Top 33 Incredible Day Trips and Tours From Galway (2024)
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!
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.
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.
Renting a Car in Ireland?
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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:
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
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.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK
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.”
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.
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.
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.
The Burren
📍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.
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.
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:
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.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK
Otherwise, here are two other ways you can explore the Burren if you can drive yourself down from Galway:
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.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK
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.
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.
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 explore 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.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK
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.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE + BOOK
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:
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.
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.
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 do. 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.
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
📍Distance from Galway: 1.5 hours
Limerick is known for its rich medieval history, vibrant cultural scene, and the scenic River Shannon that gracefully flows through the city.
15. Kylemore Abbey
📍Distance from Galway: 1.5 hours
An incredible castle-like Gothic Benedictine nunnery with restored Victorian rooms and free garden tours.
16. Coral Strand Beach
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour 15 minutes
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
📍Distance from Galway: 1.5 hours
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.
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
📍Distance from Galway: 30 minutes
This castle is a 16th-century tower house with unique ruins to explore.
21. Enniscrone
📍Distance from Galway: 2 hours
A sandy beach, campsite, and golf course make it popular.
22. Doolough Valley
📍Distance from Galway: 1.5 hours
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.
24. Dunguaire Castle
📍Distance from Galway: 30 minutes
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
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour
One of the most ancient religious sites in Ireland at 5,800 years old.
27. Killary Fjord
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour 20 minutes
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.
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
📍Distance from Galway: 30 minutes
A small, authentic fishing harbor. Watch the sailboats go by or enjoy freshly caught fish for sale.
30. Ennis City
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour
A small town but has a lot of history, some great spots for a pint, and plenty of charm.
31. Ailwee Cave
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour
One of the oldest caves in Ireland, with geology and history stretching over 330 million years.
32. Cong
📍Distance from Galway: 40 minutes
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
📍Distance from Galway: 1 hour 15 minutes
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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
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
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.
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.
