

Friday 27th of November 2020

After reading your article came to know that there is a lot of places yet to be visited by me. Thanks for this day trips from Galway.

Monday 1st of June 2020

I love to travel but in this lock down period it is really unfortunate that I did not travel past 3 months anywhere. Btw thanks that your blog helps me to feel virtual travel.. Thanks again.. :)

10 Breathtaking Day Trips from Galway, Ireland

Galway is a fantastic city to visit, but you’ll probably find yourself wanting to get out of the city and take a day trip around Ireland’s wild west coast. You won’t want to miss out on any of these breathtaking day trips from Galway!

After you’ve experienced all of Galway , you’ll definitely want to see the rest of the Emerald Isle. Since Ireland is a small country, it’s really easy to take a day trip to a ton of fun places. You’ll be surprised how much of Ireland you’re able to see! You may even want to combine some of your day trips from Galway, if you have enough time, just to make sure you can see it all.

If you’re looking for guided day tours, I recommend checking out Viator’s day tours from Galway .

Post Contents

The Best Day Trips from Galway

Drive the stunning dingle peninsula.

Dingle Peninsula is full of some of the most stunning scenery in the west of Ireland. There’s so much I recommend seeing that you might even consider making this more than a day trip. The only problem you may run into is all the rainfall this area gets makes some sights hard to see. Here’s hoping for some great weather!

As you drive the winding coastal roads of the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll come across beehive huts, famine cottages, and rolling green hills. Be sure to stop and take a look at the beehive huts, the Kilmalkedar medieval Christian site, and the Gallarus Oratory, the only perfectly remaining example of this type of chapel.

There are tons of beaches to stop at too, like Coumeenoole Beach and Inch Beach.

The Blasket Centre is a particular favorite of mine, and if you luck out with the weather, you’ll be able to see across the Sound to the Great Blasket Island’s imposing hill.

You can find plenty to do in Dingle Town itself. You can enjoy the colorful town, pop into a pub for food and a drink, explore the shops, and go out on a boat tour to see Fungie the dolphin, Dingle’s most famous resident.

Find Dingle day tours on Viator

Be Amazed by the Cliffs of Moher

These cliffs high above the sea are one of the most famous tourist attraction in Ireland; it’s definitely one of the most popular day trips from Galway.

More than a million visitors come to the Cliffs of Moher each year, so you can expect them to be crowded, especially during the summer months. When the weather is overcast and rainy, the cliffs can be a little underwhelming, but when the weather is clear and sunny, oh my gosh are they beautiful!

Ranging 702 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher offer a view out to the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, and the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry.

Since the Cliffs of Moher are part of the Burren region, you should definitely expand your day trip to include more sights of the Burren, if you’re able.

Find Cliffs of Moher day tours on Viator

Visit the Rocky Region of the Burren

Burren, from the Irish Boireann , means “great rock”, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Burren. This area has a moon-like rocky landscape and a variety of flourishing plants.

Your first stop in the Burren should be the Aillwee Cave — they’re bear caves! You can take a 45 minute tour of the cave system and you can learn about the ancient bear bones found here (over 10,400 years old!).

Also in the Burren is Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb that is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland. As you leave the Burren, you’ll pass Leamaneh Castle , the town of Lisdonvarna, famous for their Matchmaking Festival, and the village of Doolin, the traditional music capital of Ireland.

Find Burren day tours on Viator

Discover the Beautiful Sights of Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking region that is strongly associated with traditional Irish culture. Your day trip from Galway to the sights of Connemara will take you through the Irish-speaking town of An Spidéal , past the Maamturk mountains and the Twelve Bens, and into Connemara National Park.

Kylemore Abbey is one of the main highlights of the Connemara region. You can tour the ground floor of this fairy tale castle; the rest of the Abbey is a private residence for the nuns that look after it. On the castle grounds, you can explore the beautiful Gothic church and the astounding walled gardens.

Depending on the tour you take, or if you are driving yourself, you can stop at Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord as well as the town of Cong where the movie The Quiet Man was filmed. In Cong, you can even stand in two counties at once.

Find Connemara day tours on Viator

Enjoy a Day on the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands lay at the mouth of Galway Bay, and you’ll have to ferry there for your day trip. The islands are known for their many ruins and sacred sites, both Celtic and Christian. The islands are a Gaeltacht , or Irish-speaking community, but don’t worry, they speak English too.

I can only speak from personal experience of Inis Mór , the biggest of the islands, but the smaller islands have their own charm and sites to see.

Just past the ferry landing, I rented a bike and rode up to Dún Aonghasa, the best-known of the islands’ prehistoric stone forts, which dates back to 1100 BC. The fort is semi-circular and backs right up to the edge of the cliff, so you can carefully look over the side to steep drop to the Atlantic Ocean below.

Find Aran Island day tours on Viator

Visit the Coastal Town of Sligo

The busy fishing of Sligo on the northwest coast of Ireland is probably most known for its association with the poet W.B. Yeats; at least it is for literature travel nerds like me!

The Sligo Abbey is a main attraction. A fire destroyed the Abbey in the 1400s and then wars ravaged it in later years, so today you can only explore the ruins. The Abbey appears in two short stories by Yeats. The Yeats Memorial Building features an exhibit on Yeats’ life as well as a research library. And all around town, you can find fun Yeats-inspired art like a funky W.B. Yeats statue and a giant mural of the handsome poet.

For the non-literary travelers, you can explore the free Sligo County Museum , which has exhibits on the history of County Sligo, including 100-year-old bog butter. And I suggest checking out the Model , a free contemporary arts museum for visual and performance arts.

Find Sligo day tours on Viator

Kiss the Stone at Blarney Castle

Every year, millions of visitors come to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. The stone is said to give the gift of eloquence, and so for over 200 years, people have been bending over backwards (literally) to kiss it.

While the castle and the stone are the main attractions at Blarney Castle, the grounds also encompass 60 acres of sprawling parklands. There’s a lot to discover here, from the poison gardens to the Scottish baronial Blarney House to a series of escape tunnels.

You really could spend all day exploring Blarney Castle and it extensive grounds; but if you wanted to limit your time here and see more on your day trip, I’d recommend adding more castles into the mix — like Blackrock Castle , which is nearby in Cork.

Find Blarney Castle day tours on Viator

See the Stars at Blackrock Castle

Once used to protect the city of Cork from pirates, Blackrock Castle now is an observatory and science museum.

This beautiful fortress has a round tower built to withstand cannon fire, and now that same tower holds a telescope enclosure. The Cork Institute of Technology uses Blackrock Castle Observatory for astronomical research and as an interactive science exhibition center.

When you visit, you can learn about the castle’s defensive history as well as recent discoveries in outer space.

Find Cork day tours on Viator

Go Horseback Riding in Poulnaclough

The MoyCullen Riding Centre in Poulnaclough is just a 20 minute drive from Galway. This family-run riding center offers one and two hour treks along bog roads and through mountains for some amazing scenery. You can also take a beach ride along Rusheen Bay off Galway Bay.

I did a short hour trek with a horse named Twix. We traveled past a field of windmills, through the bogs, and up a hill where we could see Lough Corrib and the Burren. We had a quick photo opp, then we trotted our way back to the stables.

Find Galway horseback riding day tours on Viator

Visit the Historic Bunratty Castle

The gorgeously restored Bunratty Castle is filled with fine medieval furniture and thousands of years of Irish history.

The castle has a long history filled with the most prominent figures in Irish and English history. What stands now is the fourth reconstruction, built around 1425. After changing hands several times, the castle fell into disrepair. Luckily, in 1956 the 7th Viscount Gort and the Office of Public Works bought and restored the castle, saving it from ruin, and turned it into the tourist attraction it is today.

You can take a guided tour of all the rooms in this 15th century castle. They have excellent tour guides who are really passionate about the castle’s history. You are also free to explore the castle folk park where you’ll find reconstructions of 19th century Irish buildings, a petting zoo, a fairy trail, a walled garden, and more.

Find Bunratty Castle day tours on Viator

Read next:  6 Amazing Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

Where to Stay in Galway

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Galway, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

  • Top Hotel: Galway Bay Hotel
  • Great Value: The Nest Boutique Hostel
  • Unique Stay: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

More Things to Do in Galway

Explore all that Galway has to offer! Check out these posts for more Galway itineraries.

  • 20+ Incredible Experiences You Can Have in Galway, Ireland
  • 5 Things That Will Make You Fall In Love With Galway
  • Visiting Lynch’s Castle in Galway, Ireland

Ready to visit Galway, Ireland? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Galway using Booking.com.
  • Book a day trip: Find an amazing day tours that are worth your time on Viator .
  • Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from  Fodor’s ,  Lonely Planet , or  Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to Ireland.

What are your favorite day trips from Galway? Let me know in the comments!

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Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta? , a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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Looks beautiful there! Makes me want to go.

Yes! Happy to provide you with some inspiration!

Ireland is a huge bucket list place of mine and you’ve given me some great ideas! I’ll definitely have to check out Galway 🙂

I’m so glad I could inspire you!

This looks amazing!

Everywhere in Ireland is amazing!

Love finding new travel blogs!

