How to Spend TWO DAYS in Galway, Ireland: 2-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Galway and wondering how to make the most of it? We’ve got you covered with this enchanting two-day itinerary. 

When we visited Galway, we instantly fell in love with its lively Latin Quarter, scenic waterfront walks, and music-filled pubs. So to help you experience Galway’s charm to the fullest, we’ve written a two-day itinerary that offers a mix of local flavor, coastal charm, and countryside magic. 

Trust me, if you’re after history, views, and unforgettable eats, Galway really delivers. It’s walkable, too, so it’s easy to explore. With that in mind, let’s plan your perfect two days here!

Itinerary Overview 

Galway is compact, colorful, and made for wandering! This two-day itinerary is designed to help you soak up the city’s charm and explore the surrounding countryside. Most city-based activities are pretty close together, so you’ll spend the historic center on foot before heading out to experience Ireland’s wild, untouched beauty.

Most city-based activities are within easy walking distance of one another, but public buses and taxis are readily available should you need them. Then, day trips to places like the Cliffs of Moher or Connemara are done through guided coach tours that include transport. Tours typically depart from central Galway or offer hotel pickup, so you don’t need to worry about renting a car while you’re here!

Day 1: Today is all about exploring Galway’s vibrant city center, starting with a walking tour through its historic streets, followed by a leisurely lunch, scenic waterfront stroll, and an evening food and drink tour.

Day 2: Choose between two stunning day trips: either the dramatic Cliffs of Moher or the peaceful beauty of Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Then, return to Galway for a memorable dinner and live music to end your trip.

Day 1

Breakfast – Jungle Cafe 

We have a walking tour coming up, so you’ll want a hearty breakfast this morning! Jungle Cafe is a cozy, farm-to-table spot with a Scandinavian twist. We loved breakfast here because they do fluffy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and amazing coffee, all in a relaxed and stylish setting. This is the perfect option if you want a sit-down meal before the walking tour! 

The cafe is just a 3-minute walk from the meeting point of this morning’s tour, and it opens at 8:30 am—except for Sundays, when it opens at 9 am. The tour starts at 10 am, so even on a Sunday, you should have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast before setting out to explore.

Morning – Get oriented with a private walking tour of the city

This private walking tour is the perfect way to get to know Galway from a local’s perspective! The fact that it’s a private tour means you can take it at your own pace and won’t get lost among a big group. The tour lasts for 2.5 hours, so book it for 10 am and you’ll finish up around 12:30 pm, just in time for lunch! 

When we did this tour, our guide, Arthur, was an absolute delight. You could tell he genuinely loved his hometown, and his energy was contagious. By the end, you’ll be in love with Galway too.

We started in Eyre Square, where Arthur brought the JFK Memorial to life with a moving story about the president’s visit. From there, we wandered past Lynch’s Castle, explored medieval lanes like Kirwan’s Lane, and ducked into St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, all at our own pace.

We visited everywhere from Galway Cathedral, The Spanish Arch, and even Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold, where we learned the deeper meaning behind the iconic ring. By the end, we felt more connected to Galway than we ever could’ve from a guidebook.

This is a private experience that moves at your pace, with plenty of chances to ask questions, take photos, and soak it all in. It gave so much meaning to the streets and landmarks around us. And we’re not the only ones who loved it—read the stellar reviews here!

Book this local-led private tour of Galway here!

Lunch – Rúibín Bar & Restaurant 

After your morning tour, it’s time to slow things down with a proper sit-down lunch, and Rúibín Bar & Restaurant is just the place! It’s tucked near the Latin Quarter with views over the harbor, so it’s one of the most scenic places in Galway to enjoy a leisurely midday meal. The vibe is relaxed but stylish, and the menu puts a creative spin on fresh Irish ingredients. We loved the fresh seabass and fried potatoes! 

The restaurant is about a 25-minute walk from the university, which is where the walking tour ends. However, the walk is very scenic, so it’s worth it if you don’t mind an extra stroll. Otherwise, you can hop in a taxi and be there in just under 10 minutes. Either way, aim to finish lunch around 2 pm before heading into a more flexible, laid-back afternoon. Just note they’re closed on Sundays.

Afternoon – Choose a coastal walk or unwind with a quiet break indoors 

This morning was packed with sights and history, so use this afternoon to experience a quieter or more scenic side of Galway. We’ve given you a few options for what to get into, and you can take both of them at your own pace. No need for rushing around!

Option 1: Take a scenic walk along the waterfront

If the weather’s playing nice, we suggest taking advantage of it with a scenic stroll along Galway’s waterfront. Start at The Long Walk, which is just five minutes from Rúibín and one of the city’s most iconic photo spots. Then, continue west toward the Salthill Promenade.

