IRELAND IN 8 CAR-FREE DAYS: OUR ITINERARY BETWEEN GALWAY, CONNEMARA AND DUBLIN
Stages, transport and advice for organizing the trip
L'Ireland it was one of those trips we had dreamed of for a long time: cliffs overlooking the ocean, endless moors, noisy pubs, live music and that light rain that seems to be as much a part of the landscape as the greenery.
In the 2021 we decided to leave... but with a small challenge: no cars, only public transport and organized tours.
The result? An itinerary of 8 super doable days, relaxing and surprisingly comfortable, perfect for those who don't want to drive on the left or simply prefer to travel without worries.
Here's ours itinerary of 8 days without a car, stage by stage route.
Day 1 – Arrival in Dublin and transfer to Galway
Landed in Dublin, no stopping in the city: backpacks on our shoulders and off we go towards the west coast.
From the terminal we took the Citylink direct bus to Galway: comfortable, punctual and without changes. In about 2 and a half hours the urban landscape has given way to very green countryside, dry stone walls and sheep everywhere.
First impact with Galway? Colorful, viva, full of music. The perfect atmosphere to start the journey.
We chose to pharmacy 4 nights, so as to use it as a base for excursions.
Day 2 – Cliffs of Moher e il Burren
Ireland's first great wonder.
We took part in the organized tour towards Cliffs of Moher e Burren and honestly it was a very good choice: narrow streets, rural areas and scenic stops would have been complicated without a car.
The cliffs are something that photos can't explain: beyond 200 meters high, very strong wind, the ocean crashing beneath you.
A place that makes you feel tiny.
Il Burr, Instead, it seems like another planet: limestone rock, lunar landscape and absolute silence. An incredible contrast with the Irish green we were used to.
👉 Advise: waterproof jacket always in the backpack. Even with the sun.
Day 3 – Connemara, Cong and Kylemore Abbey
If we had to choose the best day of the trip, it would probably be this.
The tour in Connemara took us between lakes, peat bogs, mountains and endless roads with almost no houses. The wildest and most authentic Ireland.
Cong it is a tiny, fairy-tale village, perfect for a slow walk. But the real blow to the heart was Kylemore Abbey: a Gothic castle overlooking a lake, surrounded by mountains. It looks like it came out of a postcard (or from a fantasy film).
One of those places where you just stay silent and watch.
Day 4 – Galway and Salthill
Free day, without timetables.
Galway is perfect for walking:
- Shop Street with street artists
- traditional pubs
- colorful facades
- live music everywhere
We then walked up to Salthill, on the sea, and it is here that Ireland gave us its official welcome: torrential rain, side wind, zero rip.
We returned to the hotel soaked, laughing like two crazy people.
But ultimately this is also the beauty of Ireland: the weather changes every five minutes… and every moment becomes memorable (it's true that they exist in Ireland 4 seasons in a single day, sometimes even just a few hours! ). You have read our article with advice on how to dress? You find it WHO.
Day 5 – Return to Dublin
Citylink again and back east. This time we stopped 4 nights in Dublin, perfect as a base for visiting both the city and the surrounding areas.
First impression: bigger, more elegant, but always like this “familiar”.
Day 6 – Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains e Glendalough
We chose a day tour that combined history and nature, and it was a very successful mix.
- Kilkenny, with its medieval castle and cobbled streets
- the Wicklow Mountains, green and wild
- Glendalough, ancient monastic site nestled in the valley
Walking through the ruins in the light fog was almost mystical.
Another demonstration that i tour organized in Ireland they are very comfortable: long distances, narrow streets, complicated parking… better to let someone else drive.
Days 7–8 – Dublin and surrounding areas
We dedicated the last few days to the city and short trips by train.
In the city:
- Trinity College e Book of Kells
- Temple Bar (tourist yes, but fun)
- St. Stephen’s Green
- historic pubs and lots of live music
In the surrounding area:
- Malahide, with its castle
- Dun Laoghaire, perfect for a walk by the sea
- Howth, our favorite place: cliffs, red lighthouse and fish & chips ocean view
The best way to end the trip.
Traveling in Ireland without a car: we would do it again?
Absolutely yes, because he can see a lot even without using the car 🙂
Come? con:
- efficient intercity buses
- frequent trains
- many organized tours (Our favourites: https://wildrovertours.com/ e https://galwaytourcompany.com/ )
Perfect if:
✔ you don't want to drive on the left
✔ travel as a couple
✔ you want to relax
✔ you have a few days
Below is our summarized itinerary:
4 notti Galway
- Cliffs of Moher & Burr
- Connemara & Kylemore Abbey
- Galway + Salthill
4 Dublin nights
- Kilkenny, Wicklow & Glendalough
- city
- Malahide, Dun Laoghaire, Howth
Conclusion
L’Ireland he gave us wind, rain, immense panoramas, warm pubs and a feeling of freedom that is difficult to explain. It's one of those journeys that stays with you.
And the most beautiful thing?
It can be done even without a car.
If you are thinking of a similar itinerary, we hope that our experience can be useful to you ❤️