Thank you for stopping by!

I’m planning to visit Ireland this year and your guide is so informative!

I’m so happy to have helped!

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12 Of The Best Day Trips From Galway

Oisin Feeney

  • By Oisin Feeney
  • April 6, 2019
  • Category: Galway

Galway City is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland and is absolutely jam-packed full of things to do , pubs to visit and places to see. But it’s always nice to get out and see as much of the Irish countryside as possible while you’re here.

Here is a list of some of our favourite day trips to take when you’re visiting Galway . Hopefully, we can inspire you to hop in your car and check out some of them! 

Top 12 Day Trips From Galway 

In This Post:

1. Cliffs Of Moher

2. a day on the aran islands, 3. the céide fields, 4. explore the town of clifden in connemara, 5. hike in connemara national park, 6. check out the stairway to heaven in fermanagh, 7. visit the majestic kylemore abbey, 8. wander around augnanure castle, 9. have afternoon tea in ballynahinch castle, 10. buy local in spideal craft village, 11. see the unique flora and fauna in the burren, 12. take the scenic route back from westport, enjoy a day trip from galway.

It’s an obvious one but for good reason. The Cliffs of Moher are among some of the most beautiful and stunning cliffs in the whole world. If you can get down to them on a good day when the sun is shining, they really are just fantastic.

The drive from Galway City is about one hour and thirty minutes. It’s not a very far distance but the roads are small and winding! There’s one especially windy stretch called Corkscrew Hill so be very careful when driving up there.

Once you get to the cliffs you can walk along the official path, which is very safe and then if you aren’t scared of heights you can head along the unofficial path where there are no safety barriers or anything. It’s quite a rush.

You could also climb up O’Brien’s tower which is a beautiful tower perched out on the edge of the cliffs.

You are also right beside the town of Lehinch which is a wonderful place to do a bit of surfing or you could also check out the quaint town of Doolan, which made our list of the most beautiful towns in Ireland .

A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher should be on your Galway Itinerary, even if you’re only visiting Galway for a couple of days . We recommend this tour with Viator as it gives you lots of free time at the Cliffs Of Moher to explore on your own time. 

Dublin to Cliffs of Moher Tour

The Aran Islands are a group of islands located a short distance from Galway Bay. The biggest island is Inismore, followed by Inismaan and then Inisheer.

If you’re looking to find one of the most authentic Irish experiences then these islands are the place to go. It is one of the rare places in Ireland you will still hear people speaking their native language of Irish ( which some tourists incorrectly refer to as Gaelic)

You can’t bring your car on the Aran Islands so most people take the ferry over to the islands and then hop on minibuses or taxis to get around. You can also rent your own bikes for the day which is a lovely way to experience the islands.

On Inishmore, you can check out the Dun Aengus which is a Bronze Age/ Iron Age fort and half of it has collapsed into the sea. It is an incredibly beautiful sight to behold and there are plenty of other wonderful things to see around the area.

The boat to the islands departs from Rossaveal which is a 45-minute drive from Galway City. In the summer months, the boat departs three times a day, 1030am, 1 pm and 6 pm. So you could get the 1030am boat and then come back sometime in the early evening. Click here to see the boat schedule.

If boats aren’t your thing you can also fly over there which is more expensive but offers some stunning views! Check out Aer Arann if you’re interested.

This one is of the lesser-known tourist attractions that you can travel to from Galway but it really shouldn’t be! The Céide Fields were discovered int he 1930s when a farmer was digging for peat and came across a pile of rocks underneath the bog.

It turns out that hiding underneath this bog was one of the oldest settlements in all of Ireland and also contains the oldest examples of fields and organised farming in the whole world.

The fields are about 5 and a half thousand years old and date back to 3,500 BC. Isn’t that mad?! If you are into archaeology then this is a must-see…. Especially if you get the guided tour.

The Céide Fields are a two-hour drive north of Galway City.

Galway City sits just on the edge of a region in Ireland called Connemara. Connemara offers some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland and the town of Clifden is in the heart of the region.

We’ve written about Clifden before and that is because it is a town filled with delicious food, beautiful pubs and friendly people. Be sure to check out the chowder in E.J Kings, it is out of this world. As well as that you will always find some nice Irish music in Griffin’s bar.

To get there from Galway City there is just one road and it takes about an hour. Though it will be hard to keep your eyes on the road when faced with such a beautiful drive!

Clifden Ireland

There’s a lot more to see in Connemara than the town of Clifden and Connemara National Park is definitely somewhere that should be on your bucket list. There is a range in Connemara called the 12 Bens and they make for some incredibly stunning hiking.

One that we love to do and is relatively short is called Diamond Hill. You can start it in the town of Lefferfrack in Connemara and it’s a nice easy climb that offers some incredibly rewarding views.

Also, if you’re tired from the hike and fancy a pint then be sure to pop into Mollys Bar for a lovely pint of Guinness. It’s my favourite pub in Letterfrack!

Depending on where you stay in Galway , it would take you about an hour and a half to get to Letterfrack and the hike should take about 3 hours.

Connemara National Park

This one is definitely a bit of a stretch if we’re focusing on day trips as its about three hours away, but it is definitely doable! And we have found that a lot of people who come to Ireland have no issues with the three-hour drive.

For Irish people that’s loads but for people from America, three hours is nothing!

The Stairway To Heaven Hike, or rather the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail as it is really called is an absolutely gorgeous 10-mile hike which is in Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. It’s a nice trail that is perfect for beginners or people of average fitness and, again offers some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery that is nearly 100 years old. The Monastery itself is nestled in the heart of Connemara and gets thousands of visitors each year.

It is definitely one of the most photographed abbeys in Ireland and its not hard to see why,

You can explore the abbey but there is also a beautiful chapel and Victorian walled garden on the grounds which are well worth checking out.

The food is also absolutely delicious and this really is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

From Galway, it would take about one hour and fifteen minutes to get here.

Day Trips from Galway

Ireland has a lot of castles… A whole lot. That’s both a good and a bad thing. Some become incredibly popular tourist hotspots and others sometimes aren’t as well known.

Aughnanure Castle is a classic example of an absolutely beautiful castle that doesn’t have huge crowds.

The castle has been lovingly restored and you can actually go inside and see how it would have looked in it’s prime, 500 years ago.

There are murder holes, moats and gunpowder towers and some very ornate window fittings. We stumbled upon this castle out of sheer luck and it has remained one of my favourite Irish castles to date! If you want to learn about some other beautiful castles, check out our list of Seven Ancient Castles You Need To Explore .

Aughnanure is barely even a day trip from Galway, it’s a thirty-minute drive from the city and well worth a visit.

Augnanure Castle

Ballynahinch Castle is one of the most luxurious castles in Galway and it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon having some tea! The Castle itself is very close to the beautiful seaside town of Connemara and there is plenty to offer in the area.

The grounds are simply stunning and look across over Connemara National Park and you can stay overnight in the castle or just pop in for some food and drink. I had the scones, jam and cream the last time I was there and it was absolutely divine.

This is definitely one to check out if you want to grab a luxurious bite to eat.

Stay in an Irish Castle

Spideal is a small coastal town in the county of Galway that has a lot to offer. It is in what’s known as a Gaeltacht area which is a designated area of Ireland where all of the locals are incentivized to speak our native language of Irish.

That means as you are sitting in a pub you will hear the bartender and the locals speaking beautiful, clear Irish! It’s a very special experience.

Spideal is a town steeped in old Irish tradition and they have a wonderful craft village within the town. There you can take part in basket making and kite making and loads of other handicrafts.

It’s also a great place to buy products made by local Irish artists, click here to learn more about the craft village.

There’s also a cafe there called Builín Blasta and it is absolutely delicious! The drive from Galway to Spideal takes about 30 minutes.

Spideal Craft Village

The Burren is a massive area of land that extends from the Cliffs of Moher and up into the county of Clare. The geography of the area is extremely unique and there is nowhere in Ireland like it.

It is an area made up of limestone but surrounded by extremely fertile land dues to the nutrients that can be found in the soil. There are plants in the Burren that grow nowhere else in Ireland!

There are plenty of walking trails in the area and the drive here from Galway takes about an hour, depending on where you want to go.

The Burren Camping in Ireland

Westport is a beautiful town that is just one hour away from the town of Galway and makes for the perfect day trip. There are some fantastic pubs and plenty of places to explore there. And if you’re up for the challenge you could also try climbing Croagh Patrick which is a formidable mountain overlooking the city!

If you want to make things interesting and enjoy driving you could drive the regular route along the N84 up to Westport and grab a bite to eat and then drive back a much more scenic way and through one of my favourite drives in Ireland.

Instead of going back along the N84 or the N59 you should follow the R335 Coastal road for a while, then following the same road as it turns left.

Here you will come across the Lost Valley as well as the Doolagh Valley and both of these valleys make for some absolutely breathtaking scenery as you drive. This valley is just about as far off the beaten track as you could want to be but once you’re in here it would take you about one and a half hours to get back to Galway City.

So that’s it! If you can think of any more day trips from Galway please let us know in the comments! The great thing about Ireland is that there is always something fascinating to explore just around the corner so don’t be afraid to just hit the road and see what you find. 

