Ireland is one of my all time favorite places to visit. I’ve been 8 times (and counting) and just can’t seem to get enough of the Emerald Isle. I’ve done everything from 2 week trips to long weekends in Dublin. If I were to create my dream 4-day Ireland itinerary – this is it. It includes escapes to the outdoors with city adventures. So whether it’s your first trip to Ireland or your 100th, I think this is the perfect itinerary for a quick trip to Ireland.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.
Ireland travel resources
- Book your flight to Ireland with Skyscanner
- Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
- Book an amazing hotel with booking.com or Hostelworld
- Best Dublin Tours: Guinness Storehouse Tickets, Hop On & Hop Off Bus, Northern Ireland Day Trip, Wicklow Mountains Day Trip
- Best Galway Tours: Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Trip, Connemara & Cong Day Trip, Galway City Food Tour
- Ireland Travel Essentials: waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle
How to Get to Ireland
First things first, you’ve got to get to Ireland to start this itinerary. There are two main international airports in Ireland, the Dublin airport and the Shannon Airport.
Dublin is the primary airport people fly into (and the one I recommend for this itinerary). The Dublin airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center. There are also a number of buses that connect the airport to other destinations in Ireland.
The Shannon Airport is an amazing airport that I recently used as my departure airport. I flew from Shannon to JFK on my way home to San Francisco and the process was so simple. There were barely any lines in security or customs and everyone was so friendly. If you can, I’d recommend flying out of Shannon.
Shannon is located on the west coast of Ireland about 30 minutes from Limerick and 1 hour from Galway.
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flagship airline serves both airports to hundreds of destinations. You can check Google Flights or Skyscanner to see when you can get the cheapest flights from your departure city, but book directly with the airline.
You may also be able to find flights on Ryan Air, United, and Delta.


How to Get Around Ireland
Now that you’ve arrived, how do you get around Ireland efficiently when you only have 4 days? I’ll go through your transportation options below.
Renting a Car in Ireland
Want to know something? I’ve never rented a car in Ireland! I know that an Irish road trip is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, but I just haven’t done it. I keep saying that I’ll do it on the next trip, and always chicken out.
Recently, I rented a car for a Scotland road trip so I feel more confident about driving on the opposite side of the car and the road. So maybe next time?
Since this is such a short itinerary, you may want to get a rental car to maximize your time. Renting a car allows you the ultimate freedom to explore Ireland, move at your own pace, and stay in some unique places.
If you’re up for the challenge of navigating narrow roads, then go for it!
Pro Tip: Rent your car when you’re ready to leave Dublin. Do not rent a car and drive in Dublin. The traffic is insane and you’ll need to have accommodation that has parking. It’s easiest to rent a car from the Dublin airport. So, you may want to swap this itinerary and have Dublin be your last day so you can drop the rental car off, spend the day in Dublin, then return to the airport to depart.
Check rental car options here!
Public Transportation in Ireland
A lot of Irish people will complain about public transportation in Ireland, stating it’s reliably late. However, I’ve taken buses and trains to places like Sligo, Westport, Belfast, Dingle, and Doolin and the longest I’ve had to wait 30 extra minutes for a late bus. (You can’t see, but I’m knocking on wood so I keep having that luck).
You can easily do this 4 day Ireland itinerary using only public transportation. While it may take a bit longer to get from point A to point B, during your travel time you can catch up on sleep, organize your photos, or simply relax without having to worry about navigating!
Buses in Ireland
There are multiple bus service providers in Ireland. Bus Eireann offers both long distance (using Expressway) and local routes. CityLink offers express connections between multiple destinations and Dublin Bus connects Dublin with County Wicklow and Kildare!
Bus tickets generally cost around 20 one way.
- Check Bus Eirrean Routes here.
- Check CityLink Routes here.
- Check Dublin Bus Routes here.

