Your driver will meet you at your address in Dublin.
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Galway.
The Land of a Thousand Welcomes will warmly greet you with a picture-perfect drive from Dublin to Galway. On an island where scenic views are as free-flowing as beer and stout, you can expect nothing less than a beautiful yet exhilarating 128-mile car trip.
From a modern, tech-savvy metropolis in the east to the traditional cobbled lanes in the west, you're about to venture across the entire width of the Republic of Ireland. But with some planning and preparation, you can turn this seemingly complicated journey into a walk in the park.
So, buckle up and get ready to uncover tips, tricks, and everything else you need to know to travel from Dublin to Galway!
As you travel from Dublin to Galway, you'll be surprised to learn that the City of Tribes is the fourth largest urban center in the Republic of Ireland. Over 85,000 people live across 22 square miles situated along the River Corrib.
Galway started life as a small fishing village along its rich waters. It grew when the Normans settled and built a fort in the 12th century. For centuries, the city withstood endless raids. However, its position along the coast allowed for trade with Spain. As a result, the region continued to thrive until other cities like Cork and Waterford began trading in continental Europe.
Today, the city is a blend of modern and traditional. Irish pubs stand side by side with chic boutique stores. As a testament to the city's revival, it was named the European capital of culture in 2020. And for foodies, Galway's native oysters are often called the best in the world.
Driving from Dublin to Galway is a trip across the whole country. So, to ensure you have a comfortable and memorable experience, we compiled three secret travel tips below!
The Republic of Ireland is a nature-filled land. Due to this, many attractions are located outside the cities with no public transport.
A custom door-to-door service allows you to schedule a stop at remote attractions en route. Trim Castle and Castletown House are two extraordinary gems off the beaten track that you'd miss if you take any other transportation option.
Ask any local for a tip when visiting Ireland, and the chances are they'll say to bring an umbrella and waterproof jacket! It doesn't matter if the sun is splitting the stones in the morning. You could see all four seasons of the year on your trip from Dublin to Galway. In addition, the west of Ireland receives the most rainfall on the island!
Whether it's a professional door-to-door driver or public transport bus operator, be sure to speak to them. Irish citizens are proud of their community and will gladly recommend outlets that aren't in guidebooks. After all, the nation was voted the friendliest in Europe.
To travel from Dublin to Galway, you have three transportation options available. This includes buses, trains, and Daytrip. To make things easier, we created an introduction to each mode of transport.
The bus is the most popular way for locals and tourists to get from Dublin to Galway. Seats start at €17 one-way or €28 for a return trip when booking online with Aircoach. The ride is about 2.5 hours if you take a direct bus.
Note that there are several bus companies, all with a different ticket price and schedule. Bus Eireann is the most expensive and longest trip, as it stops at numerous towns.
The train is the most affordable way to travel from Dublin to Galway. The quickest trip takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes, while the average is 2 hours and 34 minutes. Irish Rail is the only train provider in the Republic of Ireland.
Prices start at €14, but the cost can skyrocket on weekends and during the peak summer season. You should check the timetable and book 30 days in advance for the best deals.
Daytrip offers a smooth car drive through the Republic of Ireland's green heartlands. Every minute of the 2-hour, 20-minute drive feels like a day at the spa. Recline your seat, stretch your legs, or adjust the temperature so you can unwind while watching nature pass by your window.
Whether you're traveling with children, pets, or those with limited walking capacity, your professional driver will go above and beyond to provide flawless service. Unlike public transport, our door-to-door ride will drop you off at your desired location, so you don't have to worry about handling luggage! And, of course, unlike any other transportation option, you can stop to visit castles, manors, and even the Tullamore Dew Distillery!
After driving from Dublin to Galway, you'll be part of the 1 million annual tourists exploring the city. You'll know why so many people flock here when you uncover the best things to see and do in town!
The Cliffs of Moher are an iconic symbol of Ireland. The jaw-dropping coastline hangs over the choppy waters of the Atlantic Sea below. And you have a 360-degree view of the breathtaking scenery, as far as the eye can see.
The cliffs of Moher aren't located in the Galway region. Fortunately, they're less than a 1.5-hour tour from the city. You'll be replacing energetic streets with rugged walking trails.
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest sections of Galway today. While it still showcases Galway’s medieval heritage, the area is the city's beating heart, packed with bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Turn off Google Maps and simply get lost in these pretty lanes. You'll be sure to uncover some hidden gems along the way!
There's only one way to truly appreciate live traditional Irish music: with a pint of stout! Guinness is the obvious choice, but if you want to blend in with the locals, opt for Galway Hooker Irish Stout.
There are endless settings where you can listen to live Irish music sessions featuring fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns. Some popular venues include Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, and Tigh Neachtain.
Galway’s gastronomy is worth making an international trip for. Along with having some of the world’s best oysters, smoked salmon and eel, seafood chowder, and local mussels cooked with garlic and cream sauce round out seafood spectacular. Then from the rolling hills, Connemara lamb, a European Protected Geographical Indication that can only be raised here, is a meaty treat.
Summer is the peak season for traveling from Dublin to Galway. Although temperatures don't reach the heights of continental Europe, it's the time when locals and tourists mingle outdoors.
However, Galway is a compact city, and it can feel overcrowded in July or August with only a few thousand daily visitors. As a result, spring is the best time to travel here.
Crowds are fewer, gray clouds make way for blue skies, and hotels and airlines offer attractive deals. But, most importantly, you can witness the various festivals. Saint Patrick's Day, Clifden Traditional Music Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, and more all happen in the Spring.
The first and largest manor of its kind in Ireland, this elegant estate immerses visitors in the beauty of days gone by. Principal Palladium
Ireland’s largest Norman castle served as King John’s castle in the movie Braveheart. Big and Brave
Experience the rich history (and flavor) of one of Ireland’s most famous exports. Do the Dew
One of Ireland's most prominent medieval monasteries was renowned for its intricate metal and stone work. Cross Cut
Now an interesting museum, for several centuries, this castle guarded the river crossing at Athlone. A Historic Ford-ification
The several thousand objects showcased in this private collection offer a charming glimpse at rural Irish life. Everything but the Kitchen Sink
“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“We used Daytrip to travel from Galway to Dublin. Our driver, Mick, was great! An efficient, friendly and helpful driver, he even swung back several minutes after drop off when we realized we left something in the vehicle. His vehicle was clean and he was on time, both of which I appreciated too. Booking was easy and clear too. We had a great overall experience and I would book again.”
pattymA469HX
Jun 6, 2023All 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.
Ireland
Ireland - United Kingdom
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland - United Kingdom
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland - United Kingdom
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
United Kingdom - Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland