Galway, Ireland-6-day-itinerary

6-Day Galway Itinerary:

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: English (Irish Gaelic is also spoken)
  • Best Time to Visit: May-September for warmer weather, but expect crowds. March-April and September-October offer milder temperatures with fewer tourists.
  • Getting Around: Galway is walkable. Consider renting a bike for longer distances. Public buses are available for day trips outside the city.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: The Loft Hostel, Galway City Backpackers
  • Mid-Range: The House Hotel, Galway Bay Hotel
  • Luxury: The G Hotel, Glenlo Abbey Hotel

Day 1: Arriving in Galway & Exploring the City Centre

  • Morning: Arrive at Shannon Airport (SNN) or Knock Airport (NOC). Take a bus or taxi to Galway.
  • Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Stroll through Eyre Square, the heart of Galway. Admire the architecture and enjoy street performers.
  • Evening: Dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos for fresh seafood with a view of the Spanish Arch.

Day 2: Culture & History

  • Morning: Visit the Galway City Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Latin Quarter, known for its colorful shops, pubs, and traditional music sessions.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner and music at The Crane Bar or Tigh Neachtain.

Day 3: Connemara Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a bus tour to Connemara National Park. Hike through stunning landscapes with mountains, bogs, and lakes.
  • Afternoon: Visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful neo-Gothic castle nestled in the Connemara countryside.
  • Evening: Dine at The King’s Head Pub back in Galway for a casual atmosphere and delicious pub grub.

Day 4: Aran Islands Adventure

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Galway to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Rent a bike to explore the island’s prehistoric forts, ancient stone walls, and dramatic cliffs.
  • Afternoon: Visit Dún Aonghasa fort for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at Joe Watty’s Bar & Restaurant on Inis Mór before catching the ferry back to Galway.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

  • Morning: Take a bus tour to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, towering cliffs offering panoramic views of the Wild Atlantic Way.
  • Afternoon: Explore The Burren, a unique landscape with limestone pavements and rare flora. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient megalithic tomb.

Day 6: Farewell Galway

  • Morning: Relax at Salthill Promenade, enjoy the beach views, and browse the quirky shops.
  • Afternoon: Have lunch at McDonagh’s Seafood House for fresh fish and chips.
  • Evening: Depart from Galway by bus or taxi to Shannon or Knock Airport.

Transportation Tips:

  • Bus Eireann: Provides reliable bus services throughout Galway and beyond.
  • Galway Bay Bike Hire: Rent bikes for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
  • Taxis: Readily available in Galway, but consider booking in advance during peak season.

Other things of interest to tourists:

  • Galway Arts Festival: Held annually in July, featuring theatre, music, dance, and visual art.
  • Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival: A celebration of all things seafood held every September.
  • Shop Street: Galway’s main shopping street with a variety of boutiques, pubs, and restaurants.

Enjoy your trip to Galway!