Trains in Ireland
Iranrod Eireann, or Irish Rail, is Ireland’s train network that also operates DART in Dublin. The cost of a train ticket varies depending on the destination and the time of the year. I recommend booking a flexible fair online in advance so you secure your seat, but can also make changes (including refunds) should your plans change.
Day Tours in Ireland
Another way to get around Ireland, especially when you’re short on time is by using day tours! Guided day tours will take you to the most popular tourist attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, Newgrange, or the Giants Causeway while stopping at some hidden gems along the way. They can be a bit expensive, but they include all planning, transportation, and sometimes food!
Check out the best Ireland day tours here.
For the purposes of this 4-day Ireland itinerary, you’ll be utilizing a combination of public transportation and guided tours to see the best of the Emerald Isle!
Best Time of the Year to Visit Ireland
I believe that there is no bad time of year to visit Ireland, as long as you pack accordingly. However, for this short itinerary, I recommend visiting in the summer months or in the shoulder seasons so you can get as much daylight as possible and have decent weather to maximize your time!
Here’s what to expect in each season of Ireland in terms of weather, crowds, and cost.
Summer in Ireland (June – August)
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Ireland. The summer has the best weather throughout Ireland with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F), though it can occasionally hit higher. You’ll also get about 18 hours of daylight in the summer making it ideal for checking off all of your bucket list items.
Kids are out of school, and locals and tourists are taking their summer vacations. As such, many popular destinations, like the Cliffs of Moher, will be crowded.
Since it’s the high tourist season expect higher accommodation prices.
If the summer is the only time of the year you can visit Ireland, you will still have a great time! Book your accommodation well in advance to mitigate the cost, also book any of your must do items in advance because they might sell out.

Fall in Ireland (September – October)
I absolutely love visiting Ireland in the fall, specifically early October. The weather is mild with temperatures around 12-17°C (54-63°F) and in the countryside the colors are turning to vibrant orange and red. While the days are getting shorter, you’ll still have enough time to enjoy the activities on this itinerary and then cozy up in a pub in the evenings!
Fall is considered one of the shoulder seasons for visiting Ireland because you still have decent weather, but the crowds have diminished allowing you to experience tourist sites without a bunch of other people!
Accommodation prices are also more affordable in the fall as well.

Winter in Ireland (November – February)
If you don’t mind some chilly weather, the winter can be a great time of year to visit Ireland. I’ve gone in November, December and January (lol – not all at the same time, but over the years). While it’s definitely cold, temperatures range from 4-9°C (39-48°F), I loved that it was uncrowded!
In regards to the weather, certain parts of Ireland do get snow, while others you can just expect a lot of rain!
In the winter cities get dressed up for the holidays which adds a bit of festivity to this itinerary! Dublin at Christmas is a sight to see!
Since it’s considered the off-season, some attractions may close so just double check before you go. That being said, what is open will have minimal crowds so you’ll be able to enjoy it peacefully – just bundle up!

Spring in Ireland (March – May)
Spring is another favorite time of year for me to visit Ireland, mainly because my birthday is in May and that’s when I took my first trip there (10 years ago!).
The spring weather is incredibly pleasant with mild temperatures around 10-17°C (50-63°F). It will still be rainy, of course, but you’ll also get a few sunny days.
Considered a shoulder season for travel, there will be more crowds than the winter and they will increase as it gets closer to summer. That being said, it’s definitely manageable and the prices for accommodation are still reasonable.
Plus, when you get out to the countryside spring flowers will be in bloom and Atlantic Puffins will be nesting on the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands!

