Why we went…
The cliffs of Moher have always been on my bucket list. Galway was a good launching point to see the cliffs, and it also worked well with our itinerary since we were coming from Donegal. It also made sense to make Galway the last stop on our trip since it is an easy 2 1/2 hour drive back to Dublin.
How we got there…
Liam Conneely Coach Services (liamconneely1@hotmail.com) drove us from Donegal to Galway. It is a 3 hour drive. We stopped at a nice road side restaurant on the way. This service is fantastic, and they provided us with the same driver for all of our drives too and from Donegal. They don’t have a website, but it was easy to contact them via email and make arrangements. A few days out from our services, they provided me with the telephone number of our driver, Michael. We communicated through What’sApp.
We used Connemara Chauffeurs to take us from Galway to Dublin International Airport for our departure.
Where we stayed…
We chose to stay at an AirBNB near the Spanish Arch. The location was amazing. This is exactly where you want to be in Galway. It is walkable to the West End and to the Latin Quarter. I would suggest this location for 4 or 5 people. It was a bit tight with 7 and there were a lot of stairs for a 3 year old and an 80 year old.
What we did…
Galway is a small and very walkable city. We loved walking on High Street up to Eyre Square and exploring the West End. There are tons of pubs, shops and restaurants.
The full day Cliffs of Moher tour was a highlight of our time in Galway. We used Connemara Chauffeurs for the private driving tour. Our guide/driver, Bogdan, was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the area, flexible with our needs and lovely to be with for the full day.
We visited the Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory for a delicious hot chocolate. Our next stop was the Caherconnell Sheepdog Demonstration. The kids loved this. It was amazing to see how well trained these dogs are, and to get up close to some sheep. We then drove through the Burren national park which is spectacular. Along the way, we stopped at an ancient tomb and a castle. Our guide picked a lovely spot for a quick lunch at the Irish Arms and then it was on to the Cliffs of Moher. They were spectacular and definitely lived up to their billing as some of the most beautiful and impressive cliffs in the world. It was touristy, but we were able to get some great photos that made it seem like it was just us on the cliffs. They also offer a buggy service for those with limited mobility. On the way back from the cliffs we stopped at beautiful little beach and our driver pulled over to let the kids feed some donkeys. It was a long day, but a great one. Well worth the trip!
Taylor’s Hill Pitch and Putt was a great way to spend a couple hours in Galway. The owner is an 85 year old man who made a Pitch and Putt on his land in Salt Hill. He lives next door, and loves entertaining people on his small course. The conditions are difficult, but it was so much fun to get out there and play with our whole family. Talking with the owner was a a highlight of our trip. The price is right at 9 euro per person, and he also has clubs to rent.
If you like escape rooms, Escape Boats Galway, is an awesome experience. The escape room is actually on a boat. It takes place in 3 cramped spaces, and there is smoke and some loud noises, but it is very exciting and challenging.
Where we ate…
Eating is definitely a highlight in Galway. There are endless pubs and some pretty great restaurants. Most of our restaurants were in the West End neighborhood so it was great staying in walking distance from that part of town.
John Keogh’s Pub – We loved this gastro pub so much. I went twice. The ambiance is fantastic. The burgers, mussels, and fish and chips were all fabulous. The boys loved their chicken goujons (tenders), and Spencer had a great virgin passionfruit martini.
Kai Restaurant – Half of us dined at Kai. They didn’t have chicken goujons for Spence and Logan. A small but creative and delicious menu. They loved the oysters, mussels and steak.
Hooked – This fish restaurant was one of our favorites of the trip! The fish and chips and mussels were fantastic. No chicken goujons here, but they did have an excellent grilled fish for kids and fish goujons. This place is popular. Get there early, put your name in and then head around the corner to a pub for a drink while you wait.
Urban Grind – Great coffee and pastries in the West End. They offer seating for breakfast and also take away.
Murphy’s Ice Cream – We had to stop here because of the name, and thankfully the ice cream is fantastic. There is usually a line out the door on a nice day, but it moves quickly and the ice cream is worth it.
O’Connor’s Famous Pub – Definitely worth the 10 minute Uber ride to Salt Hill. The ambiance is amazing and the place is lively. We loved the music too. O’Connor’s opens at 7:30 p.m. and the don’t serve food.
Traveling Lyons 