19 days in Galway Itinerary

A major hub for visitors exploring Ireland's western regions, Galway serves as a city of art and culture, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals.

Take a break from the city and head to Lahinch Beach and Salthill Beaches. Get a sense of the local culture at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and Ashford Castle. Change things up with these side-trips from Galway: Doreen Drennan Art Studio (in Lisdoonvarna), Bridges of Ross (in Kilkee), National Museum of Ireland - Country Life (in Castlebar), King John's Castle (in Limerick), Dog's Bay Beach (in Roundstone), Ballina (Belleek Castle Museum & Mayo North Family Heritage Centre), Cong (Royal Abbey of Cong & Nature & Wildlife Tours), Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden (in Kylemore), Birr Castle Gardens (in Birr), Doughmore Bay (in Doonbeg), The Burren (in Corofin), Cliffs of Moher (in Liscannor), Foxford (Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre & Michael Davitt Museum), Mulranny Strand (in Mulranny), Ballyvaughan (Gleninagh Castle and Fulacht Fiadh, Aillwee Cave, & more), Clonmacnoise (in County Offaly), Dromoland Castle Golf Club (in Newmarket-on-Fergus), Westport (The Great Western Greenway, Kayaking & Canoeing, & more), Glassilaun Beach (in Leenane), Sky Rd (in Clifden), Dunguaire Castle (in Kinvara), Irish Crafts (in Doolin), Lahinch (Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre & Spas & Wellness), Fanore Beach (in Fanore) and National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock (in Knock). Spend the 18th (Mon) among the memorable landscape of The Burren. The adventure continues: take a memorable drive along Wild Atlantic Way, tour the pleasant surroundings at Eyre Square, take in the dramatic natural features at Flaggy Shore, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Hillwalk Tours.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Galway vacation planner.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major airports are Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and Cork Airport. In December, daytime highs in Galway are 48°F, while nighttime lows are 38°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.