Posted 8.4.25

1. Lough Key Forest Park

The lush wilderness of Lough Key Forest Park is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Galway city.  Much of the forest park and its destinations, which include a bog garden, ice house, wishing chair, Ireland’s only tree canopy walk and underground servant tunnels from the 19th century, are all within easy reach of the visitor centre, which also serves as a hub for hikers and climbers.  If the Irish weather isn’t cooperating on the day, you can always take refuge indoors with the Boda Borg Challenge, a series of game rooms filled with activities and challenges for you to solve. Although Lough Key Forest Park is an ideal spot for a picnic, you can also find the well-appointed Lakeside Café, overlooking Castle Island and Lough Key, where you can grab a spot of lunch.

2. Connemara National Park

If you’re looking for true nature on a day trip from Galway, then you might consider a trek out to Connemara National Park, southeast of the town of Letterfrack.  Be sure to bring your hiking boots as there’s a good number of hiking and rambling trails to enjoy around the 12 Bens mountain range, which include Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun.  Another highlight are the glen (known in Irish as Gleann Mór) and River Polladirk running through the centre of the park – nature lovers will find it hard to tear themselves away from the stunning scenery in every nook and cranny here. Self-guided hiking trail routes can be found online and guided nature walks depart from the visitor centre daily.

3. Leenane Village

Leenane Village is one of the most popular day trips from Galway and for good reason.  This tiny fishing village is about as good as day trips from Galway get, providing you with the ultimate tranquil getaway that is home to some of the most gorgeous coastal views the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer.  Killary Fjord also offers the perfect vantage point for some truly spectacular photography, too.

4. The Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drive

Galway is situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most scenic driving routes in Ireland. There’s no shortage of divine mountains, coastal or cliff top roads to savour along the Galway snippet of the Wild Atlantic Way – the Sky Road is especially jaw dropping. A quick word of warning: the Wild Atlantic driving route can be quite windy with sharp curves. At times, the road is very narrow and doesn’t allow for passing room or room on the shoulder. Because of this, stopping to take photographs while to the side of the road can be very dangerous. So, if you do need to stop, find the nearest car park and walk (carefully) to what you’re interested in seeing.

5. Spiddal

For a much closer destination that loses none of the charm of real Galway, hop into the car and in a mere 25 minutes you’ll be in Spiddal, adored by visitors and locals alike for its aesthetic charms. A coastal town with charming pebble beaches and stunning views of the Burren, it’s the ideal place to spend the whole day  – or even just an afternoon, given how close it is to Galway city. Walk down the main street and absorb all the quirky craft shops, quaint coffee spots and bustling pubs. Simply put, Spiddal is the perfect family-friendly day trip spot from Galway. 

6. Enniscrone

A couple of hour’s drive from Galway is the beautifully picturesque seaside town of Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, an under-the-radar coastal gem.  In terms of things to do in Enniscrone, it has everything you could want from a quintessentially Irish seaside town. Take a walk along the beach while enjoying some ice cream or get in the sea with a paddle board to play in the waves.  Alongside the beach fun, you can visit the ruins of O’Dowd Castle by Easkey Pier, dating back to the 11th century and one of the oldest structures in the country. As well as all this, Enniscrone has a whole host of coffee spots and excellent eats spread around the town.

7. Croagh Patrick

For any hikers in your group, Croagh Patrick is a prime pick for a top-notch day out from Galway. The hike only takes around three-and-a-half hours from start to finish, climbing up the steep winding pathway. The summit views, reached with some scrambling in the final stages, is pure wilderness and provides panoramic views of the surrounding Mayo countryside that are second to none. We recommend an early morning start to avoid crowds on your way up. Be sure to wear warm waterproof clothing, quality walking socks and a pair of properly broken-in hiking boots and pack lots of water and snacks).

8. The Aran Islands

Escape from Galway city with a day trip to the Aran Islands, located only an hour and a half away by bus and ferry. These three magnificent limestone islands are a picture straight from a postcard with their dreamy walking trails, sweeping cliffs and white sands. As a stop-off on many migration routes, the islands are also a bird-watching mecca. 

How to get to the Aran Islands from Galway: Lally Tours provide a shuttle bus service from Galway to Rossaveal port, where ferries to the Aran Islands sail at regular intervals during the day. 

9. The Cliffs of Moher

In less than three hours, you can be in one of the most stunningly gorgeous places in whole of Ireland – the Cliffs of Moher. While a visit here is doable in one day, it can also easily be combined with your day trip to the Aran Islands or Connemara National Park. The ragged, dramatic cliffs are a sight to behold and from up high amongst them visitors are greeted with sweeping panoramic views of the sprawling hills and coastline below. Mesmerising in their beauty, the cliffs have numerous trails and paths for visitors to enjoy and many movies have been filmed here over the years, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The weather is highly changeable in this little corner of the Atlantic, so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket just in case. 

