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 6-day road trip through Bunratty, Galway, Cork, Dublin, and Blarney 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 6-day itinerary means that Galway can easily be combined with other top destinations in Ireland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bunratty, Galway, Cork, Dublin, and Blarney by public transport, renting a car in Ireland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 6 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: National Monument - Cork

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 Cork and Blarney

• Destinations: Cork and Blarney
• Driving distance: 276.63 km, approx. 3 hours and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dublin, e.g., Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• Sightseeing: Fitzgerald Park, Blarney Stone, Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle & Gardens, and Cork Opera House
• Recommended tour: Dublin Walking Tour: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Fitzgerald Park, Blarney Stone, Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle & Gardens, and Cork Opera House. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Cork and Blarney, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Dublin.

Day 3: Discover Dublin

• Destinations: Dublin
• Driving distance: 13.29 km, approx. 55 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dublin, e.g., Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• Sightseeing: National Botanic Gardens, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green, St Patrick's Cathedral, and National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
• Recommended tour: Blarney, Rock of Cashel, and Cahir Castles Day Tour from Dublin

Spend the day exploring National Botanic Gardens, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green, St Patrick's Cathedral, and National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Dublin

• Destinations: Dublin
• Driving distance: 222.24 km, approx. 3 hours and 10 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Galway, e.g., Menlo Park Hotel
• Sightseeing: The Book of Kells Experience, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Ha'penny Bridge, and Dublin Zoo
• Recommended tour: The Dark History Tour of Galway City

Continue your journey through Dublin, where you can explore The Book of Kells Experience, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Ha'penny Bridge, and Dublin Zoo. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Galway.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bunratty, Galway, and West Clare Municipal District

• Destinations: Bunratty, Galway, and West Clare Municipal District
• Driving distance: 255.42 km, approx. 4 hours and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Cork, e.g., Maranatha Country House
• Sightseeing: Cliffs of Moher, Galway Cathedral, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, and Eyre Square
• Recommended tour: Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket with GUIDEBOOK

Drive through Bunratty, Galway, and West Clare Municipal District, stopping to visit Cliffs of Moher, Galway Cathedral, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, and Eyre Square. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Cork.

Day 6: Bid Farewell to Cork

• Departure city: Cork
• Driving distance: 6 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: The Atlantic Pond(An Lochán Atlantach)

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 714 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 8-day city break in Galway with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-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 Great Escape Rooms.

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 Eyre Square and Open The Door Escape Room.

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 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Galway

Use this day to discover more of Galway’s top sights. We recommend visiting Cappagh Park and Barna Woods.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Galway in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Galway's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Galway’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Galway

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Galway Cathedral and Salmon Weir Bridge 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 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Galway

No Galway itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Galway has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Galway Atlantaquaria and Ladies Beach, other popular attractions in Galway.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Galway Atlantaquaria.

Day 8: 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 5-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 5 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 Great Escape Rooms, 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 The Latin Quarter early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Galway City Museum, stopping by Port of Galway 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 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Galway

No itinerary in Galway is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Galway Atlantaquaria.
• Afternoon: Explore Ladies Beach, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Galway and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Ireland.

Day 5 - 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!