Top 3 Itineraries in Galway

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Galway.

If you only have a few days, Galway weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Galway offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Galway are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Galway’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Galway offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Ireland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Galway truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Galway belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Galway are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Galway and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Galway itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Galway for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Galway without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Galway!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Cashel, Dingle - Daingean Uí Chúis, Killarney, Carrigtwohill, and Galway is one of the best ways to experience Ireland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Galway can easily be combined with other top destinations in Ireland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Cashel, Dingle - Daingean Uí Chúis, Killarney, Carrigtwohill, and Galway by public transport, renting a car in Ireland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Cork

• Arrival city: Cork
• Accommodation: hotel in Cork, e.g., Maranatha Country House
• Sightseeing: St Patrick's Bridge

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Cork. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Carrigtwohill, Cork, and Blarney

• Destinations: Carrigtwohill, Cork, and Blarney
• Driving distance: 60.39 km, approx. 1 hour and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Cork, e.g., Maranatha Country House
• Sightseeing: Cork Public Museum, Fota Wildlife Park, Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle & Gardens, and Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
• Recommended tour: Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket with GUIDEBOOK

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Cork Public Museum, Fota Wildlife Park, Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle & Gardens, and Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Carrigtwohill, Cork, and Blarney, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Killarney, Killarney Municipal District, and Kenmare Municipal District

• Destinations: Killarney, Killarney Municipal District, and Kenmare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 147.63 km, approx. 3 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Killarney, e.g., The Lake Hotel Killarney
• Sightseeing: Ross Castle, Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall
• Recommended tour: Private Tour:Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs, starting in (from) Killarney

Spend the day exploring Ross Castle, Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Killarney.

Day 4: Experience Kenmare Municipal District

• Destinations: Kenmare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 178.94 km, approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Killarney, e.g., The Lake Hotel Killarney
• Sightseeing: Head of the Gap of Dunloe, Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí), and Wishing Bridge
• Recommended tour: Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with accredited guide

Continue your journey through Kenmare Municipal District, where you can explore Head of the Gap of Dunloe, Kerry Cliffs (Aillte Chiarraí), and Wishing Bridge. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Dingle - Daingean Uí Chúis and Kenmare Municipal District

• Destinations: Dingle - Daingean Uí Chúis and Kenmare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 194.15 km, approx. 3 hours and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Killarney, e.g., The Lake Hotel Killarney
• Sightseeing: Inch Beach, Co. Kerry, Dingle Distillery, Conor Pass waterfall, and Kingdom Falconry
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney

Drive through Dingle - Daingean Uí Chúis and Kenmare Municipal District, stopping to visit Inch Beach, Co. Kerry, Dingle Distillery, Conor Pass waterfall, and Kingdom Falconry. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of West Clare Municipal District

• Destinations: West Clare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 281.67 km, approx. 4 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Galway, e.g., Menlo Park Hotel
• Sightseeing: Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Burren National Park
• Recommended tour: Galway City on Foot with Seán: Stories, History, Local Tips, Chat and More.

Spend time discovering Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Burren National Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Galway.

Day 7: Spend Time in Cashel and Galway

• Destinations: Cashel and Galway
• Driving distance: 262.83 km, approx. 3 hours and 26 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Cork, e.g., Maranatha Country House
• Sightseeing: The Latin Quarter, Rock of Cashel, Eyre Square, and Galway City Museum
• Recommended tour: Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Cork: Including The Wild Altanic Way

Explore The Latin Quarter, Rock of Cashel, Eyre Square, and Galway City Museum at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Cork.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Cork

• Departure city: Cork
• Driving distance: 1.39 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Sightseeing: National Monument - Cork

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Cork. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1120 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Galway.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Galway for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Galway with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Galway and Galway's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Galway without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Galway

Arrive in Galway and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Eyre Square.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Front Door Pub is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Galway's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Galway by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Great Escape Rooms, Galway Cathedral, The Latin Quarter, Galway City Museum, and Salmon Weir Bridge.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Galway. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Galway in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Galway

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Cappagh Park and Barna Woods are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Galway.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Galway. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Ireland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Galway

Spend your last few hours in Galway soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Galway in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Galway, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Galway travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Galway offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Galway itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Galway weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Galway

Arrive in Galway around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Eyre Square, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Galway’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Galway with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Great Escape Rooms early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Galway Atlantaquaria, stopping by The Latin Quarter for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Galway and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Galway

Make the most of your last few hours in Galway before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Galway. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Galway itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Galway, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Galway for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Galway in a way that feels truly unforgettable!