Galway in 2 days
Dreaming of going to the Emerald Isle? Ireland has a lot to offer from bustling cities and charming pubs to stunning landscapes and dramatic cliffs.
Galway is an easy bus ride from Dublin, and offers a mix of colorful, charming cityscapes and gorgeous landscapes. I’m so happy we went west and didn’t spend all of our Ireland time in Dublin or Northern Ireland.
Don’t sleep on Galway - if you have the opportunity to go here for a day or two, build it into your itinerary!
In warmer seasons, there are many more sites along the Ring of Kerry, but that will have to be for another trip to the Emerald Isle.
If you don’t play Galway Girl on repeat in this city, you’re doing it wrong. Ed Sheeran filmed a video in O’Connell’s, in Eyre Square. Stay for a drink and pretend you’re in a music video too.
Next door, there’s a wings mural that does not have the same crazy line as the mural in Nashville, but it’s the same artist, Kelsey Montague.
Check out Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder featured in The Princess Bride & Harry Potter.Turn left at the Visitor’s Center and follow along the path for some dramatic views. It’s no wonder locals used to believe this was the edge of the world.
I highly recommend a tour that picks you up from Galway, entertains you with facts along the drive, and stops for lunch at a local pub.
Be sure to check out the Beauty of the Burren, also called the “Baby Cliffs of Moher”, to feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. Tours stop here only if there is still day light on the drive back to Galway.
If you have time, go on a tour to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled garden It has major castle vibes and is worth a day trip from Galway.
Get brunch in a tiny, romantic restaurant that has Galway Bay views. The candle holders are covered in melted wax - it doesn’t get more cozy than this. The pastries, brunch menu and lattes are delish.
On the way back, wander the colorful streets of Galway and pop into a pub. Pro tip: if it starts to rain, just duck into the nearest watering hole ASAP, there are plenty to choose from.
Galway exceeded my expectations and was worth the round trip cross country bus ride from Dublin. You can also rent a car to drive yourself, but I enjoyed sitting back and letting a pro navigate the narrow roads and never ending round-a-bouts that my American driving skills are not used to.