That means the celebrated charms of Galway’s Atlantic coastline are easily accessible from the Irish capital, once you’ve journeyed through the Emerald Isle’s heartland by road or rail. There are numerous options for exploring this area: see the highlights of Galway and Connemara on a day trip, or stay a few days to really get the best out of West Ireland. From modern cities to wild primeval landscapes and stirring historical sites, you’ll be amazed at what the region can pack in.
The city of Galway is as Irish as Ireland gets. It is renowned as a proud stronghold of Irish culture and language, its winding medieval streets lined with pubs where you’ll hear everything from traditional folk music to indie rock. It also makes a great base for exploring the region.
Head out via the scenic port town of Clifden to reach Kylemore Abbey. This is one of Ireland’s great buildings, its crenellated gray granite façade enveloped in forest beside a placid lake, enjoying lovingly landscaped kitchen gardens. By contrast, County Clare’s Cliffs of Moher ramble over five miles (eight kilometers) of some of the most dramatic coastline you will ever see.
More majestic seafront vistas await at Dingle Peninsula, while the fishing town of Dingle charms the eye with rows of colorful houses, and you might even see the friendly local dolphin in its harbor. Add in the otherworldly, karst rock landscape of the Burren and you get some idea of the range of nature’s moods here. Head back to civilization in the historic city of Limerick, which boasts the 13th century King John’s Castle and the even earlier St Mary’s Cathedral, with plenty of pubs for after-hours diversion.
Tours & Tickets
Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin
Explore Ireland's west coast highlights on a coach and rail day trip from Dublin to the wild Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and picturesque Galway Bay.
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 15 hours (approx.)
4-Day Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway and Connemara Rail Tour
Want to explore Ireland outside Dublin? This leisurely four-day rail tour shows you the best of Ireland's southern and western coastal regions, crammed with ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
4-Day Cork, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay Rail Tour
Traveling by rail and coach, this comprehensive four-day tour shows you the very best of Ireland. You'll visit Cork, Ireland's second largest city, and see the ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
Dublin Day Trip: Galway City Walking Tour with Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery
Experience the vibrant city of Galway and visit an Irish whiskey distillery at Tullamore Dew on this exciting day trip from Dublin. Enjoy a relaxing and scenic ... Read more
Location:
Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