The full walk to the Blackrock Diving Board and back takes about an hour at a relaxed pace, with plenty of benches (and coffee spots) if you’d like to stop and soak it all in. We love this route because it’s easygoing with big views of Galway Bay. You should be able to spot swans gliding by, and salty sea air. After a busy morning, we think it’s a refreshing way to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of the city!

Option 2: Take it slow with indoor or low-key activities

If you’d rather keep things low-key this afternoon, you can skip the long walk and explore some of Galway’s quieter indoor spots instead. Start with the Galway City Museum, located right near The Long Walk. It’s free to enter and you’ll only need around 30-45 minutes to explore. The exhibits cover everything from local history to contemporary culture, so it’s a nice way to get to know Galway a little better. 

Afterwards, head to a local café to relax for a while. Plámás, over on Dominick Street, is a cool, artsy café with a creative, local vibe. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds for a bit! Or, if you’d prefer to stay more central, we love Espresso 44 on William Street because it offers excellent coffee and fantastic people-watching opportunities.

Dinner – Early bite or small plate before the tasting tour

We’ve got a food tour this evening, but it doesn’t start until 6 pm and it doesn’t include enough food for a full dinner, so we suggest grabbing a light bite beforehand, so head to Trieste Café & Wine Bar (closed Mondays). 

This is an absolute gem of a spot with super-friendly owners. There’s a chic and casual vibe, and they do amazing charcuterie boards, so it’s perfect for a quick drink and a snack. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the meeting point of the tasting tour, so it’s the ideal spot to relax before tonight’s adventure begins.

Evening – Taste your way through Galway on a guided tasting tour 

Galway’s food scene is buzzing, but trying to navigate it solo? That’s how we ended up wasting an afternoon on overpriced pints and flavorless pub grub. Fortunately, we took this walking and tasting tour of Galway city the second time around, and it helped us avoid another letdown by pointing us straight to the good stuff, with none of the guesswork.

Book this tour for 6 pm. It lasts for 2.5 hours and during that time, you’ll sample plenty of local food and drinks, and stop at some of Galway’s most iconic spots along the way. Our guide, Conor, brought each stop to life, from the wild history behind Lynch’s Castle to the quirky tale of the Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde statues.

We loved how every location had a little surprise. At the Claddagh Ring stop, we even learned the local lore about how wearing the ring facing in or out can tell the world your relationship status, which led to some hilarious group banter.

The tastings were top-notch, especially at The Skeff and FitzGerald’s Bar. The dishes we tried were hearty and full of flavor. We loved that we got to eat local favorites and not tourist fare! Then, we wrapped it up with a scoop of Murphy’s Ice Cream, which felt like the cherry on top of an already fantastic experience.

Book this food tour here and get a real taste of Galway!

Day 2

Choose your day trip: Cliffs of Moher or Connemara 

Today, it’s time to venture beyond the city on a day trip. You’ve got two excellent options, so we suggest choosing your adventure according to the kind of landscape you’re most drawn to.

If dramatic coastal views are calling your name, go for a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. The tour also includes stops at the Aillwee Cave and Dunguaire Castle, so it offers a great mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks.

But if you prefer tranquil lakes and rolling hills, then the Connemara & Kylemore Abbey tour is a peaceful alternative. It offers postcard-perfect views and a visit to one of Ireland’s most romantic abbeys. 

Either way, you’re in for a relaxed, full-day coach tour with expert guides and minimal walking!

Option A: Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour 

One of the best things about traveling in Ireland is taking in those big, jaw-dropping Irish landscapes, and this tour makes it so easy to do without the hassle of renting a car, figuring out the route, or gambling with timings. It delivers zero stress and maximum scenery!

The coach leaves Galway between 9 and 9:30 am, and it lasts for 8 hours, so you’ll get back at around 5:30 pm tonight. The first stop is Dunguaire Castle, which truly feels like stepping into a postcard. Meanwhile, the views along the Wild Atlantic Way deliver the kind of dramatic, rugged beauty you picture when dreaming about Ireland.

Later, there’s a fun stop at the Aillwee Cave, but the true highlight is the walk along the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs stretch for miles, and we had plenty of time to explore the walking trails, watch out for puffins, and take in that wild Atlantic wind.

The day unfolded seamlessly, thanks to our guide John, who was equal parts knowledgeable and entertaining and wove together history, geology, and Irish folklore without a single dull moment.

If you’re visiting Galway, this is the kind of day trip you’ll talk about long after you’re home. There’s also a private tour option, which we think would be ideal for families or anyone wanting more space and flexibility.

This was hands-down our favorite tour in Galway, and clearly, we’re not the only ones who loved it. Just check out the THOUSANDS of five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour!