Want More Galway Posts?! Here are our best:

  • The Complete Travel Guide to Galway – All You Need To Know
  • 25 Fun Things To Do in Galway
  • How To Spend The Perfect Weekend in Galway
  • Where to Stay in Galway: Top Areas and Accommodations
  • The Best Airbnbs in Galway
  • 10 Best Pubs in Galway City
  • Hiking in Galway: 1o Best Trails for All Levels

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The Best Day Trips From Galway

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About The Author

Oisin feeney.

Oisin is a journalist and award-winning photographer. Published in Lonelyplanet.com, buzz.ie, Derry Journal and Irishcentral.com. Currently working as a tour guide in Ireland, Italy, France and Iceland, Oisin is an expert on Ireland.

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Best Day Trips from Galway: Adventures in Ireland’s Stunning Countryside

Looking for the best day trips from Galway to see more of the west of Ireland and beyond? I’ve got you covered with this list!

If you are going to be visiting the West of Ireland and staying in the beautiful Galway City, you might be turning your attention to other places you can visit while there. Perhaps you won’t have transport but still want to explore more of the West of Ireland. With my list of the best day trips from Galway, you can explore more than just the capital of the west of the Emerald Isle.

Whether you are looking for a great Aran Islands day trip from Galway or are hoping to join a Connemara tour from Galway City, you’ll find plenty of ideas here. All of these places can be reached without a tour if you prefer to explore at your own pace and can easily be added to your own itinerary for Ireland. They are also located less than two and a half hours from the centre of Galway City, with most of the journeys less than an hour and a half long.

Croagh Patrick

*This post contains affiliate links, which may include Amazon affiliate links. To read more about affiliate links, please visit my Disclosure Policy page.

Best Days Trip from Galway

Cliffs of moher.

The most popular day trip from Galway to take is one to the Cliffs of Moher. As one of Ireland’s most popular and beautiful tourist spots it is easy to see why. Sheer cliffs falling into the Atlantic Ocean below as waves crash upon them, disturbing the birds that somehow nestled among them.

A picture of the sun setting over the Cliffs of Moher that lie along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The distance to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway is 78 kilometres (48 miles), a journey of around one and a half hours, depending on the time of year and traffic in the area.

Shaped over millions of years, the Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare and welcome over a million visitors every year. Running for 14 kilometres (9 miles) from Hag’s Head in the south to O’Briens Tower in the North, they stand at a height of 214 metres (702 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean at their tallest.

On a clear day visitors can see as far as the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and even some of the Twelve Bens Mountain range in County Galway. There is a visitors’ centre where you can also discover more about the Cliffs and the flora and fauna of them through interactive, multimedia displays and exhibitions.

The Cliffs of Moher are free to visit, but there is a fee for parking at the site car park which includes entry to the visitors’ centre. There are some other parking options in the area that are less than the main one (and sometimes free), and visitors can walk to the Cliffs from these points. But be warned, during peak seasons, these other parking options fill up very quickly.

If you are looking for a great Cliffs of Moher tour from Galway, join this tour from Galway City . This 8-hour day trip from Galway visits the beautiful Dunguaire Castle, before exploring the Burren and then on to the Cliffs of Moher. Click here to book your spot now !

The Burren National Park

One of the best day trips from Galway, Ireland is to the Burren National Park in County Clare. Covering approximately 1,500 hectares, the Burren is a unique landscape and is another great day trip from Galway.

A picture of the unique grey limestone landscape of the Burren National Park with patches of green grasses and hills in the background

The distance from Galway City to the Burren National Park is 49 kilometres (30 miles), taking around an hour by car or bus.

The Burren is a unique karst landscape comprised of mountains, bogs, forests, grasslands, and heaths. Despite being the smallest of Ireland’s National Parks , it is popular with visitors to the West of Ireland who come to see its lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone.

Formed millions of years under ancient seas and then forced upwards, the Burren was declared a National Park in 1991. It contains a range of flora and fauna, some of which can be seen along the many trails and hikes that visitors can enjoy. The Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is 5,000 years old, is located in the park as well as ring forts to visit such as the Iron Age stone fort of Cahercommaun.

There is a visitors’ centre open seasonally from April to September where you can learn amore about the region and its inhabitants.

Many of the day trips from Galway to Cliffs of Moher will include a stop in the Burren National Park. This tour combines the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Click here for more details and to book this tour .

Aran Islands

Visitors to the West of Ireland often add a day trip to the Aran Islands from Galway to their itinerary. These islands off the coast are located in Galway Bay and are another popular destination on a day trip from Galway City.

A picture of the sheer cliffs at Dun Aonghasa on Inishmor, the biggest of the Aran Islands

From Galway to the Aran Islands, it takes around an hour to an hour and a half to reach the islands, depending on the route the tour takes.

Many tours depart from Doolin, a pretty town that is worth spending some time in, and the ferry takes around 30 minutes to reach the Aran Islands. There are also ferry companies departing from Rossaveal Ferry Terminal, 37km west of Galway City, if you don’t want to join a tour group. Find out more here .

The Aran Islands consist of three islands off the West coast of Ireland with Inishmore being the largest, followed by Inishmaan, and Inisheer, the smallest. As well as enjoying the scenery, visitors can enjoy walks and hikes across the islands, visit stone ring forts such as Dun Aonghasa, ruined monasteries and churches, and even pick up a coveted Aran jumper, a great souvenir from Ireland.

There are a few day trips from Galway to Aran Islands to choose from. This one visits the smallest of the islands, Inisheer as well as the Cliffs of Moher. This tour visits the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, as well as the Cliffs of Moher. Click here to book the Inisheer tour and click here to book the Inis Mór tour .

Ballycroy National Park and the Céide Fields

Ireland’s newest National Park is the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, located in County Mayo, and it is another great place to visit during a day trip from Galway. Famed for its bogs, this National Park covers an area of 11,000 hectares.

A picture from a hill with stunning views across the valleys below in the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, Ireland

The Ballycroy National Park is 123 kilometres (76 miles) from Galway City, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. This location is the furthest from Galway in this pick of top day trips from Galway.

This National Park is dominated by both the Nephin Beg Mountain range and the Owenduff Bog, one of the last intact active blanket bogs in Western Europe. This National Park has many walks and trails suitable for visitors of all abilities, along which you can enjoy the flora and fauna of the area including peregrine falcons.

45 minutes north of the National Park are the Céide Fields, an archaeology site in north County Mayo described as one of the most extensive neolithic sites in Ireland. It contains one of the oldest fields systems in the world along with megalithic tombs.

Both sites can be explored during a day trip from Galway, although there are no dedicated tour groups to visit these sites. These are best visited yourself by car.

Kylemore Abbey

Another one of the popular Galway day trips is to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey on the edge of Connemara. Originally a castle, it became a monastery in the early 1900s and is now a popular place to visit in County Galway.

A picture of Kylemore Abbey, nestled on the lush green banks of Lake Kylemore.

Located 77 kilometres (48 miles) from Galway City, the journey to Kylemore Abbey will take between one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, depending on the route taken.

Kylemore Abbey is a Gothic mansion built originally as a castle. Irish Benedictine nuns bought the abbey and grounds in 1920 after being forced from their abbey in Ypres in Belgium during World War I. The abbey housed a school for girls until 2010.

Visitors can enjoy walks around the grounds including a walled Victorian Garden, a Kitchen Garden, and more. There is a Visitor Experience in the Abbey detailing the lives of those who lived there, and daily guided tours for those who have time to join one. The neo-Gothic Church can also be visited as can the Mausoleum. It is a beautiful place in County Galway to visit and can easily be explored both with a tour group or independently for those who have their own transport.

This tour allows visitors to explore Kylemore Abbey as part of a larger tour visiting Killary Fjord and Connemara. For more information and to book your tickets, click here .

Connemara National Park

A Connemara day trip from Galway is another activity to do if you are looking to spend a day exploring more of the West of Ireland from the city. This region of the Emerald Isle covers a large part of County Galway and includes the Connemara National Park.

A view from the Diamond Hill Coastal Trail in Connemara National Park with a stoney path weaving its way through rolling fields and a sugar-loaf mountain in the background leading down to a lake

Connemara National Park visitor centre (the gateway to the park) is located 82 kilometres (51 miles) from Galway, a journey of around one hour and twenty minutes.

The National Park has an area of 3,000 hectares and is one of the most rugged of the Irish National Parks. The park includes the Twelve Bens Mountain range, part of the Wild Atlantic Way Drive and woodland, heaths, and bogs. The park originally formed part of the lands of the Kylemore Estate.

Access to the park is via the village of Letterfrack and visitors can enjoy walks and hikes, megalithic tombs, and there is a visitor centre open from march to October with displays about the park. If you are really lucky, you might also spot some of the Connemara ponies in the park.

Connemara National Park is a great day trip to take from Galway and is often combined with visiting Kylemore Abbey or the next destination on our list.

There are a number of day trips from Galway to Connemara but to discover the most of this National Park of Ireland, this full day trip from Galway to Connemara includes a hike up Diamond Hill. Click here to see the latest prices, availability and to book your spot .

