Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour
4.93,666 reviews8h
from €65
Check availabilityBudget · 7 Days
€560
Mid-range · 7 Days
€1,309
Best months
May to September
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€120
With 7 days in Galway, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. More than a stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a cultural powerhouse that hosts the Galway International Arts Festival and the legendary Galway Oyster Festival. Its compact, cobblestoned Latin Quarter invites aimless wandering, where you're just as likely to stumble upon a poetry reading in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop as you are a lively debate in a pub like The King's Head.
Perfect for music lovers
Perfect for culture seekers
Perfect for nature enthusiasts
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Galway adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Quay Street
Experience Quay Street, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Spanish Arch
Experience Spanish Arch, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Galway like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Ireland.
1
Cliffs of Moher day trips
Experience Cliffs of Moher day trips, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Traditional pubs
Experience Traditional pubs, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Galway. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Salthill Promenade
Experience Salthill Promenade, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Connemara
Experience Connemara, one of Galway's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Explore The Latin Quarter
Trade the big landmarks for a neighborhood day in The Latin Quarter, one of the best areas to see everyday life in Galway.
1
The Latin Quarter
The historic and bustling soul of Galway, defined by its narrow, cobbled streets, colorful shopfronts, and constant hum of activity. This is the city's main cultural and social hub, packed with pubs, restaurants, and boutiques.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Quay Street (pedestrianized main thoroughfare), Spanish Arch & Galway City Museum, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church.
2
The Hall of the Red Earl
The excavated ruins of a 13th-century medieval hall, hidden behind a glass wall on Flood Street.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a free, fascinating glimpse into Galway's Norman past, often missed by tourists rushing down the nearby Quay Street.
Day 5: Day Trip to The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Leave Galway behind for a day and head to The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren (1.5 hours by car or organized tour bus).
1
The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Experience two of Ireland's most iconic natural wonders in one trip. The sheer, 700-foot Cliffs of Moher offer breathtaking Atlantic views, while the nearby Burren is a vast, rocky limestone landscape rich in unique flora and ancient archaeological sites.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre & cliff-edge walk, The Burren National Park walking trails, Aillwee Cave or Doolin Cave, Picturesque village of Doolin for music and ferries.
Day 6: Day Trip to Aran Islands (Inis Mór)
Leave Galway behind for a day and head to Aran Islands (Inis Mór) (40-minute ferry from Rossaveel (30 min drive from Galway) or Doolin).
1
Aran Islands (Inis Mór)
Step back in time on these remote, Gaelic-speaking islands. Inis Mór, the largest, is a starkly beautiful place of stone walls, thatched cottages, and prehistoric forts perched on dramatic sea cliffs.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort on a 300-foot cliff, Renting a bike to explore the island's quiet lanes, Visiting the Wormhole (a natural rectangular pool), Experiencing traditional island life and culture.
Day 7: Westend & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Westend and seek out a few places most visitors to Galway never find.
1
Westend
The city's bohemian and creative district, just across the River Corrib from the Latin Quarter. It's slightly quieter, filled with innovative restaurants, quirky cafes, artist studios, and some of Galway's best live music venues.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: The Crane Bar (legendary trad music venue), Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Westend Craft & Design Trail.
2
Róisín Dubh
An intimate, legendary live music venue in the Westend, known for launching major Irish acts.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: While famous in music circles, it's less touristy than city-center pubs. You might catch the next big Irish band in a small, electric setting.
3
Menlo Castle
The picturesque, ivy-covered ruins of a 17th-century castle on the banks of the River Corrib, a few miles from the city.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: A peaceful, romantic spot for a walk, popular with locals but rarely on tourist itineraries. Access is via a riverside path.
Top tours and experiences in Galway
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour & Cliffs Cruise
4.82,745 reviews10h
from €84
Check availability
Galway to Aran Islands Inisheer, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher Day Tour
4.92,002 reviews10h 30m
from €80
Check availabilityAll things to do in Galway →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Galway
The Unbeatable Pub Culture & Live Music: Experience authentic 'craic' in pubs where music isn't scheduled, it just happens. Join a session at Tigh Neachtain, hear ballads at The Crane Bar, or enjoy a pint in the historic wood-paneled interior of Garavan's. This is the home of the 'trad session,' where musicians gather informally, creating an electric, communal atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
Gateway to Mythical Landscapes: Use Galway as your base to explore the raw, untamed beauty of the West. A short drive takes you to the otherworldly karst landscape of The Burren, the soaring Cliffs of Moher, and the hauntingly beautiful Connemara National Park with its Twelve Bens mountain range and Kylemore Abbey.
A Year-Round Festival Calendar: Immerse yourself in a city that celebrates constantly. From the raucous Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival in September to the cutting-edge theatre and art of the Galway International Arts Festival in July, and the magical Christmas markets, there's always a reason for a street party.
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How much do 7 days in Galway cost?
Plan on roughly €560 on a budget, €1,309 mid-range or €2,380 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Galway.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €50 | €120 | €205 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €20 | €42 | €80 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €10 | €25 | €55 |
| Total per day | €80 | €187 | €340 |
| Total for 7 days | €560 | €1,309 | €2,380 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Galway
Hotels close to the centre of Galway, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Galway is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Galway is May to September. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in English go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 6With 7 days, consider a day trip outside Galway to experience more of Ireland.
Must-Try Food in Galway
Galway Bay Oysters
Irish Brown Bread with Smoked Salmon
Boxty (traditional potato pancake)
Connemara Lamb
💡 Always carry a light rain jacket or umbrella, regardless of the forecast. Galway's weather is famously changeable, and a 'soft day' (drizzly rain) can appear at any moment.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Galway
Salthill
Galway's seaside resort suburb, offering a classic Victorian promenade experience with stunning views across Galway Bay to the Burren.
Claddagh & Nimmo's Pier
The historic birthplace of Galway, once a distinct fishing village.
Day Trip Ideas
With 7 days in Galway, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Connemara National Park
1 hour 15 minutes by car
Journey into the heart of Ireland's wild west, a region of breathtaking beauty defined by misty mountains, sprawling peat bogs, crystal-clear lakes, and a deeply Irish-speaking culture.
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