What to Pack for Ireland
When you’re packing for Ireland remember that the weather is variable (even on the same day) so layers are essential. Ireland on the whole is a casual country so you can typically wear a nice pair of jeans and a sweater out to dinner or the pub.
While what you’ll pack for Ireland varies a little bit depending on the season, which I’ve got a complete Ireland packing list for, here is an overview of the essentials!
- Waterproof Jacket: No matter the season, you’ll need waterproof outerwear. A light rain jacket like this one is perfect for the spring and summer as it packs down easily into your day bag so you can bring it with you when you’re out and about. You can easily layer it over a fleece or sweater for additional warmth. For the winter, you’ll just need a warmer rain jacket that has a bit of lining and is trench coat length, like this one or this one.
- Waterproof Walking Shoes: Comfortable, waterproof boots or shoes are ideal for exploring towns or hiking trails. Think Blundstones or these Sorel Chelsea Booties. You’ll also want a comfortable sneaker, I’ve been loving these Keen sneakers (even though they’re not waterproof). For a nice night out consider a loafer or ballet flat!
- Jeans: One pair of jeans is perfect for the length of this itinerary. Pack a pair that you feel great in!
- Leggings: I love these fleece lined leggings! You can wear them hiking, out in the city, or to the pub. They’re one of my favorite purchases for Ireland trips!
- Tops: You need 2-4 tops for this itinerary. Consider short or long sleeved shirts depending on the time of year.
- Sweater: Whether it’s a cozy fleece, a chunky cable knit, or a cashmere crew neck sweater, pack one that you can wear with multiple outfits and for multiple activities.
- Undergarments: Even though it’s only a 4 day trip, I recommend packing a few extra pairs of underwear. I also love Darn Tough socks for keeping my feet warm and blister free when walking all over the place! One sports bra and one regular bra should be sufficient.
- Hat: Pack either a baseball hat like this to protect your skin from the sun in the summer months or a cozy beanie like this one to keep your ears toasty.
- Travel Umbrella: An umbrella is incredibly beneficial on a rainy Ireland day. But if it’s windy it’s best just to stick with your raincoat because the wind will render your umbrella useless.
- Portable Charger: Charge on the go with a power bank so you’ll never be without a camera or directions! I’ve been using this one for years and love it!
- Travel Adapter: If you’re visiting Ireland from the United States you will need an adapter for the plugs. I use this universal travel adapter and it works quite well!
- Day Bag: A small backpack or shoulder bag is perfect for days out exploring the Emerald Isle. I’ve recently been using this Nordace backpack which has so many pockets and the newer version is waterproof!


Solo Travel Safety Tips for Ireland
Generally speaking, Ireland is very safe to travel alone. In 2024 it ranked third on the global peace index in the company of other countries like Iceland, New Zealand.
Petty crime, such as theft or pick pocketing does occur especially in tourist areas like Temple Bar in Dublin. Keep your valuables safe in your room and only carry necessities on you.
Here are a few other safety tips and mistakes to avoid when visiting Ireland:
- Don’t Get Wasted: Pub culture is one of my favorite things in Ireland, and I’ll be in a pub most nights on my trips. While I’ve definitely had a few drunken nights in Ireland with new friends, it’s important to monitor and moderate your drinks so you can continue to use common sense.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: An often overlooked aspect of solo travel safety is staying hydrating and eating well. This prevents illness and keeps your energy levels high for all of your Irish adventures!
- Use Your Credit Card for Purchases: Throughout Ireland, credit cards are readily accepted. Use your travel credit card for your purchases and carry only minimal cash that you might need for the bus or a tip. It’s much easier to recover from having your credit card stolen than a few hundred euros (speaking from experience).
- Check Reviews Before Booking: Pay special attention to reviews from female travelers and any safety concerns in the comments. I also consider how the management responds to any negative reviews.
- Talk to People: Irish people are usually up for a nice chat over a pint. They may also be able to tell you their favorite places to visit in the area or places to avoid. But it’s also just nice to make some new friends while traveling and Ireland is a great place to do that!
- Don’t Drink and Drive: Not sure this needs more explanation.
- Get Travel Insurance: Yes, travel insurance will help you in the case of cancelled flights or lost luggage. But it will also help you if you get sick abroad. A lot of people think they only need this in extreme situations, but even an ear infection could be covered or sprained ankle! I typically use World Nomads or Safety Wing depending on the price.


Your 4-Day Ireland Itinerary
Now that we’ve gotten all of the practical stuff out of the way, let’s dive into how to spend 4 full days in Ireland!
Disclaimer: For this itinerary, you will arrive in Ireland on day 0 and depart on day 5 meaning you actually need 6 days for this trip so that you can have four full days in Ireland! If that’s not feasible, then day 0 will turn into day 1 and you’ll do what you can on the first day before heading out for the rest of the itinerary!
Day 0: Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin! You’ve landed, cleared customs, gathered your bags…now what?
Well, you likely have a half day ahead of you as most international flights (from the states) land in the late morning, early afternoon.
So first things first, make your way from the Dublin airport to the city center. If you’re wondering how, read the post I just linked. But as an overview the cheapest option is the Airlink Bus or you can hire a taxi from the licensed taxi ranks. It takes about 30 minutes to get into the city depending on the traffic levels when you arrive.
Check in to your hotel (my recommendations are below) to freshen up after the long flight and then get ready to start exploring the city!


