Top Western Ireland How to Get Around

Soak up some of Ireland’s loveliest coastal scenery—and get up close and personal with the sights—on this cruise of Clew Bay. Set off in the afternoon from Westport Harbour, and set sail aboard a modern cruise ship. You’ll see highlights like local seal colonies, Croagh Patrick’s lofty peak, Inishgort Lighthouse, and even an island once owned by John Lennon—and will learn more from your captain’s commentary.

Explore Galway city with a local guide, who will make sure you see all the famous landmarks in town, but show you some hidden ones you may not find if you were on a self-guided tour. Wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll be covering a bit of ground as you travel between points of interest. Start in Eyre Square, learn about the Browne Doorway, check out statues, castles, churches, and much more along the way.

Maximize your time in Galway with a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. Explore the city at your own pace, hopping off at more than 13 stops to visit landmarks like Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, and Salthill Promenade. Use the bus as often as you like during your ticket period for flexible sightseeing.

Take a ramble through the charming streets and alleyways of the heritage town of Westport, one of the few planned towns in Ireland. Laid out in Georgian style with tree lined promenades, this picturesque town is bursting with character. Colourful shop fronts house local artisan foods, quality restaurants and lively pubs. In the company of a local guide, immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of this beautiful town with plenty of tall tales and laughs along the way. Leave with new friends and lifelong memories of one of Ireland’s most beloved towns.

Explore the dark side of Sligo’s past and hear stories most tourists miss on a private walking tour featuring landmarks like Sligo Abbey and Sligo Gaol. Learn all about Bram Stoker’s Dracula inspiration, the cholera outbreak, Victorian crime, and W.B. Yeats’ works: feel free to leave the guidebook at home since your guide's insights are far more interesting.

Hear the legend of the Lynch family as you make your way through Galway, and decide what you think is really behind the murder the family is linked to. Wander around the city’s backstreets, hearing stories from your guide. Learn about the city, too, and let your guide recommend restaurants and pubs for you to try after your tour finishes. You might make new friends on this small-group tour, too.

*PLEASE NOTE* The Galway International Arts Festival is on from 13-26 July. The Browne Door will be surrounded by the Festival Garden in Eyre Square. The Browne Doorway is to the left of the Heineken tent. Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with an experienced regional guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. See the remnants of the medieval period in Galway and learn about the city's past. Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square where they will take you on an exciting tour to discover the city walls, Lynch's Memorial Window, the story of the Claddagh ring, Hall of the Red Earl, and much more. Hear how the 14 Tribes took control of Galway from the de Burgo's and made it one of the most important trading hubs along the western seaboard during the medieval period.

Make the most of your time in Galway city by booking this group tour, where your guide shows you the most important landmarks, plus some you wouldn't find on a self-guided tour. Besides sightseeing, you also try some local food and beverages. Your Irish storyteller of a guide fills you in on the history and culture of Galway as you walk through this beautiful city.

Delve into the haunting history of Galway on this captivating evening walking tour. Stroll through medieval streets as you uncover chilling tales of executions, ghostly apparitions, and local folklore. Begin at Lynch's Castle, where the powerful Tribes of Galway once ruled, and hear the dark tale of Mayor James Lynch Fitz Stephen. Explore Spanish Arch and the River Corrib, where legends of famine victims and lost sailors come alive. Visit Galway Cathedral and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church to learn about the city’s grim past before concluding at The King's Head Pub, with an option to enjoy a unique Blood Red Ale. - Evening walking tour through Galway’s medieval streets and haunted spots - Discover chilling stories of executions and ghost sightings - Visit historic sites including Lynch's Castle and Galway Cathedral - Optional upgrade to enjoy a unique Blood Red Ale at The King's Head Pub

Explore the coastline of County Clare with a small-group walking tour. Meet your guide at the starting point in the village of Doolin and set out on a countryside stroll. See several top area landmarks including the Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s Tower. Go off-the-beaten-path and find scenic Instagram spots during the walking tour.

Discover Connemara on this private half-day tour from Galway for groups of up to seven people. Drive through the scenic countryside, past the villages of Connemara, Inverin Spiddal, and Barna, with stops to take in the views of Clifden Bay, the Twelve Bens, and the Maam Turk Mountains, and explore the historic Kylemore Abbey, with time for lunch or snacks (own expense).

