While most trips to Ireland start in Dublin, a visit to The Emerald Isle is not complete without exploring the country’s western coast. Most notably home to the Cliffs of Moher, the Irish Atlantic Coast also boasts quaint fishing towns, illustrious old castles, and even what Neil Armstrong called the place on Earth that feels most like the moon.
There are a couple great ways to experience the Cliffs and the rest of the coast, from day tours out of Dublin to an easy flight and drive to make a few days out of journey! However long you take, I’d highly recommend including this in any first time Ireland itinerary!
There are a few different tour agencies that depart from Dublin daily. We booked our tour through Wild Rover Tours - it was 50 euros each, and included stops at the Cliffs, Burren, and Galway. Our bus loaded in downtown Dublin at 7am with a planned return time of 8pm. And y’all, these people meant business. They had us loaded and on the road like clockwork, and they were not messing around about leaving people if you didn’t get back to the bus on time. One couple cut it close at the Cliffs!
Overall, I’d estimate that we had about 8 hours of bus time and 5 hours of adventure time during the day. It’s a few hour ride in the morning to the Cliffs, where we had about 2.5 hours to explore. We definitely didn’t feel rushed, but especially since we got lucky on a day with no wind, I could’ve just sat there for hours taking in its unique beauty.
After that, our stop in Burren was brief (maybe 15 minutes?), which left about two hours for dinner and walking around Galway. We loved the excursion, and it’s a really easy, low stress way to get a taste of the Irish countryside!
I’m writing most of this section not based on personal experience, but rather on how we would plan our trip if/when we make it again. Coming from a family with deep Irish roots, the country has a special place in my heart, and is somewhere I’d love to explore more deeply.
Less than a three hour drive from Dublin is the city of Cork, the second most populated city in Ireland. You’re probably most familiar with Cork as the home of the Blarney Stone, but after this pandemic, I really don’t know if I’m looking to make out with a rock that’s been licked by millions of people. But to each their own! Cork is also home to an incredible music scene and some great art galleries, making it the perfect spot to take in some Irish hospitality and the colorful aesthetic of the country. You’ll find us staying in the Hotel Isaac, a rustic and affordable boutique hotel in the heart of the city that’s been serving everyone from locals to long-term travelers for decades.
While Limerick might locally have a questionable reputation (our Cliffs tour guide called it Stab City), my digging has found that the nickname isn’t justified, and the area has actually been safer to tourists than Dublin. This is all relative though - Ireland is truly one of the safest places in the world. One of our favorite things to do anywhere we visit is check out the local Farmer’s or Public Market, and I don’t think Limerick’s will disappoint! Milk Market is packed with so many delicious looking local delicacies, you’ll have a hard time leaving without an empty wallet!
The area is also home to some beautiful mountain biking through Ireland’s rolling hills. Rent all your gear and set out on your own trek, or join a tour for a guided ride! Also within Limerick County is Adare, known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. It’s also going to be home to the 2027 Ryder Cup! The cute village could easily take up a day of exploring, and if you’ve got some budget to blow, spend the night in Adare Manor - rooms start at about $850!
You don’t have to ask twice if I’d go experience the Cliffs of Moher again. It’s one of those places in the world that just leaves you breathless, stuck in awe of a creation you could never dream up. Take your time walking around, and I don’t say this lightly...BE CAREFUL. While you’re allowed to cross the intermittent barriers, just be smart. It’s typically incredibly windy, with gusts coming from all directions. I’ll leave it at that.
From the Cliffs, drive up the Wild Atlantic Way towards Burren National Park. It’s an insane landscape, leaving behind the rolling green hills we’ve seen so far for rocky, moon-like craters that look like they go on forever. They offer free guided hikes, as long as you book in advance, or just stop along the highway and start walking around. The terrain is amazingly unique, and reminded me a lot of Craters of the Moon Monument in Idaho!
Galway will always be one of my favorite towns I’ve ever visited. The oceanside fishing outpost is the youngest city in Ireland (by population age), and is filled with street artists and musicians, on top of incredible food. I would spend at least two nights in town, especially if you’re there during one of its many art festivals!
We started at McDonagh’s, which has been around since 1902, and is a seafood restaurant known for its fish and chips. And wow, it delivered. We also got a dozen oysters on the half shell, which also did not disappoint! For a quick dessert, we hit Hazel Mountain Chocolate, and grabbed some hot chocolate for our trip home.
Along the way, there was an awesome art festival going on with live performers along the street, which just added to the charm of this old city. The whole experience in Galway definitely has us wanting to go back and explore again!
From Galway, you’ve got about a two hour drive back to Dublin, or a few hours back to Cork, whichever you’re flying internationally out of.