Visit The Guinness Storehouse
The first thing you’ll do is visit the Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse is an interactive museum about the history of Guinness. There is a tasting along the way, which was my very first ever taste of Guinness and when I became a convert! It truly does taste better in Ireland.
Don’t forget to go all the way to the top for the rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of Dublin – and a complimentary pint of Guinness!
Make sure to buy your tickets in advance online and splurge for the skip the line tickets so you can maximize your time!
Have Dinner at the Brazen Head
After your Guinness Storehouse Experience head to the Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub.
This historic pub was established in 1198 and is where you can go for an amazing Guinness & Beef Stew and live music 7 nights a week. It’s a bit touristy, but you’re gauranteed to have a good meal and a good time! You may even make a new friend or two!

Drinks at the Cobblestone
If you’ve still got enough energy, head across the River Liffey to the Cobblestone Pub. It’s a quick walk across the bridge into the Smithfield area.
The Cobblestone Pub is a traditional Irish pub that also has great music every night and amazing bartenders!
When you’ve had enough fun, you can take the LUAS tram to get back to the city center and close to your hotel. Or hop in an Uber.
Alternative Option: If you want to experience Temple Bar, now is your chance. The Temple Bar area has a heavy concentration of pubs, including one called Temple Bar. It’s incredibly touristy and I think there are better options (and prices) elsewhere. That being said, if it’s your first time in Dublin have a walk through to see the vibe. Just know that the pub music will be a lot of Sweet Caroline sing-alongs (which are fun anyway).


Day 1 in Ireland: Exploring Ireland’s Capital City – Dublin
Good Morning! It’s your first full day in Ireland and it’s a good one!
Breakfast at Bread41
Bread41 is a popular bakery that offers brunch Wednesday through Sunday in their upstairs eatery. Alternatively, the bakery downstairs is open 7 days a week and makes delicious sweet and savory treats to get your day started! They also have a coffee and tea bar to help with any hangover you may be nursing.


Trinity College & Book of Kells
Now that you’ve got something in your belly, the first stop for your one day in Dublin is at Trinity College to visit the spectacular Book of Kells and the famous Old Library’s Long Room.
The Book of Kells is an ancient religious text with intricate designs preserved over the centuries.
Leading up to witnessing the book with your own eyes is an exceptionally well-done exhibit that details the design and construction of the Book as well as its role in Irish history.
After the Book of Kells, the tour continues into Trinity College’s Old Library’s Long Room. Here, you’ll find thousands of books filling the shelves of this two-story room. The bust of a famous author bookends each aisle, and in the middle of the room, you’ll also discover Ireland’s oldest harp.
Don’t forget to take a photo at the Campanile of Trinity College while you’re on campus.
Pro Tip: This is a top-rated attraction in Dublin, so plan ahead. In high tourist season, book your tickets online to skip the line.
Book your Book of Kells Ticket Here!


Go Window Shopping
After Trinity College, go window shopping! You can stroll the main pedestrian shopping street, on Grafton St. which is home to many name brand stores. However, I really enjoy the local shops you’ll find on Drury and William St. These two streets are also home to some of the best coffee shops in Dublin if you need a pick-me up.
Have Lunch at Loose Canon Cheese and Wine
Loose Canon Cheese and Wine is a wine bar that has some amazing sandwiches and cheeseboards. It’s a small shop, but there’s also seating in the shopping arcade – perfect if it’s raining!
Learn about Ireland’s Religious History
Interest in learning about Ireland’s religious history? Stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral which has served as a site for religious and political needs throughout the centuries. The grounds outside are beautiful to walk through. You can pay a small fee to enter the church as well. A tour is included in the price of admission if you wish to take one. Or you can walk through at your own pace.
I do think the interior is beautiful and provides interesting historical information.
It’s fairly cheap to enter if you’ve got the time. It costs €7.00
Another great church to visit in Dublin is Christ Church Cathedral. Christ Church was originally a Viking Church and has been welcoming visitors for 1,000 years! You can explore the crypt, climb to the bell tower, and see a copy of the Magna Carta (among other interesting hidden treasures).

