05-05-2025
Home / Why Should You Book a Day Trip from Dublin to Galway with Transfers and Tours Ireland?
Ireland is known for its rolling green hills, ancient castles, and rich cultural heritage—but if you're staying in Dublin and think you'll miss out on the breathtaking beauty of the West, think again. A day trip to Galway from Dublin is one of the best ways to experience the contrasting charm of Ireland’s east and west coasts in one seamless adventure.
With Transfers and Tours Ireland, you can relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about driving, navigating, or planning a packed itinerary. Whether you’re on a solo trip, travelling with friends, or taking a family holiday, our professional and comfortable tours are designed to give you a full Irish experience in a single day.
Galway is a vibrant, bohemian city that sits on Ireland's Atlantic coastline. Known for its music, art, cobbled streets, and food scene, Galway has a character that’s completely different from Dublin. It’s where tradition meets creativity, making it the perfect place for a one-day escape.
A Galway day tour from Dublin offers a delightful contrast to the capital’s urban bustle. You'll discover medieval buildings, colorful shopfronts, the Spanish Arch, the stunning Salthill Promenade, and even the wild beauty of Connemara if time allows. A guided tour ensures you don’t miss a thing.
At Transfers and Tours Ireland, we specialize in premium private tours and transfers across the Emerald Isle. Our team of friendly, experienced drivers and guides are passionate about Irish history, culture, and storytelling.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
Door-to-Door Service: We pick you up right from your hotel in Dublin and drop you back at the end of the day.
Luxury Vehicles: Travel in style with our modern, comfortable cars and minibuses—ideal for groups of all sizes.
Flexible Itineraries: Want to tweak the route? No problem! We customize each day tour from Dublin to suit your interests and pace.
Knowledgeable Guides: Our local guides offer insight, legends, and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
Your journey begins with an early morning pickup in Dublin. As we head west through the Irish countryside, you’ll enjoy scenic views of rolling green pastures, charming villages, and ancient ruins. Here’s a sample itinerary for our most popular Dublin to Galway day tour:
Our first recommended stop is Trim Castle, the largest and best-preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Located in County Meath, this 12th-century fortress stands proudly along the River Boyne. Film fans may recognize it from Braveheart, but history lovers will appreciate its significance in Ireland’s medieval story. A short tour will take you through the keep, curtain walls, and stunning views from the ramparts.
Next, we continue west to Athlone, where the impressive Athlone Castle awaits. Originally built to defend the crossing over the River Shannon, this strategic stronghold has seen centuries of conflict and change. Today, it features an engaging visitor center with interactive exhibits, 3D displays, and artifacts that bring Ireland’s military and cultural history to life.
Just a few steps from Athlone Castle is Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub—dating back to 900 AD. Whether you're after a quick coffee, a pint, or simply a peek into history, this charming spot is steeped in character. It holds a Guinness World Record for its age and offers a cozy, authentic setting with stories soaked into its walls.
If time allows, we can make a detour south to visit Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites. Founded in the 6th century, this sacred complex features iconic Celtic crosses, round towers, and ancient graves overlooking the River Shannon.
Once in Galway, you’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure or with our guide. Highlights include:
Eyre Square
Quay Street (perfect for shopping and dining)
Galway Cathedral
The Spanish Arch
The Long Walk (a picturesque waterfront promenade)
Grab a bite of traditional Irish food, sip a coffee, or browse local artisan shops.
Time permitting, we’ll make a short drive out to Salthill, a seaside suburb with sweeping views over Galway Bay. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to relax, enjoy the ocean air, and take memorable photos.
For those wanting to go beyond Galway, we offer an optional extension through Connemara National Park—famous for its rugged mountains, glassy lakes, and raw natural beauty. It’s a peaceful and remote part of Ireland that contrasts beautifully with Galway’s lively streets.
While Galway is one of our top picks, day tours from Dublin Ireland offer countless options. At Transfers and Tours Ireland, we also offer:
Cliffs of Moher Day Tour: Combine Galway with a visit to Ireland’s most iconic cliffs.
Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains Tour: Discover medieval castles and scenic lakes.
Belfast and Giant’s Causeway Tour: Explore Northern Ireland’s wonders.
Newgrange and Boyne Valley Tour: Step into prehistoric Ireland.
No matter which direction you head, we ensure a premium travel experience.
Save Time: Don’t waste time on public transport or worrying about connections. We make the most of your day.
Avoid Crowds: With a private vehicle, you skip the busy tour buses and have more flexibility.
Local Knowledge: Our guides share local stories, folklore, and hidden gems that most tourists miss.
Travel in Comfort: All of our vehicles are spacious, air-conditioned, and maintained to the highest safety standards.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, a day trip to Galway from Dublin should be high on your list. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than with Transfers and Tours Ireland. We make sure your Irish adventure is effortless, engaging, and unforgettable.
So whether you’re looking for cultural discovery, scenic drives, or a relaxing day on the road, we’ve got the perfect Dublin day tours for you.
Visit www.transfersandtoursireland.com to browse our full list of day tours from Dublin, check availability, and book your journey today. The West of Ireland awaits!