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.

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.

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.

There are many activities you can do to get to know the real Ireland, but none quite like this Leenaun Killary Sheep Farm Tour with Sheepdog Demonstration. This tour takes you through the farmland with the farmer himself as you learn about the practices of the farm and watch a sheepdog demonstration. Plus, hear a great deal about the inner workings of a sheep farm, too.

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.

Explore Ireland’s beautiful Burren region and discover top natural landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, with ease on this day tour from Galway. Travel through the Burren’s rugged landscapes without having to tackle the winding roads yourself and discover the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave. Explore walking trails on top of the mighty Cliffs of Moher at your leisure and enjoy panoramic views over the coastal scenery.

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.

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.

Not everyone wants to spend their time at Cliffs of Moher—one of Ireland’s most stunning natural attractions—trailing behind a guide. Then again, renting a car can also be a hassle. Skip the fuss on this transport-only tour, which whisks you from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and back by direct shuttle bus. Once there, enjoy free time to wander the clifftop trails on your own.

Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip from Galway. Travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages such as Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; get acquainted with the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon; and spend two hours of free time walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Join a friendly local guide in Sligo for a private walking tour starting at the iconic Statue of W. B. Yeats and meandering through riverside paths, historic alleys, abbey ruins and open public spaces. You’ll capture the spirit of the town and its link to one of Ireland’s greatest poets, while enjoying a mix of culture, nature and local life. Whether you go for an hour or up to six hours, this tour gives an authentic and relaxed glimpse of Sligo’s heart.

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.

Take an express bucket list experience from Galway city to visit and see the iconic and breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, towering 700ft above the untamed Atlantic Ocean that stretch 8km along County Clare’s coast. Encounter a moment of magic as you stand atop these world-renowned Cliffs, towering high above the ocean below, with their abrupt cliff edges, offering breathtaking views of surreal land and seascapes including the three Aran Islands etched across Galway Bay. Visitors have 2 hours of free time at the Cliffs to visit the interactive Cliffs of Moher visitor centre on site and are also welcome to explore the scenic walking paths along the cliffs to experience the invigorating Wild Atlantic Way coastal route first-hand. Along these exhilarating walks, feel the distant rumble as waves crash against the soft shale and sandstone below. This non-stop express service is a non-guided shuttle service to the Cliffs of Moher.

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.

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.

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.

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 Burgos and made it one of the most important trading hubs along the western seaboard during the medieval period.

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.

Book this hassle-free small-group tour to see some of the best of West Ireland, where all your transport, guides, and logistics are all taken care of for you. You have several activities in this tour, including a trip to Aughnanure Castle, spending time in Connemara and its surrounding villages, and a chance to watch a sheepdog demonstration.

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.

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

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.

Embark on a thrilling road trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on this full-day tour from Galway. Discover the natural wonders of Galway Bay and Connemara as you leave the tourist trail behind and journey along the coast. Admire views of Rosmuc, Derrygimlagh Bog and the Twelve Bens Mountains; visit the former residence of political leader Padraic Pearse; and stop for morning tea in Roundstone (not included). Finally, look out for wild Connemara ponies as you hike through Connemara National Park or pay a visit to the magnificent 19th-century Kylemore Abbey.