Go Whiskey Tasting
Depending on which church you chose to visit you’ll be near either the Jameson Distillery (Christ Church) or Teeling’s Whiskey Distillery (St. Patrick’s). A visit to either is a must on your Dublin itinerary!
I’ve done the Jameson Distillery Tour and really enjoyed it! The tasting at the end is quite nice as well. My coworker has done the Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and tells me that I need to do it on my next Dublin visit!
I don’t think you can go wrong with either tour! Make sure to book them in advance if possible.
Book Your Jameson Distillery Tour Here.
Book Your Teeling Distillery Tour Here.
Have Dinner in Dublin
Ready to eat? Here are a few of my favorite places to eat dinner in Dublin, for a variety of budgets!
- Las Tapas de Lola: Amazing tapas spot in the Portobello neighborhood.
- Bambino: Grab a quick and delicious slice of pizza before the bus!
- Hawksmoor: Want to treat yourself to a nice dinner? Have steak at Hawksmoor!
- Cornucopia: This is a vegan spot, but it’s so good! I love their soups and comfort food!
- Gallagher’s Boxty House: This spot in Temple Bar comes highly recommended
- The Old Spot: A bit removed from the city center, but worth the visit, especially on a Sunday for their roast!
- The Fish Shop: A tiny restaurant that serves amazing fish & chips in Smithfield


Cocktails at Bar 1661
One of my favorite experiences in Dublin was at Bar 1661. This cocktail bar creates unique drinks using poitin, a traditional Irish sprit. The bartenders are spectacular and the vibes are immaculate. It’s a unique place to end your time in Dublin!
Day 2 in Ireland: Exploring the Medieval City of Galway
Get ready for your second day in Ireland which includes a bus ride to explore the best things to do in Galway.
Gather your bags and take the CityLink bus route 660 from Dublin to Galway.
The rest of this itinerary uses Galway city as your home base to explore the west coast of Ireland!


Have Breakfast at ArdBia at Nimmos
When you arrive in Galway, drop your bags at your accommodation and head to ArdBia at Nimmos on the Long Walk just beyond the Spanish Arch for breakfast. This is my absolute favorite place to eat in Galway with a menu that changes based on the season, so I’ve never had the same meal twice, but it’s always been fantastic.


Walk to Salthill
After breakfast take a nice long stroll along Galway Bay into Salthill. You’ll see the colorful houses of the long walk, see people fishing or swimming in the bay, and just be able to enjoy the scenery. Walk all the way to Blackrock Diving Tower where you’ll see locals jumping in from the tower (when the tide is right).
There is a coffee shop here to get coffee as well.
Walk into Salthill on Salthill Road where there are a few of the best coffee shops in Galway like Kali Coffee Bar and Ré. O’Connor’s Pub is also located in Salthill and a great place for a drink (they don’t open till around 7:00 pm).
Then hop on the bus to go the rest of the way back to Galway City Center. It costs €2.00.
Alternatively you could walk the rest of the way (what I typically do).


Visit Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral was built in 1958 from the remaining stones of the prison that once stood on the same grounds. This makes it the last stone cathedral built in Europe. The artwork inside boasts a large crucifix mosaic and three large rose-stained glass windows. John F. Kennedy visited the church just before his assassination, and they added mosaic artwork to pay respect to him and his support for the cathedral. Can you find it?
It is free to enter, but there is a suggested donation of €2.


Explore Galway City Center
Galway city is filled with amazing shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. There is something magical about walking down Shop Street when it’s filled with people enjoying the buskers, a pint from a pub, or an afternoon of shopping.
Here are a few of the favorite places to visit:
Eyre Square
It’s hard to miss Eyre Squares it’s located right next to the bus station, the shopping center, and popular pubs. It’s a lovely park that is excellent for catching some rays on a sunny day. There is a medieval relic is located here, a door to one of the tribe’s homes. You’ll find 14 flags on the door, each representing one of the original Galway families.
Charlie Byrne Bookstore
Charlie Byrne Bookstore is a huge bookstore filled from floor to the ceiling with new and used books on any subject you can dream up!
Paying great homage to Ireland’s literary history, they have many books on Irish history and sections dedicated to Irish authors. Of course, they also have new Best Sellers. If you need more than five rooms of books for yourself, the hallway outside of the shop is lined with used books for 2-3 euros. This shop is definitely worth a wander on a rainy day.

Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Shop
Pay a visit to the oldest makers of the traditional Claddagh ring. They’ve been in business for over 200 years and still make the famous Claddagh ring. Traditionally, it’s used as an engagement ring, but I bought one for myself because why not? The silver rings, without any stones, are not too expensive. But they also create more elaborate, engagement-style Claddagh rings.
The coolest part about these rings is that the inside is stamped with TD Original. This way, you know it’s legit! The back room has a small history of Thomas Dillon and how the ring came to be – as well as a ring the size of a pinhead.
Have Dinner at Handsome Burger
There are so many great restaurants in Galway that it was hard for me to recommend only one here, but I chose Handsome Burger because it’s one of the best burgers I’ve had and it’s located in Galway’s West End , one of my favorite areas of the Galway.


Listen to Trad Music in Galway’s Pubs
One of the best things to do in Galway is spend time in the pubs listening to live music. A couple of the best pubs in Galway for live music are Tig Coili, Taafes (they both typically have an afternoon and evening session), the Crane Bar, and Monroe’s.
That was quite the day in Galway and you’ve seen pretty much the whole city. While I could spend weeks in Galway itself, there is so much to see in this part of Ireland. So after a few pints, head to the hotel to get some rest for tomorrow when you’ll head to the Cliffs of Moher!


Day 3 in Ireland: Cliffs of Moher & Burren National Park from Galway
Breakfast at Hotel in Galway
High on many people’s bucket lists for Ireland is a visit to the Cliffs of Moher – so that’s what’s on the itinerary today! Grab a quick breakfast from your hotel, dress in layers, and let’s go!
Cliffs of Moher & Burren National Park Day Trip
Located in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher rise out of the Atlantic Ocean to the dramatic height of 702 ft just beyond O’Brien’s Tower. From the highest point and in good weather, you’ll have spectacular views across the Atlantic all the way to the Aran Islands.
The Cliffs have been featured in many movies and tv shows, are a nesting ground for Atlantic Puffins, and are a must see in Ireland.
The Burren National Park is 250 acres of unique limestone landscape filled with ancient tombs, caves, and ring forts.
There are multiple ways to visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. You could DIY it as Bus Éireann route 350 stops at the Cliffs of Moher car park and Doolin. From there you could take a taxi into the Burren.
To be honest though, I think the best way to see both the Cliffs of Moher and Burren in one day is with a guided tour.
This guided tour includes a stop at Dunguaire Castle and Hazel Mountain Chocolate before stopping in the Burren and Doolin for lunch. Ending the tour with a couple of hours to explore the Cliffs of Moher.
Book your day your from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher here.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to dedicate a whole day to Galway, you could visit the Cliffs of Moher as a guided day trip from Dublin and instead of returning to Dublin just stay in Galway when the tour stops there. Just inform the tour provider so they don’t think they’ve left someone behind!

Dinner in Galway
After your day exploring the natural beauty of Ireland, you’re probably pretty hungry! Tonight head to Dough Bros for pizza! It’s regularly called one of the best pizzas in Galway and the pie I had there was pretty damn good!
After dinner check out another pub in Galway!
Day 4 in Ireland: Galway & Aran Islands
Today is your fourth and final full day in Ireland! You’ll be taking a day trip from Galway to the Aran Islands where it feels like stepping back in time!
Breakfast at Hotel in Galway
Grab a bite to eat from your accommodation in the morning as the bus to the ferry for the Aran Islands departs Galway City at 9:30. If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, The Grind Coffee & Food Hub, Little Lane Coffee Co., and Cafe Nero are open early for a coffee and light bite to eat.
Day Trip to the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in Galway Bay. From largest to smallest, the islands are Inishmore (Inis Mor), Inishmaan (Inis Meain), and Inisheer (Inis Oirr).
The islands are a place where you’ll get a true glimpse at Irish culture, as the Irish language is still spoken by many islanders. You’ll also receive the warm welcome and generous hospitality that Ireland is known for.
If it’s your first time visiting the Aran Islands I recommend choosing Inishmore (Inis Mór).
Inishmore is the most popular Aran Island for a day trip from Galway as it’s the closest and has over 50 historically significant sites. Plus, spectacular scenery, dramatic cliffs, and puffins!
Inishmore was the first island I visited on my first solo trip to Ireland, and I spent one of the best days in Ireland exploring it by bike. If you only have time for one island, let this be it.
The sailing time to Inishmore from Galway is approximately 40 minutes. I recall the ferry ride out to the island being incredibly choppy, but the way back was smooth!


