From Castles to Cliffs: 8 Days of Irish Magic & Hospitality

The easiest way to reach Galway is by bus directly from Dublin Airport—there are 22 departures daily, and the ride takes under two hours. While scenic detours exist, I recommend heading straight to Galway to soak in the emerald fields and rolling hills en route.

Galway’s pedestrianized city center is ideal for shaking off jet lag. Explore its lively pubs, shops, and restaurants. For a sweet pick-me-up, visit Butlers Chocolate Café on Williams Street—your drink comes with your choice of a complimentary piece of their decadent chocolate. If your body clock is confused, fish and chips are always a good idea. My favorite? McDonough’s on Quay Street.

If you’re staying at the Western Hotel, enjoy live music most nights in the bar, including some traditional Irish sessions.

Book a tour from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. I’ve visited several times, and only once have caught it in full sunshine. But no matter the weather, the views are spectacular. Adventurous travelers might enjoy a tour of the cliff walk from Doolin (check ahead for trail conditions). Some tours also include a ferry ride beneath the cliffs for a unique perspective.

Lunch in Doolin is a great stop. [If you’re driving, consider picking up a rental car in Galway. The Western Hotel offers free valet parking. But beware: satellite navigation can be quirky—we once took an unexpected and wild detour through the Burren thanks to misdirection.]

Back in Galway, enjoy dinner at the Seafood Bar at Kirwan’s Lane or the cozy Trieste Café and Wine Bar.

Pick up a rental car and head into the wilds of Mayo and Connemara. The narrow roads are stunning—just watch for sheep!

Stop in Cong to explore the ruins of Cong Abbey and the Quiet Man Museum. The village is charming, with shops and cafés to explore. Quiet Man fans can recreate John Wayne’s iconic pose on the bridge in nearby Oughterard.

End your day at Abbeyglen Castle in Clifden. You’ll be greeted with warmth and, if timed right, complimentary afternoon tea. Bonus tip: book a ground-floor room with a waterfall right outside your window for extra magic. Don’t miss the evening champagne reception and history talk in the castle bar—fascinating stories paired with bubbly. Dinner and a piano bar singalong round out the evening.

Drive 20 minutes to Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Gardens. Originally a private home in the 1800s, it became a Benedictine monastery in 1920. Visit the gardens, meet the Kune pigs and Connemara ponies, and walk the lakeshore path to the chapel—one of Ireland’s most peaceful spots. The gift shop features locally made products, including chocolates crafted by Benedictine nuns.

From Kylemore, drive to Roundstone through bogland and coastal scenery. Roads narrow to one lane in places—again, watch for sheep! Roundstone is a picturesque fishing village with shops and, at O’Dowd’s, the best seafood chowder I’ve ever had. In summer, don’t miss the Sunday market (11 am–4 pm).

Return to Clifden for dinner at Abbeyglen or stroll into town for a meal at EJ King’s Pub.

Explore the Sky Road loop—ten miles of stunning views by car or bike. There are several walks or bike rides that you can do around Clifden, including the Bog Road. Nearby Connemara National Park offers four walking trails for all skill levels.

In town, visit O’Dalaigh Jewelers for handcrafted keepsakes and Lowry’s Sweaters and Gift Shop for authentic Irish knitwear. The friendly staff will help you find the perfect piece. These are my two favorite shops in Clifden, but the whole town is a delight to browse.

Wrap up your stay with a relaxing spa treatment at Abbeyglen.

Enjoy the scenic drive from Clifden to Galway, then take the highway to Dublin. If you’re ready to stop driving, return the car in Galway and hop on a train or bus.

I recommend the Wilder Townhouse—a boutique hotel with charm and excellent service. It’s a short walk to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street, yet tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street.

In Dublin, explore:

• Guinness Storehouse (360° views at Gravity Bar)

• Irish Whiskey Museum (with tastings)

• Kilmainham Gaol (Irish independence history)

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

• Frederick Douglass Walking Tour

• Book of Kells & Long Room Library

• Grafton Street (pedestrian shopping)

Dinner at Hugo’s offers Irish ingredients with a French twist. Afterward, enjoy live music at O’Donoghue’s Bar across the street.

Take a tour to Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage neolithic burial site older than the pyramids and Stonehenge. Tours travel through the Boyne Valley and often include the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of Irish kings. You’ll pass through gorgeous countryside and hear captivating stories along the way.

Return to Dublin in the late afternoon for a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or some last-minute shopping. For your final dinner, consider Fire Steakhouse, set in a historic mansion and known for innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

After experiencing Ireland’s warmth and magical scenery, it is time to head home. Dublin Airport has a US Customs and Immigration post—allow extra time for screening. Once through Dublin security, you’ll enter the US flights area and clear customs before boarding. When you land in the States, you can walk right off the plane, head home, and fall into bed to dream of your next trip to the stunning Emerald Isle.