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Galway Shore excursions

Our most recommended Galway Shore excursions

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City

1. Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin for a scenic full-day drive through the counties of Kildare, Limerick and Clare, passing the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and world-class golf and surf resort of Lahinch. Your ultimate destination is the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you will get 2 hours of free time to explore and premium entrance to the new Atlantic Edge, an interpretive visitor experience that gives you a virtual reality birds’ eye view of cliff edge life above and below sea level. Then, you can choose to walk along the cliff face and experience the power of nature at work. Feel the fresh air blowing off the ocean, and the sheer height of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Visit O'Brien's Tower, standing proudly on the headland, with panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Next, drive deep into the Burren, traveling along Europe’s edge! See native flora, ancient monuments, and megalithic tombs in Burren National Park, and look out for the unique Fairy Forts and Celtic Crosses. Continue around Galway Bay to medieval Galway City, passing the Blackhead Lighthouse and fishing village of Kinvara, famed for its Galway Hookers (boats). Upon arrival in Galway, described by W.B. Yeats as “The Venice of the West”. Enjoy a 30-minute guided walk, and learn about the city’s trade connections with Spain. You will have some free time to explore the narrow streets on your own, or relax in boutique stores and quaint cafés. 2 hour stop. Then, sit back on the return drive to Dublin, enjoying the on board entertainment, including extracts from the show “Riverdance” and other examples of Irish culture.

From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

2. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

Take a day trip to the Aran Islands and see the Cliffs of Moher by cruise on this tour awarded the "Best Irish Experience 2021" award by travel2ireland and the ITTN. Enjoy exploring Inis Mór with an audio guide. Sail through the sea and take in incredible views of the Cliffs of Moher on your return to Galway. Depart from the Galway city docks and admire the stunning views of the Connemara and Clare Coast before arriving on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Learn about the history, heritage, and culture of the Aran Islands via an audio guide. Spend 4.5 hours on the island to enjoy sandy beaches, stone forts, and the serenity of island life. Your return journey takes you along the Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago, the cliffs rise to a magnificent height of over 200 meters which you can only truly appreciate from the water. Listen to your audio guide while onboard to learn why the Cliffs of Moher are so iconic. See Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, 'An Branán Mór Sea Stack,' and a sea cave used during a Harry Potter film. Watch out for puffins, dolphins, seals, and basking sharks that call these waters home.

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip

3. From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Galway City Full-Day Trip

Witness the dramatic features of the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on a full-day guided tour of Ireland’s west coast from Dublin. Explore the vibrant city of Galway and enjoy a pub lunch in Doolin. Depart from Dublin and learn about the region from your guide as you go west. Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher and follow the cliff path to the edge for breathtaking views over the Atlantic. Breathe in the ocean wind and hear the waves crashing below you. Explore on your own for 1.5 hours. Get a bird's-eye view of the cliffs and see the underwater caves on a large multimedia screen at the interactive Visitor Centre. Continue to the charming village of Doolin for lunch in a local pub and spot the Aran Islands in the distance along the way. Stop at The Burren for 15 to 20 minutes and get photos of its otherworldly landscape. See rare orchids and admire views of the Baby Cliffs.  Then, explore the vibrant city of Galway, known for its strong tradition of Irish music, language, and dance. You will have around 1 hour to explore on your own. Finish your day with the scenic journey back to Dublin. Expect jolly commentary, anecdotes, and even some Irish music to keep you entertained on the road back to the capital.

Rail Tour from Dublin: 6 Days All of Ireland

4. Rail Tour from Dublin: 6 Days All of Ireland

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston Station (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00 departure of InterCity train to Cork (breakfast available). We visit Blarney Castle, the Queenstown Story at Cobh, then train to Killarney for two nights B & B with en-suite facilities. Day 2 10.00 depart Killarney on Ring of Kerry tour. We have a wonderful day viewing some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, including Dingle Bay. We also see the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain Carrantuohill, Moll's Gap, Ladies View and the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight in Killarney. Day 3 07.30 transfer from Killarney to Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher Tour, visit Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, O'Connors Pub at Doolin, Galway Bay, overnight Galway City in 3 star Hotel (2 nights). Day 4 10.30am transfer to Connemara Airport for flight and tour of Inishmór, largest of the Aran Islands Day 5 10.00 depart Galway for tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey after which we depart Galway by train, arriving Dublin Heuston 20.45 transfer by tram to three star hotel for two nights (room only). Day 6 Check in Dublin Connolly Station at 07.10 departure for the Giants Causeway tour. At Belfast we join our tour and head to the famous Antrim Coast Road crossing the lovely Glens of Antrim en route to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede* rope bridge (Mid March - October only. Glimpse the Scottish coast on a clear day. We continue to the stunning Giant's Causeway next, seeing Dunluce Castle (photo stop only). We return to Belfast and our train to Dublin arriving at Connolly station at 22:20 for second night in three star hotel. Depart Monday/Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (March to October only) * Price is per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

Other Sightseeing Options in Galway

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What people are saying about Galway

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 524 reviews

Our guides were excellent Brian and Paddy. They were very informative. I learned so much about the Irish History. Pro's: Pro's great way to see most of the country and learn about the history from a professional. Everything was included as far as tickets, hotels and breakfast. I enjoyed being with other travelers and we made lasting friendships. Cons: We are on a schedule and so could not spend as much time as we wanted at some of the sights and venues. Lunch place was always predetermined so you were stuck going only to their choice. Most places were pretty good by average cost of the meals were 40-50 Euros per couple. It would have been nice to have a day off in the middle to rest a bit. Overall it was a great way to see the country for the first time.

The tour was well organized- our guides met us every step of the way and ensured comfort and safety. The planned days went smoothly. It can be hard to be on the bus when you would like to stop for more photos! Reserved first class train seats were appreciated. The chosen hotels were nice, clean, comfortable and well located. The food was good. We really enjoyed the other travelers in our group. This is a nice way to see Ireland for the first time.

Fabulous day trip. Richard and Chrisna were both very nice and knowledgable about the area, things to see or do while out. Safety was their most important aspect while guiding us throughout the day, which I appreciated. The commentary was hilarious and the Irish history tidbits along the way kept us all interested.

The ferry ride to the Aran Islands was fantastic. Perfect weather, great views of the Cliffs of Moher. This was best part of our visit to Ireland. dcl

sooo amazing. great day trip and beautiful. amazing guides who genuinely care and want to give recommendations!