Killary Fjord

At the border between County Galway and County Mayo, you will find Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Fjord, also known as Killary Harbour. This flooded valley is 16 kilometres long and 45 metres in depth at its deepest.

A picture of the waters of Killary Fjord in Galway, Ireland with mountains to the right of the water, grassland and heath in the foreground, and sunrays trying to peek through white fluffy clouds overhead

Killary Fjord is located 75 kilometres (47 miles) from Galway City, a journey that will take approximately one hour and twenty minutes by the most direct route.

This fjord was formed by a massive glacier millions of years ago, moving from the land to the Atlantic Ocean. There are old walkways along the southern side of the fjord and visitors can also see the remnants of a famine village along the banks.

Hiking the surrounding mountains affords spectacular views across the fjord, and there are boating tours visitors can take during the months of April to October. The fjord travels inland to the town of Leenaun, where you can find a few places to enjoy refreshments (or a pint or two).

The tour which is highlighted for Kylemore Abbey also visits Killary Fjord. Click here for more information .

Lough Key Forest Park

Another one of the best day trips from Galway City that is ideal for those who love the outdoors and seek adventure is to Lough Key Forest Park.

A path through a woodland with bright green grass on the side and green trees covering the path in the Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon

Lough Key Forest Park is situated 112 kilometres ( miles) from Galway City in County Roscommon , a journey of less than 2 hours.

This great place to visit in Roscommon is an 800-hectare park on the southern shore of Lough Key and visitors can enjoy walking trails, attractions such as an Icehouse, Gazebo, Fairy Bride, and Wishing Chair. There are lots of other activities to enjoy including Segways, a high-wire course, a woodland safari, and much more.

Lough Key Forest Paark is also home to a Boda Borg, an indoor adventure house like an escape room. There are also a number of buildings from the Rockingham Estate (which owned the lands the Forest Park is on) to explore.

With plenty of activities and outdoor things to enjoy, Lough Key Forest Park is an ideal place to escape to from Galway City, whether you are a couple, family or group of friends.

You can find out more information about the Forest Park here, including opening times, and the latest entry fees by clicking here . There are no group tours available to Lough Key Forest Park, so you will need your own transport to reach it.

Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drive

Another great thing to do as a day trip from Galway is to enjoy a trip along the Wild Atlantic Coastal Drive from Galway City, past Spiddal and Clifden and along the Sky Road.

A picture of a road with grassy fields on the right and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the left along the Sky Road, Wild Atlantic Way, Galway

Clifden is located 77 kilometres (48 miles) west of Galway City, or an hour and ten minutes’ drive. The Sky Road is an additional 5-10 minutes from Clifden.

The road along the coast from Galway to Clifden is a stunning stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way and passes pretty and picturesque towns such as Spiddal, Carna, and Roundstone and you’ll find lots of beautiful beaches, pretty coves, and rugged peninsulas along its edge.

The Sky Road is one of the best parts of the Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drives of Galway. This panoramic road starts and ends in Clifden and is 16 kilometres in length. The road rises and falls along it, with stunning views from its highest point awaiting those who take time to visit it. There is a car park from which you can enjoy the scenery while grabbing those all-important pictures.

If you’d like to combine a trip to Connemara from Galway with a trip along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drive in Galway, then this day trip is the one for you. This full day tour leaves from Galway City, explores the coast to the Sky Road and also parts of Connemara National Park. Click here for further details and to book your place .

Overlooking Clew Bay and situated in County Mayo is 1croagh Patrick. This pyramid-shaped mountain is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland and can be visited as part of a day trip from Galway.

A picture of Croagh Patrick Mountain in County Mayo with the white church at the summit just visible, blue skies overhead and water below the mountain in the foreground with green fields slopping gently down to it

Situated 87 kilometres (54 miles) north of Galway City in the north of County Mayo, this pilgrimage mountain can be reached in about one and a half hours drive.

Seen as a holy mountain, it is believed Saint Patrick spent forty days fasting on the summit. Upon descending the mountain, it is said he met a sea of snakes and banished them into the sea. This is the fable behind why there are no snakes in Ireland.

There has been a church at the summit since the 5 th century, although the current structure was built in the early 20 th century. On the last Sunday in July, known as Reek Sunday, tens of thousands of pilgrims make the journey to the summit, a custom that has been practised since the Middle Ages.

However, you do not have to wait until to July to make the journey. Many people visit on quieter times throughout the year to climb Croagh Patrick. Whether you are Catholic or not, Croagh Patrick can be a great place to visit during a day trip from Galway. The best time to visit and ascend Croagh Patrick are the months between April and September when the weather is expected to be warmer, brighter and more settled than other months.

Note that parts of the mountain are steep with loose rocks underneath, so wear proper walking shoes or boots, and remember your layers, waterproofs, hat and water. With Ireland’s changeable weather, you should go prepared and never when bad weather is predicted.

There are no tours that visit Croagh Patrick, so you will need to make your own way there and back from Galway City. Find some more great information about visiting and climbing Croagh Patrick here .

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Galway

So, whether you are interested in a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Galway or want to join one of the trips to the Aran Islands from Galway, I am sure you have plenty of options with this list. Which ones you do will depend on your interests and how much time you have to spent in Galway City. But these are just a few of the best days trips from Galway you can enjoy to see more of the West of Ireland.

Read more about visiting Galway and beyond:

  • Best Things to Do in County Galway
  • Best Places to Go Glamping in Galway
  • Best Afternoon Tea in County Galway
  • Best Afternoon Tea in Galway City
  • Best Time to Visit Ireland
  • Best Places to Visit in Ireland
  • Traveling in Ireland Without a Car

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The Best Day Trips from Galway

Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is one of the countries most popular cities. It’s known for having authentic Irish ‘craic’ in the form of great pubs, dining, live music and more. There’s lots of things to see and do (much of it for free!) making it a favourite place for travellers to Ireland to visit. Galway is small, but it makes a great base for travellers looking to explore Ireland’s west coast. From the Cliffs of Moher to the Aran Islands, here are the best day trips from Galway, Ireland.

PS: Planning a trip to Ireland? Check out my itineraries.

The Cliffs o f Mohe r

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must-see for any first-time traveller in Ireland. They are accessible from multiple cities, including Dublin, but it’s pretty easy to go from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher as it’s only about 1.5 hours away.

It is possible to take a local bus from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher, but it’s long, includes a number of stops, and can be limiting. For that reason, unless you are renting a car (if you are, check out my DIY Cliffs of Moher Guide here ), then I recommend taking a guided day trip.

Most day trips from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher are full days that include a stop in the Burren as well. The Burren is definitely worth a visit; it’s an interesting landscape and home to lot of interesting historical sites including the Aillwee Cave. However, if you are short on time, not interested in the Burren, or maybe just not an early riser, there are express tours that visit just the Cliffs of Moher.

Whatever you choose, the Cliffs of Moher are a must see and one of the best day trips from Galway.

For the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, consider this tour.  

For an Express Tour of the Cliffs of Moher, book this tour.

The Aran Islands

Irish horses

A visit to the Aran Islands is like stepping back in time. Fishing, farming, thatched cottages, and the Irish Gaelic language add to the old-world charm on these islands. Personally, this part of Ireland is one of my all-time favourites and definitely one of the best day trips from Galway.

There are three islands: Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain. Inis Mor is the largest of the islands, and the most popular to visit as it has some incredible attractions such as Dun Aonghasa fort and the Worm Hole. To get to Inis Mor, you need to take a bus from Galway town to Ros a’Mhil port where you will catch the ferry to the islands. It’s advised to book ahead of time; so you can visit one of the tour providers in Galway to book your bus and ferry ticket as a package, or book ferry tickets online.

Once at the island, you can hire a bicycle or a horse and carriage ride to take you around the island. Please note that ferry times are specific, there are limited departure times (only 1 each way for most of the year) and travellers need to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.

If you’d prefer to join a tour to Inis Mor, consider this one. 

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey

Connemara is one of the wildest parts of Ireland; winding roads through the mountains, beautiful lakes, and an innumerable amount of fluffy sheep. It’s pretty impossible to do a DIY tour of the area without a car, but since it’s so stunning it shouldn’t be missed so I absolutely recommend taking a guided day tour because it really is one of the best day trips from Galway.

Kylemore Abbey is a must when exploring Connemara. A fairytale abbey on the shores of a lake, its one of the most scenic places in the county. The beautiful abbey with its interesting history, a forest and lake shrouded in myths, and beautiful walled Victorian gardens make it the perfect spot for a day trip from Galway.

Explore Kylemore Abbey on a day trip from Galway with this tour

Western Ireland is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth exploring. Galway makes a great base for exploring this part of the country, but these are definitely the best day trips from Galway.

For more fun day trips and activities in Galway and beyond, take a look through Get Your Guide.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway

Day trips from galway.

