Ireland: 3-Day West Coast Explorer Tour
County Mayo, County Clare
Discover the soaring mountains, spectacular wildlife, and mystical history of Ireland’s West Coast.
This three-day guided tour in County Clare explores the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Connemara, and Kilbeggan Distillery, ideal for nature and culture enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Walk along the cliff-top trails at the Cliffs of Moher
- Explore the lunar limestone landscape of The Burren
- Visit the location where The Quiet Man was filmed
- Experience the rugged landscape of Connemara
- Enjoy a whiskey tasting at Kilbeggan Distillery
Description
Day 1: Travel west from Dublin through counties Kildare and Offaly toward the Atlantic Coast. The first stop is Kinvara, where you can admire Dunguaire Castle overlooking Galway Bay. Next is The Burren, known for limestone pavements, rare flora, early Christian sites, and ancient stone monuments. Spend a few hours exploring and have lunch in a local village.
After The Burren, visit the Cliffs of Moher, which drop nearly 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Walk the cliff-top trails, observe seabirds, or visit the environmental exhibition. Then, follow the coastal road with views of Galway Bay heading to Galway City, your base for two nights with a range of pubs and restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Connemara starting from Galway. Travel through Maam Valley to Cong village on Lough Corrib, where the film The Quiet Man was shot. Visit the Quiet Man Museum or Cong Abbey. Continue to Kylemore Abbey for a tour of its grounds and house, then explore Connemara National Park. Visit Clifden, the site of the first trans-Atlantic flight landing, and drive along the Sky Road for views of the 12 Bens mountains.
Day 3: After a relaxed morning, leave Galway and travel inland toward Dublin. Visit Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site with churches, stone crosses, and round towers on the Shannon River. After lunch, pass through peat bog landscapes and learn about their environmental and economic significance. The final stop is Kilbeggan Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world, where you can sample local whiskey before returning to Dublin around 7:00 PM.
Includes
- Transportation by 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Driver/guide service
- Two nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast in a B&B or guesthouse
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
Excludes
- Meals
- Refreshments
- Admission fees to visitor attractions other than the Cliffs of Moher
Important Information
- Drop off in Dublin on Day 3 is scheduled for approximately 7:00 PM
- The tour accommodates up to 16 passengers for a personalized experience
- Bring clothing and footwear suitable for country walks
- Children under 5 are not permitted; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Luggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) per person, consisting of one carry-on size bag (55cm x 45cm x 25cm) plus a small personal item
- Accommodation is in small, locally owned B&Bs or guesthouses with en-suite rooms, often located 20 to 30 minutes from town centres; notify if you have difficulty with stairs as lifts are not available
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 14 days in advance for a full refund.
For best experience, book early during spring to autumn months. Bring sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited group size and accommodation availability.
