Things to do in

Galway

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from beautiful Galway and see some of Ireland’s most attractive landmarks. Start with a stop in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara to see Ireland’s famous Dunguaire Castle. Visit the rolling hills of The Burren. Discover the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Ballyalban Fairy Fort. Pass through Kilfenora, home to the famous Celtic Crosses, and Lisdoonvarna, home to the world’s famous matchmaking festival. Make your way to the coastal village of Doolin for a lunch stop before visiting the 200-meter high, 8km long Cliffs of Moher. Return to Galway via the Coast Road and make a short stop at the lunar-like landscape of the Burren.

Explore hidden Ireland on this full-day tour from Galway. Experience a magical day in the typical Irish countryside and hear the many legends from killer sheep to lake monsters. First, stop at Cong Abbey, an Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century and one of the best examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture.  Enter Cong Village and explore Cong Woods, stroll around the village that was in the 1950s classic movie, ‘The Quiet Man,’ or feed the ducks on the edge of Lough Corrib - the Republic of Ireland's largest lake. Admire Connemara's hidden valleys upon entering on the Lough Nafooey route.  Continue to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a lunch break 2-hour sightseeing. Entrance into Kylemore Abbey and Gardens is not included in the tour price (purchase discounted entrance tickets from your driver on the day of the tour).  Leaving Kylemore in the late afternoon, drive through Inagh Valley, Maam Cross, and Oughterard. Complete the circuit of Lough Corrib before arriving home to Galway City. 

Embark on a guided day trip to discover the iconic Cliffs of Moher by bus. Visit Galway and its stunning surrounding landscape and see famous landmarks, including Dunguaire Castle and Kilmacduagh Monastery. Depart Dublin at 6:45 AM and journey through the flat open plain of the Curragh. Pass the Irish National Stud thoroughbred horse breeding facility as your guide shares a wealth of history and information. Head to the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery and its roundhouse—unique for the way it leans over by more than 2 feet. Spend 15-20 minutes here. Then, arrive at the Cliffs of Moher for a view of the Atlantic Ocean and explore on your own for 2 hours. Go to the visitor's center for the interactive Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience with a large multimedia screen displaying a bird's-eye view from the cliffs, and a video from the underwater caves. Next, discover the lunar landscapes of The Burren with a 15–20-minute visit and hear about the many secrets of this atypical landscape, home to the warmest ground temperature in Ireland. Arrive in the city of Galway, where you will have around 1 hour to explore on your own. Discover its old-world charm on cobblestone streets that evoke an authentic Ireland of times gone by. Then drive along the coastal route of the Wild Atlantic Way to Kinvara, passing Dunguaire Castle and the 12 Bens mountain range along the way. Return to Dublin and get dropped off at the meeting point at around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Following pickup, head to Dunguaire Castle on the outskirts of Kinvara. Take some photos at one of the most photographed castles in Ireland before heading through the beautiful, stone landscape of the Burren and past Corcomroe Abbey. This 12th-century Cistercian Abbey is known for its distinguished carvings and rich ornamentation. Then, follow the Wild Atlantic Way along the coast of the County Clare, passing Black Head and seeing Fanore Strand. From here, admire the Aran Islands locking in Galway Bay and, in the distance, the mountains of Connemara. Stop for some pictures before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher for a 2-hour stop. One of the most spectacular sights in Ireland, the cliffs rise 214 meters (about 702 feet) out of the Atlantic Ocean and offer one of the most amazing views in Ireland. Next, return to Galway via Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual match-making festival. A photo stop at Doolin pier gives you a chance to feel the Atlantic wind in your face and to see the power of the sea as it crashes in on the shore. During the summer months, there is an opportunity to join a cruise to the base of the Cliffs of Moher (cruise not included). After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach it’s onto Doolin Hotel for lunch (lunch not included). Try any of the local sea food dishes, you won’t be disappointed.

Get back to nature on an amazing coach trip to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher, and listen to the history of Galway and the surrounding area as you journey through the windswept landscapes of Ireland’s limestone terrain. Visit Dunguaire Castle to see the former residence of the King of Connacht. Explore the underground caves at Aillwee Cave, or get up close with falcons and owls at the Birds of Prey Center. Continue over Corkscrew Hill to arrive at the Cliffs of Moher, where you will have 1.5 hours to explore at leisure and see the colony of seabirds on the cliffs. Stop in Doolin for a bite to eat, and travel back to Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rugged landscapes of Connemara and explore iconic landmarks on your own, such as the rivers and lakes that flow off the 12 Bens mountain range.  Stop in the charming mountain village of Leenane and take in the views of Ireland's only fjord at Killary. Then, get 2 hours to explore Kylemore Abbey and go for a nature walk in the Victorian Walled Gardens. Continue along the coast to the pretty Gaelic-speaking village of An Spideal to take a stroll amongst the many traditional thatched roof homes and admire the beautiful beaches.

You will be guided south along the Wild Atlantic Way and into the lunar-like Burren region. From there you'll head to the picturesque fishing village of Doolin where you’ll board the ferry to Inisheer (Inis Oirr) – the smallest and most vibrant of the Aran Islands. Explore Inisheer, home to ancient churches and castles, one of the Irelands most beautiful beaches, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and several cafes and pubs. You can take a pony and carriage, hire a bicycle or stroll the country roads. On your guided return journey, cruise alongside the foot of the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular journey which puts the 214m high, 8km long cliffs into perspective. Stop for a hearty meal at a traditional local pub before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher. You will receive free entry to the cliffs and the eco-sensitive visitor center. Take a stroll along the cliff edge and consider how tiny everything looks from above! Once you depart the cliffs you will take the coast road home, following the Wild Atlantic Way before one last stop at the stunning Baby Cliffs in Ballyreen where you can walk atop the Burren. Return time in Galway is approx. 7:30 PM.

Experience the Cliffs of Moher independently with a round-trip express coach service from Galway. Get access to the visitors center on arrival, and enjoy a full 2 hours to explore at your own pace. Go for a stroll along the nature trails of the 214-meter high cliffs and get breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Look for up to 20 species of birds found in the area during nesting season. Learn more about the cliffs at the interactive exhibits, displays and virtual reality aerial tours of the visitors center before the return coach service to Galway.

Check in with us at Dublin Heuston Station at 06:40 to take the InterCity train service to Limerick. Upon arrival, we will join our coach bus and have a short tour of the treaty city, the setting for "Angela's Ashes". From there, we will head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for our traditional Irish lunch stop. Then, it's on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the country's wild Atlantic coast, one of Ireland's most famous and beautiful attractions. After that, we'll enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway, the city of the tribes. After taking some time to take in this beautiful city, we will board our Dublin-bound train, arriving at Heuston Station at 21:00.

Discover everything the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer on a guided full-day trip from Galway. Pass through charming villages along the coast and into the heart of Connemara. Meet your guide at the Kinley Hostel early in the morning and hop on the comfortable tour vehicle which will take you through the Claddagh and Salthill, and along the coast, through Barna, Spiddal, and Inverin. Listen to entertaining tales about the culture and history of the area from your professional local guide and driver. Enjoy stops along the way for tea and a visit to the Quiet Man Cottage replica. Continue through bogs and onto the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone next to Derrygimlagh Bog. Head along Sky Road and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic. Stop for 3 hours at the Connemara National Park. Take your time to explore the more than 3,000 hectares of bog, mountains, grasslands, and woodlands. Return to Galway and take photos along the way at Kylemore Abbey and the Quiet Man Bridge.