Ireland · DAY TRIPS IN GALWAY
Good day trips in Galway fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Travel from central Galway through Kinvara, The Burren, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, and Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Gary, Tommy, Anthony, or Patrick, adds Irish history, myths, and humor. Cliffs entry and bus transport are included, but lunch is not.
“gary is wonderful. this was our second time doing the tour with him, and i’d do it again!”
Travel from Galway through Connemara by air-conditioned coach, stopping at Leenane, Killary Fjord, Kylemore Abbey, and Spiddal. Your driver-guide, such as Michael or Seamus, adds local stories along the way. Admission to Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden is included.
“Even on a rainy day, the experience was phenomenal, breathtaking, and every bit worth it. And thank you Michael from Lolly Tours for providing commentary and stops to compliment.”
Travel from Galway with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Alan, Phil, Gerry, or Damien. Visit Inisheer, cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, and walk the cliff tops. The $85 price includes transport, ferries, the cruise when weather allows, and visitor-center entry.
“This was a fantastic day outing - we did luck out with the weather which enhanced the trip immeasurably because the vistas were spectacular and we were able to view the Cliffs of Moher from below (via ferry) and above (visitors center and trail). We were given almost 2 hours to explore the island of Inisheer and we chose to rent e-bikes which allowed us to cover a lot of ground without being rushed. Our guide, Gerry, was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor and paced the trip perfectly. (There were a few other short stops for photo opportunities.)Read more”
Travel from Galway into Connemara with an English-speaking guide, stopping in Clifden, at scenic lakes and the Sky Road. Choose three hours at Connemara National Park, including Diamond Hill trails, or visit Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Gardens. Guides may include Paddy, Mike, or Damien.
“Mike was very attentive and forthcoming in making the trip pleasant for everyone. He was also very knowledgeable and was, without a doubt, one of the most informative and at the same time entertaining guides. 💯👍 He also made sure that those not fit or willing to hike up a mountain had another options. In our case that meant either hiking up diamond hill or visiting the Kylemore Abbey. We definitely recommend going on this tour. Especially with Mike. 🙌🚌✌️”
Join guides such as Phil, Barry, or Sean for an 8-hour-45-minute circuit from Galway around Galway Bay. Cruise below the Cliffs of Moher, spend 2.5 hours on Inis Oirr, and return through Connemara. Bring warm layers, walking shoes, and lunch money.
“Exceptional full day experience circumventing Galway Bay by coach and boat. Sean was an excellent guide full of great information and insights.”
Travel from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher by air-conditioned shuttle, then spend about two independent hours on the cliff-top paths. Drivers such as Jimmy, Mac, Roger, and Ritchie may add local tips along the way, but this is transport rather than a guided tour. Early departures help you beat the crowds.
“Amazing visit to the cliffs. So nice that you can do the tour and walk around at your leisure. You can download the free app which has the audio tour at various stops along the path. Half day visit was plenty for us. 1.5 hr to and 1.5 back and 2 hours of cliff time.”
Take the 9:30 a.m. ferry from Doolin to Inisheer, the smallest Aran Island, then explore by bicycle with guides such as Tommy, Simon, Sean, or Sofia. Visit castles, graveyards, and a shipwreck before tea, scones, local stories, and free time at the beach or pub.
“Connor was an excellent guide! He knew so much about the island and its sights. He was engaging & made sure we all had the best time.”
Take the morning Aran Island Ferries boat from Rossaveel to Inis Oírr, the smallest Aran Island. You have about five hours ashore for beaches, castle ruins, the Plassey wreck, bike hire, horse carriage rides, food, music, and quiet village wandering before the 4:30 PM return.
“It was a lovely experience considering that I had small children.Their safety was guaranteed from the ferry to the Island.Lovely people out there at the island.Took a horse carriage to explor le the place it was lovely”
Travel from Galway to Doolin, cross to Inisheer by ferry, then see the island by guided bike or mini bus. Guides such as Ollie, Phil, and Tommy bring local stories to the ride, with tea, coffee, scones, and time for a pub pint or beach walk.
“Had a fab day on the beautiful inisheer, Phil our tour guide was great fun and looked after us all throughout the trip .”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