10. The Burren

The Burren is definitely one to tick off your travel bucket list. With a barren and bleak rocky terrain that stretches for miles and miles in either direction, you’ll feel like you’ve accidentally landed on the moon. It takes less time than you’d think to get to Co. Clare from Galway, so a day trip to the Burren can be easily incorporated into a visit to the Ailwee Caves nearby. Also home to a whole heap of Iron Age and prehistoric sites that are thousands of years old, including Poulnabrone Dolmen (the oldest megalithic monument in Ireland) and Caherconnell Fort (an ancient Irish ring fort), the Burren truly feels like a history book brought to life before your very eyes.

11. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Just over an hours drive from Galway city, escape into the breathtaking beauty of Connemara and discover the enchanting Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden! This isn't just history. It truly is a stunning abbey with gorgeous Gothic vibes, offering a peaceful getaway for everyone. When you wander through the Victorian Walled Garden it is like stepping into a secret, blooming paradise! Psst... you got to check this out. From Easter until Halloween, make sure to seek out the Tea House at Kylemore Abbey. Not only does it serve up the freshest herbal teas – infused with goodness straight from the Victorian Walled Garden but also boasts some incredible homemade goodies and views that'll steal your breath away.

12. Dog’s Bay Beach

Just imagine this, pure white sand meeting unbelievably clear turquoise waters! That is definitely the ultimate chill-out spot for families and couples wanting to soak up some serious natural beauty. The cool horseshoe shape creates calm, crystal clear sheltered waters that are just begging for a swim and a picnic. An Insider tip from us; set your alarm and get there early. You will have this little slice of paradise practically all to yourself. Trust us, the peace and quiet before everyone arrives? Totally worth it!

13. Athenry

Get ready to step back in time and discover the stunning and captivating medieval charm of Athenry! This place is not just a town; it's a living history book with an incredible, well-preserved castle just waiting to be explored. This town is perfect for families and anyone who loves a good story. Wander through ancient walls, climb towers, and dive into the past at the Heritage Centre. If you are planning a trip with your family or loved ones on a weekend, make sure your Saturday includes a trip to the Athenry Market for some of the town’s most unique local crafts and delicious treats. Athenry is a really cool place to soak up some Irish history and local vibes!

14. Dunguaire Castle

Are you someone who is drawn to history, architecture, or simply the adventure of exploring ancient spaces? This 16th-century tower house, Dunguaire Castle, is perched right on Galway Bay near Kinvara! If you're with your other half or love a bit of history, this is a total must-see. But wait a minute, it gets even cooler here. They have medieval banquets with traditional Irish music and storytelling! Sharing this immersive experience would definitely add a special touch to your romantic getaway. Psst...A quick tip from us here. Stick around until sunset. You wouldn't want to miss the views from here that are absolutely breathtaking, and your pictures are bound to be epic. This isn't just another Castle with a history; it sure is a whole experience!

15. Roundstone Village

Discover the utterly charming Roundstone Village, a proper Irish fishing village buzzing with a seriously cool arts scene! If you're with the love of your life or the family, this is the place to soak up some genuine local culture. Imagine wandering through streets lined with adorable shops, quirky galleries, and seafood restaurants serving up the freshest catches. Also, peek into the Roundstone Ceramics studio. There you will find stunning handcrafted pottery and doesn't matter if you are an extrovert or an introvert you would love it if you got to chat with the talented folks who make it.
 

Ready to unlock the real magic of the West? Sure, Galway's summer festivals and races are legendary, but honestly, there's a whole year of incredible experiences just waiting to be discovered! Think stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventures around every corner. And when it comes to soaking it all in, location is everything – that's where the Maldron Hotels in Galway nail it, putting you right in the heart of the action. So, ditch the FOMO and come explore the West like a local!
 

Some of our Handy Tips for Your Day Trips in Galway

1. Planning Your Itinerary: Planning ahead of your trip of the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do helps you make the most of your time plus no unnecessary delays

2. Weather Check: There weather in Galway can be a bit unpredictable. You might want to bring your waterproof jacket so you can stay comfortable throughout the day.

3. Use Public Transport: Parking in Galway can be challenging. Consider using public transport or walking to get around the city easily.

4. Book in Advance: If you plan to visit popular attractions like Kylemore Abbey or take a ferry to the Aran Islands, book your tickets in advance as there might be long queues there.

5. Pack Snacks and Water: While Galway has plenty of dining options, having snacks and water on hand can be a life saver especially if you're exploring remote areas.

6. Comfy Shoes: You will likely be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes to have a happy feet at the end of the day.

7. Carry Cash: We all know that the world is evolving and digital and card payments are accepted all over but, some smaller shops and markets may only take cash. Also, it is always good to have some on hand.

8. Stay Charged: A fully charged phone and a portable charger can come in handy. This way you don’t have to worry about losing access to maps and information on your phone.

9. Respect Local Customs: Galway is known for its friendly locals. Be respectful and courteous, and you'll have a more enjoyable experience.

10. Travel Light: Carry essentials and only what you need for the day. You don't want your backpack weighing you down while you enjoy your day trip