Your driver will meet you at your address in Dingle.
You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Galway.
From mystical folklore tales to craggy landscapes and ancient ruins to traditional Irish villages, the journey from Dingle to Galway is like stepping foot into a time machine. The thrill of passing through villages concealed in a time capsule and the assurance of being in one of the most welcoming countries worldwide allow you to experience an adventurous yet carefree car trip.
Every second along the 3.5-hour journey looks like a picture book of Ireland's best bits. The Cliffs of Moher in the south, the hilly woods in the heartlands, and the busy streets of Galway in the north await your venture up the Wild Atlantic Ways Coastline.
If you're ready to explore one of Europe's best road trips, read our ultimate guide for getting from Dingle to Galway below!
Galway is the Republic of Ireland's fourth-largest city, home to 84,000 locals. It sits on the River Corrib in the extreme west of the nation. Despite its compact size, you'll notice it's oozing with history and unique ways of life after driving from Dingle to Galway.
The area's been inhabited since the 1120s, but the town of Galway wasn't officially developed until over a century later. Following the English invasion of Ireland in the 13th century, the Normans built a fort, and the city began to evolve.
Galway's position along the coast allowed it to grow financially. However, it suffered numerous setbacks, including two fires, plagues, battles during the Williamite War, and switching rulers of the land.
After years of uncertainty, the town could grow sustainably in the 1900s. The population grew to over 20,000, the Roman Catholic Cathedral was erected, and President Kennedy visited in 1963.
In the 21st century, Galway is a beloved tourist destination. It's the third most visited space on the island, and in 2020, it was named the European Capital of Culture. Traditional Irish pubs, cobbled streets, and friendly locals all call Galway home today!
The drive from Dingle to Galway isn't like most journeys. Although it's painfully beautiful, there are a few hurdles to overcome. So, our local drivers want to share travel tips to ensure a stress-free trip!
People know the Republic of Ireland as a windy and rainy destination. And the west of Ireland is the wettest region on the island. Even if it's sunshine and rainbows in the morning, pack an umbrella and waterproof jacket, as the weather can change instantly.
The west of Ireland isn't blessed with a ferry port, a bullet train, a world-renowned airport, or a sprawling motorway. So, prioritizing your needs and preferences is vital. Some essential factors to consider are:
The west of Ireland is the most remote part of the island. Public transport is scarce, which makes visiting attractions between the two cities difficult. Take a private car with Daytrip and you can easily explore isolated sights, such as Crag Cave and Athery Castle, during the ride.
Crossing 160 miles of rugged terrain on narrow country lanes isn't a walk in the park. To help create a smooth trip, we explain how to get from Dingle to Galway below.
The majority of visitors traveling from Dingle to Galway opt for the bus. It's a cheap transportation method, but unfortunately, no direct routes are available.
To use the bus, you can buy a ticket online or onboard Ireland's national bus provider, Bus Eireann. There's no station. Instead, it leaves from a bus stop and will take you to Tralee. From here, you must go via Limerick before changing one last time for a direct one to Galway. The trip will cost around €30 and take between 6.5 and 7.5 hours.
If you're short on time, tours from Dingle to Galway can be convenient. Most excursions last between 8 and 9 hours and stop at several points of interest, including the Conor Pass, the Cliffs of Moher, and Listowel. It's also pre-arranged. So you don't have to do any planning. Since Dingle and Galway are tourist hotspots, plenty of companies operate on this route. The price per person varies but is often between €90 and €150.
Imagine if a vehicle of your choice could collect you from your hotel in a Dingle. After handling your bags and whisking you away, you recline your seat and adjust the thermostat to a cozy setting as the rain splashes against your window. Just as the sun breaks through the clouds, you step out to explore postcard-worthy natural wonders and breathe in the fresh coastal air.
You can turn this dream into a reality by booking a door-to-door service from Dingle to Galway. For 4 hours and 20 minutes, you have full access to a private car and a local expert to learn more about the region you're exploring, with plenty of opportunities to stop for sightseeing!
Despite covering just 20 square miles of land, there are many things to do when you get to Galway. Put the activities below on your to-do list so you don't miss the regional highlights.
Every trip to Galway must begin by getting lost in the charming streets of Galway's city center. Turn off Google Maps and simply roam through unknown territories to uncover hidden stores and eateries. Look for traditional seafood dishes and some of the world's best oysters.
In the colorful Latin Quarter, traditional pubs, street performers, and local artisans selling handmade crafts all line the walkways. Also, look out for the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, and Galway Cathedral!
If you visit Galway on the weekend, you can listen to the streets come alive. Street performers mostly play traditional Irish folk music. Or, if you're lucky, you can witness a short Irish dance session!
But if you want to take shelter from the rain and blend in with the locals, head to a pub and watch a live band. Order a pint of your favorite beer or stout at one of the endless bars in Galway. Some favorites for Celtic music and clinking glasses are Tigh Neachtain, Taaffes Bar, and Crane Bar.
Salthill is a lovely seaside town just a mile south of downtown Galway. When the sun is out, you can take a 30-minute stroll here while admiring the Atlantic coast and a ferry crossing out at sea.
Although it’s just a stone's throw from the high streets, you're transported to sandy beaches and a stretching promenade. The Ferris wheel, old-fashioned arcades, and ice cream stands give off a carnival atmosphere all year round!
The City of Tribes is a beautiful area bursting with charm and filled with energy. Whenever you visit, you will have the experience of a lifetime. However, one season sets itself apart from the rest. Spring is the best time to travel from Dingle to Galway.
Since the area doesn't possess the space needed to welcome thousands of daily visitors, the paths can often feel crowded in the summer. From March to May, the streets are free-flowing, like the pints of Guinness consumed in bars.
You can enjoy the average daily high temperature of 61° Fahrenheit if you travel later in the season. If you come early, attend the famous St. Patrick's festival on March 17th.
Many of striking formations in this show cave are named after locations or characters from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. The Middle of the Earth
This Neo-Gothic church incorporates the medieval elements of Ireland’s only Trinitarian stronghold. One for Three
With historic charms it just can’t hide; best known as a poem most raunchy; but with castles, churches, and coffee; this city must be tried. There was a City Shannonside
From medieval feasts to a pre-industrial village, this historic castle and grounds proudly preserves several centuries of Irish history. A Feast for the Ages
This friendly town flourished for centuries thanks to restrictive religious laws that encumbered other cities. The Ennis Mightier
This austere medieval keep offers an informative glimpse at life in the Middle Ages. Stark Insights
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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