Things to Do in Galway: Tours, Day Trips & Hotels

Galway, where tradition meets the Atlantic. Buskers in the Latin Quarter, trad music in the pubs, and Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher on your doorstep.

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Day trips from Dublin
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Things to do Connemara, Aran & Cliffs From Dublin Getting there Hotels FAQs

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Top things to do in Galway city

Ireland’s cultural capital is small enough to walk end to end, from Eyre Square through the Latin Quarter to the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh. It’s best explored with a local.

Walking tourThe Legendary Tour of GalwayThe Spanish Arch, Eyre Square and the stories behind them with Great Guides of Galway.See tour → Walking tourGalway Highlights & CladdaghThe city’s top sights and the Claddagh village on a 2-hour walk.See tour → Walking tourGalway’s Westend Walking TourThe culture and history of Galway’s lively West End.See tour → Food & drinkGalway Craft Beer TourIreland’s craft beer scene with Galway Food Tours.See tour → Boat tripGalway Bay TourSee Galway Bay and the coastline from the water with Galway Bay Boat Tours.See tour → CruiseAran Islands & Cliffs CruiseA 2.5-hour cruise out towards the Aran Islands and the cliffs.See tour →

Private Galway Bay tour Beekeeping on a family farm The Big Escape Galway

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Connemara, the Aran Islands & the Cliffs of Moher

Galway is the gateway to the west: Connemara’s mountains and Kylemore Abbey to the north, the Aran Islands out in the bay, and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren to the south.

From GalwayConnemara, Cong & Kylemore AbbeyConnemara, Kylemore Abbey and Cong, where "The Quiet Man" was filmed.See tour → From GalwayCliffs of Moher Tour from GalwayA full day to the Cliffs of Moher and Ireland's west coast with Ollie's Tours.See tour → From GalwayAran Islands Day Trip with Bike TourA day on the Aran Islands with a guided bike tour and tea.See tour → HikingConnemara National Park HikeA full-day private hike through Connemara National Park with Fat Bike Galway.See tour → Private tourTaste of ConnemaraA half-day private tour of Connemara's landscapes and villages.See tour → From GalwayCastles of ConnemaraThe castles and ruins of Connemara with Colleen Irish Travel.See tour →

Best of Connemara & Kylemore Burren sea kayaking Aran Islands heritage & cheesemaking Wild Atlantic Way: Galway to Dingle

Galway day trips from Dublin

No car? These guided tours leave from Dublin and handle the transport for you.

From DublinCliffs of Moher, Burren & GalwayThe classic west coast day trip from Dublin with Finn McCool Tours.See tour → From DublinCliffs, Burren & Galway CityThe Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren and Galway city with Wild Rover Day Tours.See tour → By trainConnemara & Galway Bay by TrainBy train to Galway, then on to Connemara and Galway Bay.See tour → By trainAran Islands by TrainBy train to the west, then over to the Aran Islands off the Galway coast.See tour →

Comparing options? Read Cliffs of Moher tours from Dublin compared or see all day tours from Dublin.

More Galway tours and activities

Free walking tours in Galway

Getting to Galway from Dublin

By bus

Express coaches run between Dublin and Galway. Book ahead for the best fares.

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By train

Trains run from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt several times a day and take about 2.5 hours.

By car

Head west on the M4, then the M6. Need wheels? Compare car hire in Dublin.

Hotels in Galway

Stay a night or two for the music, then head out to Connemara or the Cliffs. Search dates and compare prices.

Galway FAQs

How do I get to Galway from Dublin?

Trains run from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt several times a day and take about 2.5 hours. Express coaches also run between the cities, or you can drive west on the M4 and M6.

Can I visit Galway as a day trip from Dublin?

Yes. Popular day tours from Dublin combine Galway city with the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, and there are train day tours to Connemara and the Aran Islands.

What are the best things to do in Galway?

Walk the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, hear trad music in the pubs, take a food or craft beer tour, and get out on Galway Bay.

Can I visit the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?

Yes. Day tours from Galway visit the Cliffs of Moher, usually with the Burren. There are also cruises that sail beneath the cliffs and out towards the Aran Islands.

How do I get to the Aran Islands from Galway?

Day trips from Galway include the crossing to the islands, and some add a guided bike tour on the island. The Aran Islands can also be reached from Doolin in County Clare.

Is Connemara worth visiting from Galway?

Yes. Connemara's mountains, lakes and Kylemore Abbey are an easy day out from Galway, on a coach tour, a private tour or a guided hike in Connemara National Park.

Plan your Galway trip

Trad music, the Latin Quarter and the wild west coast, about 2.5 hours from Dublin.

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