  • Galway to Doolin
  • Galway to Liscannor
  • Galway to Letterfrack
  • Galway to Leenane
  • Galway to Connemara
  • Galway to Inisheer
  • Galway to Dublin
  • Galway to Aran Islands
  • Galway to Inishmore
  • Galway to Loughrea
  • Galway to The Burren
  • Galway to Corofin
  • Galway to Recess
  • Galway to Clonbur
  • Galway to Clifden
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best day tours from galway

1. Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway

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2. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway

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3. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway

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4. Private Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

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5. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

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6. Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

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7. Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

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8. Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour - 2 hour stop at Cliffs of Moher

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9. Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour from Galway - Small Group

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10. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey

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11. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

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12. Private Cliffs of Moher scenery, history, pubs & Irish music fun

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13. Small Group Aughnanure Castle, Sheepdog Demo & Connemara Tour

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14. Cliffs Of Moher Tour from Galway including Doolin Village

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15. Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

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16. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey

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17. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

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18. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way day tour from Galway city

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19. Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island & Burren tour from Galway. Guided.

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20. Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway

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21. Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway

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22. Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way Private Chauffeur Driven Tour from Dublin

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23. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City

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24. Private Connemara Day Tour

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25. Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion

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26. Private Half Day Tour To Connemara

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27. Minibus hire galway Ireland

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28. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full Day Private Tour from Galway

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29. Private Cliffs of Moher Tour for Small Group in Galway

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30. Private Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

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The 6 best day trips from galway, ireland.

Day trips from Galway

Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is a great place to use as a base to experience some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Galway is my favorite city in Ireland, with plenty of things to do in its own right. But since Galway is a part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the city can serve as a gateway to get out into the natural beauty of Ireland. These day trips from Galway will help you see some of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Plus, with Galway as your base, you’ll return from your adventures to a lively city filled with plenty of pubs, cafes, and live music to enjoy in the evening.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

Ireland travel resources

  • Book your flight to Ireland with Skyscanner
  • Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
  • Find awesome accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld
  • Check out this awesome Galway Food Tour
  • Must haves for your trip to Ireland: my favorite waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle

This is the sixth post in the Ireland Travel Series. Here is the complete 6 part series:

Ireland Travel Series

Ireland Itinerary:  Discover the Best of Ireland with this 7 Day Ireland Itinerary without a Car

Travel Tips:   What Not To Do In Ireland: Avoid These Tourists Mistakes in Ireland

Packing Tips: The Only Ireland Packing List You Need for Any Season

Dublin:  The Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Dublin

Cliff Walks:  A Day Trip from Dublin: The Bray to Greystones Walk

Galway's Long Walk seen from across the river with white swans in the river.

How to Get Around Ireland

As you plan your Ireland itinerary, you are likely wondering about the best way to get around Ireland . There are multiple options for traveling around the country and the best option will depend on your travel style, budget, and length of your trip.

Ireland by Car

Many people love Irish road trips, and while it’s on my Ireland bucket list, I’ve been 8 times and not once have I rented a car. Although, after renting one for my Scotland road trip , I’m currently planning my own Ireland road trip!

Without a car, I’ve been able to see all of the beautiful places in this post and beyond with a combination of public transport and group tours. 

The pros of renting a car in Ireland are that it increases the flexibility of your itinerary, allows you to see more rural areas, and go at your own pace. The cons of renting a car are that it is significantly more expensive than using public transportation, navigating narrow roads on the opposite side of the road (if you’re from the US) is intimidating, and finding parking in cities (parking is always the worst). 

Ireland by Public Transportation

You can see a significant amount of the country with a combination of trains and buses. With careful planning, you can even get to more rural areas of Ireland. 

The pros of public transport are that it’s a budget-friendly way to see the country, you don’t have to worry about driving narrow roads or getting lost, and they’re clean, safe, and have WiFi. I love catching up on sleep on these bus rides when I’m not staring in awe out of the window at the beautiful Irish landscape.

The cons of utilizing public transport are that you must rely on the bus or train’s timetable, you can’t pull over and stop at something that looks interesting, and it could take much longer and include multiple bus/train changes to get to your destination.

Ireland by Group Tour

A third option for checking off these Galway day trips is a group tour. 

Group tours are great ways for solo travelers to meet other people , typically include multiple attractions in one day, and the tour guide provides a bit of history you may not otherwise learn. However, the cost can add up, and you’re still subject to the tour’s timetable.

I’ve done a few guided day tours from Galway and really enjoyed all of them, so a mix of these three ways to get around Ireland may help you build a well-rounded itinerary.

Top 6 Day Trips from Galway

Now that we’ve gotten some of the logistics out of the way let’s get into the best day trips from Galway.

Marvel at Cliffs of Moher

I usually don’t tell people they have to do something on their trips, but I will say that you have to visit the Cliffs of Moher . The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, with over 1 million visitors per year.

Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher rise out of the Atlantic Ocean to the dramatic height of 702 ft just beyond O’Brien’s Tower. From the highest point and in good weather, you’ll have spectacular views across the Atlantic all the way to the Aran Islands.

To be totally honest, the biggest downside of visiting the Cliffs of Moher is that it’s very possible you’ll have a foggy day with poor visibility. 

But you should still go! Just be prepared for windy conditions and dress accordingly. 

Also, stay away from the edges of the cliff!

Cliffs of Moher in Clare County at Sunset

How to See the Cliffs of Moher

There are many ways to get to the Cl iffs of Moher on a day trip from Galway. The drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher is 1.5 hours. 

Cliffs of Moher Guided Tour

The first and easiest way is to book a guided tour from Galway . The day tour will provide transportation to and from the Cliffs as well as interesting stops like the unique limestone landscape of the Burren and lunch in the charming town of Doolin . 

The downside of this is that you’re on someone else’s schedule, and you may not have enough time at the Cliffs of Moher, the main attraction, in my opinion.

Cliffs of Moher Tour Recommendation : Full Day Tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway . It also stops at the picturesque Dunguaire Castle in Kinvarra. 

Cliffs of Moher via Public Transport

The second option is to take public transit to the Cliffs of Moher. There are multiple departures on Bus Eireann to the Cliffs of Moher daily. Take the 350 route on Bus Éireann , which leaves the coach station near Eyre Square to the stop for the Cliffs of Moher car park.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher via public transit allows you to spend more time walking along the Cliffs – away from the tourists – at your own pace. 

You could even time it so you catch the sunset at the Cliffs of Moher ! I highly recommend this if possible. Just make sure you don’t miss the bus back to Galway.

The cost of these options is roughly the same as food is not included in either option nor is the cost of admission to the Cliffs of Moher.

  • A day tour will cost around €40 while adding on extra sites. 
  • The return bus journey costs €30. 
  • €8 ticket to the Cliffs of Moher.

Visit this website for more information about planning your trip to the Cliffs of Moher.

Cliff of Moher and O'Brien's castle on a clear day

Check out the Other Worldly The Burren National Park

The Burren National Park , located in County Clare, is 250 acres of craggy limestone landscape. While the landscape appears barren, there are a wide variety of plants that grow in the cracks of the limestone. The Burren is also a place of historical significance with ancient tombs, caves, and ring forts.

How to Get to The Burren National Park

The best way to get to the Burren from Galway is by driving. It will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the amount of stops you make. You can park at Corofin and take a shuttle into the park.

Bus Éirrean does serve nearby towns such as Doolin and Lisdoonvarna. From there you might be able to take a taxi into the park, but it’s a bit tricky when you’re short on time.

Alternatively, you could take a guided tour from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. Most of these Cliffs of Moher tours include a stop in the Burren. It’s a great way to see many main attractions in the same day without having to figure out public transport. The cost of the tour would likely be around the same once you figured out how to DIY it on public transport.

Cliffs of Moher & Burren Guided Tour Recommendation: Full Day Tour to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren from Galway

The unique flora of the Burren National Park.

Experience Traditional Irish Culture on the Aran Islands

Second to the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands are a must-visit when in Ireland.

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in Galway Bay. From largest to smallest, the islands are Inishmore (Inis Mór), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), and Inisheer (Inis Oírr).

The islands are a place where you’ll get a true glimpse at Irish culture, as the Irish language is still spoken by many islanders. You’ll also receive the warm welcome and generous hospitality that Ireland is known for.

The landscape on the islands is also quite spectacular and very unique to the west coast of Ireland.

The only downside is that you’ll likely only be able to fit a trip to one of the islands into your itinerary. 

So which island should you visit?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find on each island and how long the ferry will take you to reach the island. No matter which island you choose to visit, renting a bike is the best way to see it!

Inishmore – Inis Mór

Inishmore is the most popular Aran Island for a day trip from Galway as it’s the closest and has over 50 historically significant sites. Plus, spectacular scenery, dramatic cliffs, and puffins!

Inishmore was the first island I visited on my first solo trip to Ireland, and I spent one of the best days in Ireland exploring it by bike. If you only have time for one island, let this be it. 

The sailing time to Inishmore from Galway is approximately 40 minutes. I recall the ferry ride out to the island being incredibly choppy, but the way back was smooth!

Things to do on Inishmore Island:

  • Kilronan Village is the main port and town of Inishmore. Here, you’ll find bike rentals, shops, restaurants, and accommodation.
  • Dún Eochla is a stone ring fort located at the highest point in Inishmore. It offers 360 o views of the island.
  • Dún Aonghasa is the ancient ruin of a stone fort on the southern side of the island that shows human activity dating back over 2.5 thousand years.
  • Worm Hole is a rectangular-shaped pool that Irish people use as a swimming pool when the tides are right. Red Bull has used the Worm Hole in the past for their extreme cliff diving events.
  • Joe Watty’s Pub is a must-visit for lunch and a pint before sailing back to Galway.

