Western Ireland 2-Day Tour from Dublin

Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Dublin - Connemara - Galway

Pass By: Paddywagon Tours, Dublin, County Dublin
Leave Dublin's Paddy Palace at 08:00 and head straight through the spiritual beauty of the bogs of Allen in our midlands.

Stop At: Royal Abbey of Cong, Cong, County Mayo, Western Ireland
Famed by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in the film Quiet Man, the village is home to Ashford castle, a regular haunt of the rich and famous and a wedding venue for a host of international stars ie Pierce Brosnan. From beautiful abbeys to medieval castles, rivers, stunning lakes and babbling brooks, Cong is a true picture postcard of Ireland! We take a break here with a visit to Cong Abbey, the ruins of an Augustinian monastery. Take time to enjoy lunch in this beautiful village.
Here we stop for 45-60 minutes.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
Lough Corrib
Well know for its fishing, Lough Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland after Lough Neagh. Surrounded by its abundance of wildlife such as otters, hawks, minks, birds the lake consists of 356 different islands. The most famous island among them is Inchagoil island with its spectacular views of Maumturk range, Joyce country, and the mountains of Connemara.
Connemara Wilderness
We continue our drive through the wilderness of Connemara. We enjoy this unique landscape, beautiful lakes, valleys, and mountainous scenery. Ravaged by famine, and predominantly Gaelic the people here still strive to maintain the remanence of rural culture and the traditional Irish way of life.
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!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Galway Bay, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
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!
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Galway.

Day 2: Explore Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin

Pass By: Galway Bay, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
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.

Stop At: The Burren, County Clare
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.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Corcomroe Abbey, County Clare
We continue our adventure and make a short photo stop at the majestic Corcomroe Abbey. Located in the north of the Burren region of County Clare, Corcomroe Abbey is an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery. The abbey is noted for its detailed carvings and other rich ornamentation, which are not commonly found in structures from this period.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, County Clare
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.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Bunratty Castle, Bunratty, County Clare
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!
Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
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.

Pass By: Paddy's Palace
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.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.