Things to do on Inishmore Island:
- Kilronan Village is the main port and town of Inishmore. Here, you’ll find bike rentals, shops, restaurants, and accommodation.
- Dun Eochla is a stone ring fort located at the highest point in Inishmore. It offers 360o views of the island.
- Dún Aonghasa is the ancient ruin of a stone fort on the southern side of the island that shows human activity dating back over 2.5 thousand years.
- Worm Hole is a rectangular-shaped pool that Irish people use as a swimming pool when the tides are right. Red Bull has used the Worm Hole in the past for their extreme cliff diving events.
- Joe Watty’s Pub is a must-visit for lunch and a pint before sailing back to Galway.
You need to reserve your ferry in advance with Aran Island Ferries. You can book it online or stop by their office in town. They also provide a bus transfer from Galway to Rosaveel, the ferry port.
You can also fly to the Aran Islands if that sounds better!
Evening in Galway
It’s your last night in Ireland so have a good time! Maybe join a Galway pub crawl or treat yourself to a nice dinner at Kai Cafe or Dela.


Alternative Option for Day 4: Clifden & Connemara
If you’ve already visited the Aran Islands or the thought of a Gilligan’s Island style ferry ride is not on your Ireland bucket list, then consider a day trip to Clifden and Connemara National Park.
You can take CityLink 923 or Bus Eireann 419 from Galway to Clifden. Clifden is a gorgeous small town on the Wild Atlantic Way where you can rent a bike and cycle the sky road.
If you want to have an active day, one of the most popular hikes in Ireland, Diamond Hill, is located in Connemara National Park. Get off the bus at the Letterfrack stop and walk to the entrance to Connemara National Park. The trail starts from the parking lot!
Kylemore Abbey is also on the bus route and a popular place to spend the day. You can explore the Victorian Walled Gardens, visit the Abbey, and simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this Victoria era mansion. From Clifden or Letterfrack you can take Bus Eireann route 423 and get off at the Kylemore Abbey Entrance stop.
Visiting all three of these locations in one day is a lot without a car as you need a few hours for each activity, plus travel time. So pick the one you want to see most and plan for it.
Alternatively there are guided bus tours that include a scenic drive through Connemara, entrance to Kylemore Abbey, and a visit to a couple small towns along the way!
Book your Connemara & Kylemore Abbey day tour here.


Day 5: Depart Ireland
Travel to Dublin Airport
Sadly, it’s time to head home. You’re likely flying home from the Dublin airport. You can take the CityLink bus 760 directly from Galway to the Dublin airport. The bus ride takes roughly 2.5 hours so make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your flight to check-in and clear security and customs. It typically takes about 3 hours for the whole process at the Dublin airport.
Travel to Shannon Airport
If you’re departing from Shannon – which I recommend because the process is so much easier and you still clear customs. Take Bus Eireann route 51 from Galway to Shannon. It takes roughly 1.5-2 hours.
Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland
Make sure you check out the complete guide on where to stay in Dublin, which details the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Dublin. If it’s your first time in Dublin, I recommend picking a hotel near Grafton Street or St. Stephens Green. Staying in these areas will place you near transportation and all of the fun things to do in Dublin!
Here are my top 5 picks for the best places to stay in Dublin:
- Best Budget-Friendly Hostel: Jacob’s Inn Hostel
- Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Sonder the Earl
- Best Boutique Hotel: Wren Urban Nest
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Westbury Hotel
- Best Overall Hotel: The Dean Dublin
Where to Stay in Galway, Ireland
Galway is a small city with plenty of accommodation options for any budget. I do a deep dive into where to stay in Galway in another post, but as an overview, I suggest staying as close to Shop Street as possible to be close to all of Galway’s attractions.
To keep it simple and decrease planning overwhelm, here are the top 5 places to stay in Galway:
- Best Budget-Friendly Hostel: The Nest Boutique Hostel
- Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: The Snug Townhouse
- Best Luxury Hotel: The G Hotel & Spa
- Best B&B: Corrib House
- Best Overall Hotel: The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Well that was a whirlwind trip to Ireland! I know it was a lot for four days. It was a tough to decide which places to include on this itinerary, but these are some of my favorite places to visit in Ireland and I think they highlight the best of everything that Ireland has to offer. I hope that you have an amazing trip to Ireland!
Don’t forget to download my packing list for Ireland and get my 7 day Ireland itinerary which includes more beautiful places to visit!
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