2-Day Western Ireland Tour from Dublin:Including Galway and Cliffs of Moher

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Explore Dublin - Connemara - Galway⌄

   Leave Dublin's Paddy Palace at 08:00 and head straight through the spiritual beauty of the bogs of Allen in our midlands. We will make a short comfort stop on route to Cong

   Tucked on the Galway-Mayo border, Cong is a picture-postcard village that feels like stepping into a storybook. Rolling into town, you're greeted by the stunning contrast of lush green woods against ancient grey stone. The village is famously the backdrop for The Quiet Man, and you can still spot the iconic thatched cottages and emerald storefronts. Nearby lie the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Cong Abbey, its history etched into carved stone archways. Surrounded by rushing rivers, Cong sits beside the magnificent Ashford Castle estate. Don't miss the unique Monk's Fishing House, perched right over the water—it's pure Irish charm. From 1st November to 31st March, on the Connemara leg of this tour, we visit Cong every day. There will be no visits to Glengowla Mines during winter season. From 1st April to 31st October, on the Connemara leg of this tour, we visit Glengowla on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We visit Cong on Sundays and Mondays.

   The Deserted Valley We head back to Galway via the Maam Valley, an area of scenic and unsurpassed beauty with the lakes of Connemara which unfold in among the twelve Bens mountains. We then travel back along the coast and Galway Bay through Spiddal, and enjoy magnificent views of the Atlantic Coastline to Galway and Aran Islands. This beautiful scenic drive through Connemara National Park should take approximately 2 hours. We will have many opportunities to stop, take pictures, and breath in the fresh Connemara air!

   Discover Connemara’s hidden underground treasures at Glengowla Mines, Ireland’s only show mine and farm. Descend into 19th-century silver and lead caverns filled with quartz and rare crystals. Above ground, try gold panning, watch lively sheepdog demonstrations, or learn traditional Irish turf cutting on this charming family farm. From 1st November to 31st March, on the Connemara leg of this tour, we visit Cong every day. There will be no visits to Glengowla Mines during winter season. From 1st April to 31st October, on the Connemara leg of this tour, we visit Glengowla on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We visit Cong on Sundays and Mondays.

   We arrive in Galway City, known as the city of tribes and once home to Christopher Columbus. The city is Ireland's traditional capital and home to some of our finest traditional musicians. Our 2 hour stop allows you to explore the city at your leisure. Explore highlights like the Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the colourful Shop Street or maybe even sample some world famous Galway Bay oysters. This is where you will spend the night. We'll see you again tomorrow morning for the second half of your western adventure!

   Overnight: Overnight in Galway.

2. 2Explore Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin⌄

   After a relaxing morning and a hearty breakfast, we will pick you up at 10 am from your accommodation and begin our day driving around marvelous Galway Bay, famed in song and story.

   Our first stop is the fascinating lunar landscape of the Burren. This site is a true geological and botanical wonder, as it is the only place on Earth where Mediterranean, Artic and Alpine flora grow side by side - one of the famous landscapes of Ireland! It is famous for its Limestone Rock, as far as the eye can see, and reaching down to the sea shore. We will stop at the "Mini Cliffs" which are a great site to experience this area, and enjoy the coast.

   We arrive at the world famous Cliffs of Moher, one of the world's greatest natural attractions where you can enjoy a relaxed walk, and breathtaking views. We are proud to be a tour company that includes the amazing Atlantic Edge Exhibition! Atlantic Edge is the exciting interpretive exhibition at the Cliffs of Moher and its award-winning new Visitor Experience. Housed in an innovative underground building a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike. We stop at the Cliffs for 1.5 hours.

   We stop at the village of Bunratty, with the opportunity to take photos of Bunratty Castle, famed for its medieval banquets. There will also be a chance to visit the nearby Woolen Mills store, or for those who prefer, you can get a snack or maybe even a pint of Guinness in "Durty Nelly's" - a famous traditional country pub. We then depart from Bunratty and make our way back to Dublin! ****Photo Stop Only****

   We enjoy a coastal drive along the shores of Galway Bay. This dramatic road ensures we see amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. This drive is part of the "Wild Atlantic Way" which is a driving route that follows the entire West Coast of Ireland.

   Arrive back in Dublin city center with your thirst for knowledge quenched after a fun and relaxing day out in the west of Ireland. We arrive into the city center at 8 pm approx - in plenty of time to enjoy an evening meal and a night of fun and entertainment.