Experience Galway like a local on this private walking tour led by a friendly resident who knows the city best. Wander through lively streets, charming squares, and along scenic rivers as your guide shares stories, history, and insider tips that bring the city to life. With flexible durations from 2 to 6 hours, you can choose a relaxed stroll or a more immersive exploration, all at your own pace. Perfect for travelers seeking a personal and authentic introduction, this tour offers a warm welcome and a chance to discover Galway’s unique character firsthand.

A premium small-group experience for curious travellers who feel drawn to Ireland’s ancient Celtic roots. Step beyond ordinary sightseeing and into the magical world of ancient Ireland. This tour brings Ireland’s legendary past to life through captivating storytelling, hidden city corners, medieval streets and unforgettable local atmosphere. Explore Galway at an easy pace, with space to ask questions, soak in the atmosphere, and receive personalised recommendations tailored to your interests. Step into a world where faeries, druids and the Otherworld still feel close. Hear tales of warrior heroes, powerful goddesses, fairy folklore and the mysteries that shaped Irish culture for centuries. If you're searching for one of the most unique things to do in Galway, this is it.

Discover the beauty and culture of County Clare with a half-day guided walk led by a local farmer. Go for a stroll along the region’s famous sea cliffs and learn about the history and folklore of this corner of Ireland. Admire views of local landmarks including the Aran Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara during this walk in the countryside.

Galway might have a charming history that delights tourists, but as with any storied city, there are certainly darker tales below the surface. Discover chilling stories of murder, ghosts, and witchcraft as you navigate the city streets on this evening walking tour that takes you to some of Galway’s most haunted spots.

Discover the countryside beyond Galway City with this full-day tour of Connemara. Skip the hassle of navigating and board a comfortable coach for a tour of scenic villages and the Wild Atlantic Way. Explore the historic Kylemore Abbey including its walled Victorian Garden at your leisure. Maximize time in Connemara with a tour that features popular locations including the village of Roundstone, the scenic Sky Road, and landmarks like Clifden Castle.

Explore Ireland's natural beauty on this tour, visiting Inisheer and the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy free time on Inisheer Island, take a boat ride beneath the Cliffs of Moher, and visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. See stunning landscapes, including The Burren and Dunguaire Castle, all in one unforgettable day.

Experience the mighty Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from both land and sea on this full-day tour from Galway. Marvel at the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way; cruise out to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands; then hike along the cliff-tops and enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Head out to the gorgeous Aran Islands on this hassle-free small-group bike tour from Galway. Your guide organizes all the details, so you just need to show up ready for an adventure. You cover a lot more ground by bike than walking, so you see lots of landmarks including castles, ancient ruins, shipwrecks, and more. Explore Doolin and the Burren region, too.

Wild, beautiful, and almost traffic-free, Inishmore is a dream location for a 2-wheel adventure. There’s no need to huff and puff up the island’s hills when you book this e-bike rental, with power available when you need it. Your bike comes complete with a helmet for safety and a beautiful map of the island: In the unlikely event of technical issues, there’s roadside assistance if required.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way without the hassle of organizing logistics or renting a car, thanks to this full-day tour. Venture out from Galway onboard a coach, and admire the scenery as you travel through the limestone landscape of the Burren to the village of Doolin. There, take the express ferry to Inisheer, the smallest and most traditional of the Aran Islands. Discover a 10th-century castle ruin, a sunken church, a shipwreck, and a peaceful beach, with the option to explore on foot, by bike, or pony and trap (own expense). Afterward, the ferry continues beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher for a unique vantage point from on the water, before returning to Doolin. Choose whether to tuck into a traditional Irish pub meal (own expense), before heading the top of the cliffs to catch sweeping Atlantic views.

Pedal as little or as much as you like on this electric bike tour of the Burren. Travel at your own pace through the stunning scenery with the help of a map to point out the can't-miss landmarks, such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient ring fort, and other local gems. This self-guided tour is perfect for independent travelers who want to make their own way.

Discover a thriving Irish tradition in a historic place with admission to Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations. Pre-booking tickets to the sheepdog demonstrations is a convenient way to take care of planning in advance. That means you can use your travel time for exploring the historic ring fort and watching the highly trained sheepdogs perform.