Cliffs of Inishmore the largest Aran Island

Inishmaan – Inis Meáin

Perhaps the least visited of the three islands, Inishmaan has held on to its Irish traditions well. If you really want to get away from it all and experience traditional culture, then Inishmaan may be right for you.

The sailing time to Inishmaan from Galway is approximately 50 minutes. 

Things to do on Inishmaan Island:

  • Dun Chonchuir is an oval fortress with sweeping views of Inishmaan and neighboring islands.
  • Church of St. Mary Immaculate is a church built in the 1930s. It’s famous for its stained glass windows.

Inisheer – Inis Oírr

While Inisheer may be the smallest of the three islands, it should certainly not be discounted. I actually prefer it over Inishmore because it’s so small you could easily see all of it in a day and truly relax into a slower pace of life. 

The sailing time to Inisheer is approximately 55 minutes.

Things to do on Inisheer Island:

  • Plassey Shipwreck : A ship crashed onto the rocky shore of Inisheer in the 1960s, and local islanders saved all those aboard the ship. The rusted hull of the ship remains there today.
  • O’Brien’s Castle is the ruins of a castle that once stood watch over the islands. There are great views from its hilltop location.
  • Ancient Ruins include Temple Chaomhain, Cnoc Raithni, and St. Edna’s Well. 
  • Tigh Ned is a great pub and right across from the port. The perfect place to relax with a pint while waiting for the ferry back to Galway.

Plassey Shipwreck on Inisheer Island

How to Get to the Aran Islands

No matter which Aran Island you choose to visit, your trip starts with Aran Island Ferries . Their office is just opposite Galway’s new coach station. They can help you decide which island to visit and provide you with additional information for a smooth trip. 

With the purchase of your ferry ticket across to the islands, you’ll also get transportation to and from Galway City Center to Rosaveal (the dock). 

A return ferry ticket costs €30. 

A bike for €10 to see all of the sites.

Sitting on the limestone cliffs of the Aran Islands.

Visit Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a 33-bedroom stone grey castle built by a wealthy man for the love of his life and his family during the Irish famine. The estate is set on the side of a lush green mountain overlooking a lake, surrounded by 1,000 more acres of beautiful scenery in Connemara.

The Abbey began as a home for the Henry family and provided work and sustenance for the locals as they recovered from the famine years. In the 1920s, a group of Benedictine nuns settled here and started a school for girls. Today, it is a Benedictine monastery run by those nuns.

Also on the land is a stunning 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden, and a short walk from the Abbey is a gorgeous Gothic church. The inside of the church holds the remains of Margaret and Mitchell Henry – the couple who built the castle.

I suggest starting your visit with tea and a treat from the tea room. Afterward, make your way to the beautiful Victorian Walled Gardens and visit the small house where the head gardener once lived. 

The inside of the Abbey is beautiful. Placards are posted that provide details of its history. You’re only allowed to visit the first floor, as the rest of the Abbey is still in use. Then, walk to the small but gorgeous Gothic church.

Kylemore Abbey set amongst lush green trees in Connemara.

How to Visit Kylemore Abbey

The drive from Galway to Kylemore Abbe is about an hour and 15 minutes. 

If you don’t have a car, the best way to see Kylemore Abbey is with a day tour from Galway . There are a number of companies that run Connemara day tours, all of which include a couple hours stop at the Abbey – which is all of the time you need.

Along with the stop at Kylemore, you’ll get to see the rugged and wild landscape of Connemara National Park, Killary fjord, and stop at smaller towns like Cong to get a feel for life in Connemara.

A day tour will cost around €25-50.

Kylemore Abbey Day Tour Recommendation: Kylemore Abbey, Connemara + Cong from Galway

If you really don’t want to do a day tour, you would have to take a bus from Galway to either Clifden or Letterfrack Village, route 923 on CityLink. Once in Clifden or Letterfrack, connect to the 423 bus which has a bus stop at the entrance of Kylemore Abbey. 

A single bus ticket from Galway to Clifden is  €16

Me standing in front of the Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey

Explore Clifden

On a recent trip to Ireland, I spent a few days in the charming town of Clifden. While I was there, I realized Clifden would also make an excellent day trip from Galway as it’s a short drive or bus ride away, and there are many fun things to do in Clifden while you’re there.

Clifden is a small town known as the capital of Connemara as it sits beneath the Twelve Bens mountain range in Connemara. If you’re looking to get outdoors for some hiking or a refreshing bike ride, Clifden is the perfect place for nature lovers.

When you arrive in Clifden, you can spend about an hour exploring Clifden town, which has great cafes and restaurants, cute shops, and, of course a number of fun pubs for traditional music.

After exploring Clifden, stop by Clifden Bike Shop to rent an electric bike to cycle the stunning Sky Road. Along this road you can stop at Clifden Castle, beautiful beaches, and enjoy the panoramic views of the wild west coast of Ireland. 

Clifden Castle in Clifden Ireland

How to Get to Clifden

The drive to Clifden is absolutely stunning. It will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Clifden from Galway along the N59 route.

Clifden is also accessible with the CityLink or Bus Éirrean bus service. The bus ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from Galway City, and the bus stop in Clifden is in the heart of the main town. A return ticket costs approximately €20.

Go Hiking in Connemara National Park

Connemara is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Connemara National Park includes a varied landscape of bogs, mountain peaks, and stunning lakes. 

There are four marked hikes in Connemara National Park: The Ellis Wood Nature Trail (accessible), the Struffaunboy Trail (easy), Lower Diamond Hill (moderate), and Upper Diamond Hill (hard!).

Diamond Hill is one of the most popular hikes in Connemara. If you’re up for it, the climb rewards you with stunning views from the summit. Each hike begins from the visitor center near the village of Letterfrack.

When you’re done with your hike, you can check out the small village of Letterfrack and have a refueling meal at one of the pubs.

Coast of Clifden, Ireland.

How to Get to Connemara National Park

If you’re driving, you’ll follow the N59 route to the Connemara National Park visitor center, where there is a parking lot. It will take you about 1.5 hours without any stops. 

There is also a bus stop in Letterfrack village about a 15-minute walk to the visitor center from the bus stop. You can take the CityLink route No.923 from Galway for an enjoyable 2-hour journey to Connemara. 

Things to do in Galway, Ireland

In between your day trips, you’ll have some time to explore the fun things to do in Galway . Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Galway that are also very budget-friendly.

  • Enjoy a pint : There are many pubs in Galway , and most have traditional music every night of the week! A few of my favorites are Tigh Neachtain, Tigh Colli, The Crane, and O’Connors in Salthill.
  • Have a nice meal : Galway is also full of great restaurants for every budget. For breakfast, I love Ard Bia at Nimmo’s for breakfast, Kai Cafe for a nice meal, Handsome Burger for a delicious cheeseburger, and Dough Bros for pizza!
  • Visit Galway City Museum : This is a free museum that details the history of Galway, all the way from the Galway tribes to the city’s sports!
  • Listen to Buskers : Galway’s Latin Quarter is filled with buskers up and down the main street. On a nice day, grab a pint from a pub to enjoy it outside while listening to the music and people-watching.
  • Walk Salthill Prom : I love grabbing a tea from one of Galway’s cafes and taking it with me on a walk along Salthill prom all the way to the Blackrock diving pier.

The shops of Galway's Latin Quarter

Where to Stay in Galway

As Galway is your base, here are few great places to stay in Galway for every budget.

The Nest Boutique Hostel: I stay here every time I visit Galway. It’s clean, the dorm rooms are en-suite with stunning bathrooms, there is a large kitchen if you want to cook, a nice continental breakfast every morning, and lovely people work here. There’s also a coffee shop in the lobby, and it’s just up the road from O’Connor’s Pub. Seriously, book here! They have private rooms as well!

Check rates, reviews, and book here.

The House Hotel : This boutique hotel located in the Latin Quarter is a great option for more traditional accommodation in Galway. The rooms are modern and you can add breakfast to your stay if you’d like. 

The Stop B&B : This contemporary bed and breakfast looks absolutely stunning and is a place I’d like to stay on my next trip. It’s located in Galway’s hip west end area, has a beautiful locally sourced breakfast included, and it’s reasonably priced.

These Galway day trips show that while Galway is a beautiful destination in its own right, it also offers an ideal place to base yourself to explore more of the beauty of Ireland. You can witness the heights of the Cliffs of Moher, hike the trails of Connemara, and escape to islands while enjoying the lively city in between the adventures. I hope this post inspires you to get out of the city a bit and find a greater connection to Ireland.

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Best Day Trips from Galway Ireland

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway

Day trips from galway.

