Day Trips from Galway

Aran Islands

The rugged Aran Islands lie just outside Galway Bay and a few miles from the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher. Ferries operate to the Islands from Doolin in Co. Clare, Rossaveal in Co Galway and from Galway Docks, just a five minute walk from The Hardiman. The Aran Islands are 3 of the most unspoilt Islands in the Atlantic. Each of the Islands, Inis Oírr, Inis Meain and the largest Inis Mór has its own individual character.

40km – 1 hour drive Ferry to Aran Islands

Corrib Princess Cruise on Lough Corrib

With an abundance of coastal drives available- the Corrib Princess offers a unique way to explore our inland waterways. She sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, taking you  along our beautiful River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, which is Irelands second largest lake. The Corrib Princess takes you on a gorgeous tour of the county’s heartland. Enjoy a 90 minute cruise May – September 14:30 & 16:30
Extra Sailing July & August at 12:30. Family €35.00, Adult €15.00, Child €7.00.

Brigit’s Garden

In a word- Wow! Brigit’s Garden is such a beautiful, relaxed experience for all. The garden allows you into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology,  in the West of Ireland. The award-winning Celtic Gardens are , set within 11 acres of native woodland & meadows. As well as the  Gardens , enjoy the nature trail, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), thatched roundhouse and crannog, and the calendar sundial, the largest in Ireland. Brigit’s Garden is very family-friendly with a kids’ discovery trail, a natural playground and lots of opportunity to explore. Located off the main Galway – Clifden road (N59) about 20kms from Galway City.

Connemara National Park

Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Thw view fro the top of Diamond hill- a very popular hike in the park is simply stunning.

80km – 1 hour 30 minute drive

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Following your trip to Connemara National Park, it would be ideal to stop off in Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community opened a world renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden welcomes visitors to discover the magic, beauty and peacefulness of Kylemore Abbey. Visit Kylemore Abbey and discover what makes Kylemore the no.1 must-see attraction in Connemara and the west of Ireland. Located just a few minutes from Letterfrack and 25 minutes from Clifden, Co. Galway on the N59. OPENING HOURS: November to March 10am to 4:30pm, March to June & September to October 9:30am to 6pm, July & August 9am to 7pm

Reopens 4th March 2022

75km – 1 hour 30 minute drive

Clifden

Clifden is a town on the coast of County Galway, Ireland and being Connemara’s largest town, it is often referred to as “the Capital of Connemara”. Sites enroute: Glenowla Mines, Recess Church, Quiet Man Bridge on road out to Clifden & Ballynahinch Castle.

80km – 1 hour 30 minute drive

Leenane

Leenane is on the shore of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, on the northern edge of Connemara, and is on the route of the Western Way long-distance trail. A film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play “The Field”, directed by Jim Sherdian, was made in Leenane in 1989. Well-known stars taking part included the late Richard Harris, John Hurt and Tom Berrenger. Visitors can visit many of the locations used as sets in the film.

65.5km – 1 hour 15 minute drive

Cong

Cong is a village straddling the borders of County Galway and County Mayo, in Ireland. Cong is situated on an island formed by a number of streams that surround it on all sides. Main sites include Ashford Castle, Cong Abbey and the Quiet Man Cottage. In 1951 John Ford’s filmed “The Quiet Man” in Cong starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Stop off in the “Hungrey Monk” for a coffee and a home made scone !

45km – 45 minute drive

Cliffs of Moher

The 8th wonder of the world as Ireland would like to thin. Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. Standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. OPENING HOURS: Visitors Center is open daily from 9am-5/5:30pm (June, July & August open until 9:30pm). Atlantic Edge Exhibition area in the visitor center is open daily from 9am and last entry is 30 minutes before the visitor center closes. O’Brien’s Tower is open daily from 10am with access to the viewing area on the top and the exhibition on the first floor. Admission €6 / Children under 16 Free / Seniors, Students & Disabled €4 (prices subject to change)

80km – 1 hour 30 minute drive

The Burren

The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone Pavement. However it has been referred to in the past as “Fertile rock” due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species. The Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size. The Park land was bought by the Government for nature conservation and public access. It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: Limestone Pavement, Calcareous grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/hazel woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying springs, cliffs and Fen. We recommend Lunch in Moran’s on the Weir, the Burren Perfumery, the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna beside the Burren Smokehouse and the Burren Discovery Trail, A looped touring route taking in key locations where you can explore the inner Burren. Drive through mystical landscapes over 330 million years in the making, then pull up at one of the 12 Doorways. You’ll learn something new as each tells its own tale about the Burren’s living, breathing history, with the theme being on mythology and folklore.  This route will open your eyes to lesser known stories of the Burren, but also navigate you around the many attractions, activities and experiences that are within the Burren. 

80km – 1 hour 30 minute drive

Please contact any day trips directly for updated guidelines or opening/closing times.