Ireland's West Coast Road Trip: Mayo, Connemara & Galway Itinerary

Ask anyone who's been to Ireland what they remember most and chances are they'll mention somewhere on the west coast. Mayo, Connemara, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher. This route connects them all and each one has a completely different character. Allow 3 to 5 days depending on how much walking and exploring you want to fit in.

(Alternatively, check out Ireland's East, North, or South)

Westport

Croagh Patrick and Cong

Westport is a great base to kick things off. It's a great-looking town with colourful shopfronts, brilliant pubs, and a relaxed feel. If you're up for it, climb Croagh Patrick. It's Ireland's holiest mountain and the views over Clew Bay from the top are worth the effort. You don't need to be super fit, but bring decent shoes.

After that, head to the village of Cong, best known for its connection to the film The Quiet Man. It's a small, quiet place with some good historic sites including Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle. Finish the day with a meal at one of the local pubs. The food in this part of the country tends to be hearty and made with local ingredients.

Breakfast: Servd
Coffee: This Must be the Place
Dinner: Sage
Wildcard activity: Foot Golf

Connemara

Rugged and Empty in the Best Way

Connemara is a short drive from Mayo but the landscape changes completely. It's rugged, empty, and beautiful. Drive a stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way for coastal views, or head straight into Connemara National Park if you want to get out and walk. There are trails through forests, up peaks, and past waterfalls.

If you'd rather be on the water, take a boat tour of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. It's a calm, remote spot that feels a long way from anywhere. Connemara is also good for cycling and horseback riding if that's your thing. It's the kind of place where the less you plan, the more you find.

Breakfast: Caife na Feamainne
Coffee: Off The Beaten Truck
Dinner: Glynsk House
Wildcard activity: Brigit's Garden

Galway & Cliffs of Moher

City and Coastline

Galway is one of those cities that just has a great atmosphere. It's compact, colourful, and there's usually live music on the streets. Walk around the centre, duck into a few shops and pubs, and take it in. Murphy's Ice Cream is worth a stop if you're passing. They do flavours like Irish Brown Bread and Micil Irish Cream Liqueur, which sound odd but work well.

From Galway, the Cliffs of Moher are about an hour's drive and they're a must. The cliffs rise straight out of the Atlantic and the scale of them is hard to appreciate until you're standing there. On a clear day the views stretch for miles along the coastline. It's one of the most photographed spots in Ireland and it earns it. A strong way to finish a few days on the west coast.

Breakfast: Mr Waffle
Coffee: Coffeewerk + Press
Dinner: The Burgerstory
Wildcard activity: Pure Skill