  • Galway to Doolin
  • Galway to Liscannor
  • Galway to Letterfrack
  • Galway to Leenane
  • Galway to Connemara
  • Galway to Inisheer
  • Galway to Dublin
  • Galway to Aran Islands
  • Galway to Inishmore
  • Galway to Loughrea
  • Galway to The Burren
  • Galway to Corofin
  • Galway to Recess
  • Galway to Clonbur
  • Galway to Clifden
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best day tours from galway

1. Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway

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2. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway

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3. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway

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4. Private Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

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5. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

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6. Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

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7. Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

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8. Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour from Galway - Small Group

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9. Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour - 2 hour stop at Cliffs of Moher

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10. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey

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11. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

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12. Private Cliffs of Moher scenery, history, pubs & Irish music fun

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13. Small Group Aughnanure Castle, Sheepdog Demo & Connemara Tour

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14. Cliffs Of Moher Tour from Galway including Doolin Village

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15. Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

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16. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey

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17. Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway

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18. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

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19. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way day tour from Galway city

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20. Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island & Burren tour from Galway. Guided.

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21. Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway

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22. Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way Private Chauffeur Driven Tour from Dublin

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28. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full Day Private Tour from Galway

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30. Private Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

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  • Galway Tour Company
  • Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours - Galway
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  • Connemara Chauffeurs
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Top Galway Day Trips

Day trips from galway.

  • Galway to Doolin
  • Galway to Liscannor
  • Galway to Letterfrack
  • Galway to Leenane
  • Galway to Connemara
  • Galway to Inisheer
  • Galway to Dublin
  • Galway to Aran Islands
  • Galway to Inishmore
  • Galway to Loughrea
  • Galway to The Burren
  • Galway to Corofin
  • Galway to Recess
  • Galway to Clonbur
  • Galway to Clifden
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best day tours from galway

1. Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway

best day tours from galway

2. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway

best day tours from galway

3. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway

best day tours from galway

4. Private Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

best day tours from galway

5. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

best day tours from galway

6. Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

best day tours from galway

7. Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

best day tours from galway

8. Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour - 2 hour stop at Cliffs of Moher

best day tours from galway

9. Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway

best day tours from galway

10. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey

best day tours from galway

11. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

best day tours from galway

12. Private Cliffs of Moher scenery, history, pubs & Irish music fun

best day tours from galway

13. Small Group Aughnanure Castle, Sheepdog Demo & Connemara Tour

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14. Cliffs Of Moher Tour from Galway including Doolin Village

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15. Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

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16. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey

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17. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

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18. Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour from Galway - Small Group

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19. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way day tour from Galway city

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20. Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island & Burren tour from Galway. Guided.

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21. Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway

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22. Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way Private Chauffeur Driven Tour from Dublin

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23. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City

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24. Private Connemara Day Tour

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25. Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion

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26. Private Half Day Tour To Connemara

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27. Minibus hire galway Ireland

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28. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full Day Private Tour from Galway

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29. Private Cliffs of Moher Tour for Small Group in Galway

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30. Private Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

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  • Galway Tour Company
  • Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours - Galway
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  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher
  • Cliffs of Moher Explorer Day Tour
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour
  • Connemara Day Tour
  • Aran Island and Cliffs of Moher
  • Cliffs of Moher Explorer

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway

Day trips from galway.

  • Galway to Doolin
  • Galway to Liscannor
  • Galway to Letterfrack
  • Galway to Leenane
  • Galway to Connemara
  • Galway to Inisheer
  • Galway to Dublin
  • Galway to Aran Islands
  • Galway to Inishmore
  • Galway to Loughrea
  • Galway to The Burren
  • Galway to Corofin
  • Galway to Recess
  • Galway to Clonbur
  • Galway to Clifden
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best day tours from galway

1. Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway

best day tours from galway

2. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway

best day tours from galway

3. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway

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4. Private Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

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5. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

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6. Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

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7. Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

best day tours from galway

8. Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour from Galway - Small Group

best day tours from galway

9. Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour - 2 hour stop at Cliffs of Moher

best day tours from galway

10. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Cong and the Kylemore Abbey

best day tours from galway

11. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

best day tours from galway

12. Private Cliffs of Moher scenery, history, pubs & Irish music fun

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13. Small Group Aughnanure Castle, Sheepdog Demo & Connemara Tour

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14. Cliffs Of Moher Tour from Galway including Doolin Village

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15. Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

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16. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop in Kylemore Abbey

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17. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

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18. Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way day tour from Galway city

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19. Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island & Burren tour from Galway. Guided.

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20. Independent Cliffs of Moher Half Day Trip from Galway

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21. Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way Private Chauffeur Driven Tour from Dublin

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22. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City

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23. Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway

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24. Private Connemara Day Tour

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25. Cliffs of Moher, Galway - Private Shore Excursion

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26. Private Half Day Tour To Connemara

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27. Minibus hire galway Ireland

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28. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full Day Private Tour from Galway

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29. Private Cliffs of Moher Tour for Small Group in Galway

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30. Private Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

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Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson Drank There. Now You Can, Too.

A bar set built for “The Banshees of Inisherin” was discarded in a backyard after filming, then resurrected by a pub in Ireland. It’s up for sale.

Two men in jeans and collared shirts stand at a wooden bar in an Irish pub, with a donkey standing behind one of them.

By Ali Watkins

Reporting from Kilkerrin, Ireland

It’s a quiet Thursday evening in Ireland’s rural midlands, and Mee’s Bar in Kilkerrin, County Galway, is hardly buzzing. The large space is mostly dark, the stools are mostly empty, and out front, on the only road through town, most cars roll by without stopping — foreboding features that have marked many an Irish country pub for dead .

Still, even in this tourism drought between Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, a man raises himself from the counter and wanders toward the pub’s backyard. He just needs to see it, he says.

The “it” is nestled under a tin overhang, with bright yellow walls and a hand-thatched roof, a shrine to a fictional Irish darkness: the salvaged set of J.J. Devine’s, the claustrophobic bar that served as a main stage in “ The Banshees of Inisherin ,” the Academy Award-nominated 2022 film set on an isolated island off Ireland’s west coast.

It’s a bizarre but charming juxtaposition in this quiet beer garden. Where’d the set come from? How’d it get here? Why in Kilkerrin, hours from the sea or any “Banshees”-related setting? Just — why?

The answers are simple and mostly wholesome, far more so than the dark story told in the movie itself. Where? From a backyard off Ireland’s western coast, discarded after filming. How? Hand-carted by locals who loved the film, directed by Mee’s savvy proprietor. Why? Because no one else did.

But after dealing with a wave of new visitors since constructing the fictional pub last year, Luke Mee, its proprietor, is ready to sell. He expected J.J. Devine’s would be a part of whatever comes next for the place — there are dozens of bus companies interested in including the “Banshees” bar on its tour stops, he said, and tourism officials are exploring ways to promote it.

With a dark pitch typical of much Irish humor, “The Banshees of Inisherin” centers on the bizarre, abrupt ending of a friendship between two local men, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, on an isolated island off Ireland’s west coast during the country’s civil war in the 1920s. Among other indignities, the violent divorce includes severed fingers, arson, and a murdered donkey.

The film was a favorite during the 2023 awards season, but occupied a well-trod space: it delighted many nostalgic Irish-American audiences, and bewildered many Irish ones. Colloquial pub chatter following the film’s release — particularly in Galway, where the communities from the modern islands that served as the movie’s historic setting often socialize — could be described, kindly, as somewhere between perplexed and indignant.

Depending on who you ask in Ireland, the movie is either a point of pride or offensive paddywhackery .

That, of course, didn’t stop Ireland from capitalizing on the movie’s appeal. Tourism Ireland spent half a million euros on a marketing campaign centered on “The Banshees of Inisherin.”

Mr. Mee, 53, had similar ideas. His wife has connections on County Mayo’s Achill Island, one of the two remote islands that served as setting for the fictional Inisherin. It was through family that Mee first heard of J.J. Devine’s unceremonious end, after it was discarded in pieces on a friend’s property. Intrigued, he called up to the island.

“You wouldn’t happen to have the pub from ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’?” Mr. Mee asked.

The man did, and when Mr. Mee offered to buy it, the man said it was free.

With the pieces brought in from County Mayo to Kilkerrin, in north Galway, the reconstruction became a communal labor of love among the pub’s tightknit regulars. A small group of them, sworn to secrecy, worked behind plastic sheets in the pub’s beer garden to piece the other pub back together.

“It had to be authentic,” said Grainne O’Gorman, noting the scattered vases and pots that decorate the windows — one of which features a backlit photo looking out to the sea. “Some of us brought little bits down from home.”

Since the pub-within-a-pub opened last summer, busloads of tourists now schedule stops at J.J. Devine’s — and Mee’s with it — where the visitor log is full of names from across the world. When there’s enough time to arrange it, the staff brings in a local donkey for photos. (Most don’t even remember the donkey’s real name anymore — “We’ve started calling her Jenny, like the movie,” said Kathleen Mee, a co-owner and Mr. Mee’s sister.)

Amid the increased interest, Mr. Mee said, the pub was becoming too hard to manage independently. “Customers in rural Ireland like to see the owner in the establishment,” he said. “When they hand you the five euro for the pint, they want someone to say ‘thank you’ from the heart.”

Mee’s pub is listed as a private auction, and includes the real pub, the other pub, and the attached shop. The donkey does not appear to be part of the deal.

An earlier version of this article and its headline misspelled the surname of the actor who stars in the movie “The Banshees of Inisherin.” He is Brendan Gleeson, not Gleason.

How we handle corrections

Ali Watkins is a reporter on the Metro desk, covering crime and law enforcement in New York. Previously, she covered national security in Washington for The Times, BuzzFeed and McClatchy Newspapers. More about Ali Watkins

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway

Day trips from galway.

  • Galway to Doolin
  • Galway to Liscannor
  • Galway to Letterfrack
  • Galway to Leenane
  • Galway to Connemara
  • Galway to Inisheer
  • Galway to Dublin
  • Galway to Aran Islands
  • Galway to Inishmore
  • Galway to Loughrea
  • Galway to The Burren
  • Galway to Corofin
  • Galway to Recess
  • Galway to Clonbur
  • Galway to Clifden
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best day tours from galway

31. Galway to Connemara National Park Day Tour

best day tours from galway

32. Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Wild Atlantic Way tour from Galway

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33. From Galway: Cliffs of Moher Explorer Tour - 5 hour stop at the Cliffs of Moher

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34. Private Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Wild Atlantic Way Tour from Galway

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35. Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike

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36. Chauffeur Tours from Galway

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37. Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Doolough Valley Full Day Private Tour from Galway

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38. Full-Day Wild Atlantic Galway Guided Tour and Ferry Cruise

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39. Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day

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40. Private Limousine hire Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

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41. Private Burren and Cliffs of Moher Full Day Tour

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42. Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway. Private guided.

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43. Connemara Sheep Farm experience & Kylemore Abbey by Lux Limousine

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44. Private executive one day tour to The Cliffs of Moher Tour

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45. Private Day Tour from Galway to the Burren & The Cliffs of Moher

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46. Shore Excursion Cliffs of Moher explorer tour, Wild Atlantic Way from Galway

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47. Magical Inishbofin Island on the Connemara Coast from Galway including Lunch

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48. Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way Private Chauffeur-Driven Tour from Galway

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49. Private Connemara Day Tour

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50. Cliffs of Moher and The Burren Private Tour from Dublin

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51. Killarney To Cliffs of Moher And Galway Private Tour Transfer

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52. Taxi Tour of Connemara

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53. Killarney To Cliffs of Moher And Galway City Private Chauffeur Sightseeing Trip

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54. Cliffs Of Moher from Galway Private Tour

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55. Shore Excursion Connemara&Inishbofin self-guided tour from Galway

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56. Connemara Pub Tour from Galway City. Co Galway. Guided. Half Day.

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57. Private Full Day Tour in Connemara with Pickup

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58. Bunratty Castle / Cliffs of Moher Experience

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59. Connemara Private Day Tour West Of Ireland

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60. Aran islands pub tour from Galway. Inisheer/Inishmore. Guided.

What travelers are saying.

katherine s

IMAGES

  1. The Best Day Tours from Galway, Ireland

    best day tours from galway

  2. The Best Day Tours from Galway, Ireland

    best day tours from galway

  3. The Best Day Tours from Galway, Ireland

    best day tours from galway

  4. Best Day Trips from Galway

    best day tours from galway

  5. Best Things to See and Do in Galway City, Ireland

    best day tours from galway

  6. 12 Of The Best Day Trips From Galway

    best day tours from galway

COMMENTS

  1. Top 33 Incredible Day Trips and Tours From Galway (2024)

    18. Oranmore Castle. Distance from Galway: 30 minutes. Oranmore Castle is an 800-year-old national monument located on one of the historical inlets of Galway Bay and is open for guided tours, staying the night, and hosting events. 19.

  2. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway (UPDATED 2024)

    Galway is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244,916 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...

  3. Best Sightseeing Tours Galway 2024

    27. 28. 29. Discover best sightseeing tours 2024 in Galway with day tours to Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands & walking tours of Galway City.

  4. DAY TRIPS From Galway: 10 Best Options (With or Without car)

    Here are some excellent day trips from Galway, either with or without a car. The Cliffs of Moher. Connemara Region. Connemara National Park (Visitor Centre & Diamond Hill Trails) The Aran Islands. The Burren National Park. Lough Corrib/Cong. Castles & Abbeys. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

  5. The 9 Best Day Trips from Galway

    Phone +353 95 41054. Web Visit website. Connemara National Park is one of six national parks in the Republic of Ireland, and offers the perfect escape from buzzing downtown Galway. With a lovely mix of mountains, bogs, and grasslands, Connemara is a spectacular place for walking among the hills.

  6. 12 Best Day Trips From Galway, Ireland

    The best way to visit Shannon from Galway is to make a mini road trip out of the day. Start with a visit to Craggaunowen archeological park. Here, visitors can roam a recreated Celtic fort and explore and learn about life in a 16th-century castle. Craggaunowen is located just an hour's drive from Galway.

  7. THE TOP 10 Galway Day Trips (w/Prices)

    Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway. 1,350. Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip to one of Ireland's most popular attractions from Galway. Accompanied by a professional guide, travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages like Doolin and Kinvara.

  8. 10 Spectacular Day Trips from Galway Ireland

    1. Cliffs of Moher. A Cliffs of Moher tour from Galway is unquestionably the most popular sight to see near Galway, and in all of Ireland for that matter. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for nearly 5 miles along the Atlantic coastline, reaching 700 feet high in some places. From the pathway leading in either direction from the visitor's center ...

  9. THE TOP 10 Galway Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    A: The best tours in Galway according to Viator travelers are: Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin from Galway. Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

  10. 17 Best Day Trips From Galway City (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2024)

    The quickest method from Galway to Croagh Patrick is via cab, which costs between 135.51 USD and 171.64 USD and takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Without a car, the easiest way to go from Galway to Croagh Patrick is by bus, which takes 2 hours and 5 minutes and costs 36.14 USD to 46.98 USD.

  11. 10 Breathtaking Day Trips from Galway, Ireland

    Connemara is a breathtaking region that is strongly associated with traditional Irish culture. Your day trip from Galway to the sights of Connemara will take you through the Irish-speaking town of An Spidéal, past the Maamturk mountains and the Twelve Bens, and into Connemara National Park. Kylemore Abbey is one of the main highlights of the ...

  12. 12 Of The Best Day Trips From Galway

    The drive from Galway to Spideal takes about 30 minutes. 11. See The Unique Flora and Fauna In The Burren. The Burren is a massive area of land that extends from the Cliffs of Moher and up into the county of Clare. The geography of the area is extremely unique and there is nowhere in Ireland like it.

  13. Best Day Trips from Galway

    One of the best day trips from Galway, Ireland is to the Burren National Park in County Clare. Covering approximately 1,500 hectares, the Burren is a unique landscape and is another great day trip from Galway. The Burren National Park. The distance from Galway City to the Burren National Park is 49 kilometres (30 miles), taking around an hour ...

  14. The Best Day Trips from Galway

    The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must-see for any first-time traveller in Ireland. They are accessible from multiple cities, including Dublin, but it's pretty easy to go from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher as it's only about 1.5 hours away. It is possible to take a local bus from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher, but it's long, includes a ...

  15. 9 Best Day Trips From Galway, Ireland

    The ancient walled city of Galway with its medieval alleys and beautiful views as well as its renowned music and food scene makes a great base for exploring Ireland's West, just an hour's drive from the Shannon Airport in County Clare. ... 9 Best Day Trips From Galway, Ireland by K.C. Dermody. K.C. was a featured writer for Yahoo! Travel ...

  16. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway (from £30)

    Galway is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244,853 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...

  17. The 6 Best Day Trips from Galway, Ireland

    The drive from Galway to Kylemore Abbe is about an hour and 15 minutes. If you don't have a car, the best way to see Kylemore Abbey is with a day tour from Galway. There are a number of companies that run Connemara day tours, all of which include a couple hours stop at the Abbey - which is all of the time you need.

  18. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway (UPDATED 2024)

    10,692. Galway is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244,783 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations.

  19. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway 2024 (With Photos)

    Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244 331 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Book with confidence with our Low Price Guarantee.

  20. 12 Best Day Trips From Galway, Ireland

    While you have made one of the best hotels with a spa your base in the beautiful Irish city of Galway, you can now explore the neighbouring Westport, which is a planned town in Mayo Town, Ireland, about a 75-minute drive from Galway. This town is known for its high quality of life and it is also a prime tourist destination for many tourists from around the world.

  21. Day Tours from Galway, Ennis & Limerick

    Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours provide regular day tours from Ennis, Galway and Limerick to The Aran Islands, The Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and The Burren. ... told us all about the area, made some very funny jokes and also some Irish history. I really recommend the company. Best regards from Portugal. Katie Clark . 2022-10-21. The tour to the ...

  22. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway (UPDATED 2024)

    Galway is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244,190 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...

  23. Bar Built for 'Banshees of Inisherin' Is For Sale

    A bar set built for "The Banshees of Inisherin" was discarded in a backyard after filming, then resurrected by a pub in Ireland. It's up for sale. Luke Mee, 53, a co-owner of Mee's, having ...

  24. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Galway (UPDATED 2024)

    Galway is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Galway, Ireland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 244,742 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Galway to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend ...