Excursions – Galway, Ireland

Galway is nice, but one of the nicest aspects of the city is how easy it is to leave. Galway’s location makes it the epicenter for exploring the west of Ireland, and most northwestern and southwestern destinations are still only a few hours’ bus ride away.

Bus Eireann is Ireland’s major bus service provider. There is also a rail service, but don’t take it; trains have a tendency of breaking down, routes are insane, and though a rail journey will take the same amount of time as the bus, it generally will cost two or three times more.

Bus Eireann also offers different travel passes and packages, operates day tours for many destinations (such as Connemara or the cliffs of Moher) and runs shuttle services to the UK, via Dublin and Belfast. Inquire at the bus station, the Tourist Office, or check the website.

Many private companies offer tours, most of which are similar in scope and price; decide for yourself which one you would like to try, and to where.

Day Tours & Destinations
The Aran Islands
Who would have thought that three piles of rocks, chucked in the mouth of Galway Bay to take the brunt of the Atlantic’s fury, could be so wonderful? Inishmore is the largest and most popular; Inishmaan, the middle island, is the most secluded; Inisheer is the smallest and arguably the most beautiful. Quiet places where Irish is still the primary language, the Arans offer respite, nature and fun. Details for getting there are available either from Island Ferries (just down from the Tourist Office) or Aer Arann.

The Burren
Booking 091 844 050 or Tourist Office, IR£20 (group and 10% student discounts available). A walking tour of the barren, hilly limestone expanses of the Burren in Co. Clare. departs the Tourist Office every day at 9:45 a.m., and returns to Eyre Square at 5:30 p.m. Bus tours of the Burren are also available; inquire at the Tourist Office.

Coole Park
Booking 091 539 758 or Tourist Office, IR£20 (group and student discounts available). Once the home of writer Lady Gregory, a friend of W.B. Yeats (who often visited), the tour allows you to retrace their footsteps. Includes guided tours of the Coole woods, audio/visual presentations, and transport. Leaves Tourist Office at 10 a.m.

Connemara
A desolate, hilly region to the north and west of Galway, Connemara is one of the best and most beautiful places to go in Ireland, to get away from the world. Should you prefer to use a day trip to get a feel for the area, inquire at the Tourist Office, as many companies provide Connemara day tours. One that’s a little bit different, however, is Hugh Ryan’s Vintage Bus Tour to Connemara (seven days a week, 2-6 p.m., IR£10 students). For a longer trip, start in the town of Clifden, from which you can visit the towns and islands, and can indulge in some serious bog- and hill-walking.

Killarney
Despite being little more than a tourist town, Killarney is worth a trip. The town itself doesn’t have much of interest, just the requisite shops and pubs and such, but the town is useful as an epicenter for day trips, such as to Dingle and Slea Head, the Gap of Dunloe, or the Ring of Kerry. Where Killarney is a bimonthly magazine, available all over town, that details everything from surrounding tourist attractions to local sightseeing to a calendar of events.

Westport
I have probably disappointed one of my co-workers by not making it up to Westport, but I promise that I will go next time I’m in Ireland. North of Connemara, Westport is a good base for making your way to the famed Croagh Patrick (named, of course, after St. Patrick) or to Achill Island.

Irish Adventure Tour Companies
Fancy an even longer trip? Several companies offer various budget packages that will take you around as many of the sights of Ireland as you care to see, with other independent travelers. All companies offer similar services at similar prices (transport is often by minibus); check out each and decide which best fits your travel plans and desires (for most services, however, you will need to go to Dublin).

The Celtic Connection
Booking 44 131 225 3330. Various packages for Ireland and Scotland. Also operates a summer shuttle service from Dublin to Edinburgh (including Belfast and Glasgow) on Monday and Thursday. One-way is £29 (sterling, and includes ferry); the catch is that you can book only up to three days in advance, and people using a Celtic Connection tour have priority.

Out There Adventure Tours
Booking 091 539 758, M-F, 8-10 a.m. & 6-9 p.m., or at various Galway hostels. A new, Galway-based company offering tours of Connemara and Inisbofin, and a canoeing trip of the River Corrib. Their rates also include booze!

Paddywagon Backpackers
01 672 6007, or at office, 17 Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Various 3- and 6-day tours of both the North and the South of Ireland; also a jump-on, jump-off service.

Stray Travel
44-171-373-7737 (17 Earls Court Road, Earls Court, London). In addition to its Britain and Europe tour packages, Stray can also take you around selected points of Ireland, or just the whole country (including the North). A jump-on, jump-off tour, passes are valid for two months, except for the All Ireland pass, which is valid for six months.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.

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