Book this epic full-day tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

Option B: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Tour 

The Connemara region is stunning, and this full-day tour is the perfect way to see the highlights! It leaves Galway at 9:45 am and you’ll be back at around 5:30 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy visiting top spots like Kylemore Abbey and Leenane Village.

When we did this tour, everything we saw felt like a screensaver come to life! And our guide, Shamus, did a great job of bringing it all to life with stories and plenty of laughs.

Our first stop of the day was Leenane Village, which was charming and low-key. We had time to stretch our legs, soak up the views of Killary Fjord, and grab a quick coffee before heading onto Kylemore Abbey. With its lakeside setting and dramatic Gothic architecture, it’s a real showstopper, and the Victorian Walled Garden was even more peaceful than we expected. The final stop in Spiddal, a cozy Irish-speaking village, added a sweet cultural note to wrap up the day.

This is one of Galway’s most popular day trips for a reason, and it often sells out. So grab your seat early and let someone else drive while you soak in the best of Connemara!

Read the glowing reviews and book this top-rated Connemara tour here!

Dinner – Aniar or Ard Bia at Nimmo

For your final dinner in Galway, treat yourself to one of the city’s best dining experiences. If you’re into fine dining, Aniar is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a creative, multi-course tasting menu focused on local, seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for foodies who want to go all out! Just note they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.

We know that fancy food isn’t for everyone, so if you’d prefer something a bit more laid-back, then head to Ard Bia at Nimmos. It’s housed in an ancient townhouse next to the Spanish Arch, and its menu puts a Mediterranean twist on traditional Irish flavors. It’s a really fun spot and I highly recommend the lemon crushed potatoes! 

Both of these spots are well-rated and popular, so we strongly suggest booking a table to avoid missing out. Today’s tour will get you back to Galway for around 5:30 pm, so if you book a table for 7–7:30 pm, you’ll have time to head back to your hotel and freshen up before dinner.

Evening – End your trip with a night of live Irish music

If you’ve got any energy left, then there’s really no better way to wrap up your time in Galway than with a pint and some traditional live music. Ireland’s live music culture is truly unmatched—there’s just something so infectious about it! 

We absolutely love Tig Cóilí, which is one of Galway’s most iconic pubs. It’s beloved by locals and tourists alike for its nightly trad music sessions and lively vibe. It’s usually packed, but that’s part of the fun! 

Still, if you’d rather go for something a little more low-key with a smaller crowd, check out The Crane Bar in the West End. It’s a bit more intimate, and you’ll usually find more locals than tourists here. The upstairs room hosts some of the best traditional music in town, so head up there to end your trip on a high note—literally!

Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our guide to the 6 best things to do in Galway here for more sights, activities, and local experiences to add to your trip.

Where to Stay in Galway 

So now that you’ve got your Galway itinerary sorted, you just need a place to stay. There’s no shortage of choice in this charming Irish city, although sometimes that makes it harder to decide! 

To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up three top picks we personally recommend. Whether you’re after spa indulgence, mid-range convenience, or affordable ease, these stays will set you up to enjoy all the food, music, and scenery Galway has to offer. If they’re still available for your dates, these would be our first choices, no question about it! 

Luxury – $$$

Designed by milliner Philip Treacy, The g Hotel & Spa is Galway’s most iconic five-star stay! It’s bold, stylish, and unapologetically glamorous. The rooms are plush and elegant, and there’s a luxe spa on site with a thermal suite. Plus, you can expect standout dining at the on-site restaurant, GEO, and the signature bar. It’s just a short drive from the city center, but if you want a luxurious retreat, then we think it’s worth staying slightly further out.

Prices typically range from €250 to €800+ per night, depending on the season and room type. Check availability and see room options on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Flannery’s Hotel is a great mid-range option just outside Galway’s city center, offering comfort, convenience, and a warm Irish welcome. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the on-site restaurant serves up locally sourced favorites like Galway Bay seafood and Connemara lamb. Frankie’s Bar & Bistro is perfect for a casual meal or live music on weekends. Bonus: there’s free parking and a city bus stop right outside the door.

Prices typically range from €125 to €225 per night. Check availability for your dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For a budget-friendly stay, the Boutique Guest House checks all the boxes. Located just outside the city center, it makes for a quiet and comfortable stay. This guesthouse has that classic Irish charm you’d hope for, and gives you access to the shared kitchen and parking. It’s clean, comfortable, and a great value for money, and the location is great for accessing other parts of Galway or easily bopping to the city center.

Prices start at €110 per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Browse all Galway hotels listed here for even more great stays!

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

We hope this two-day Galway itinerary inspires you to soak up the best of this colorful, music-filled city and its stunning surroundings. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets, taking in ocean views, or heading out on a dramatic day trip, Galway makes it easy to mix culture, history, and scenery into one unforgettable getaway.

If you’re planning more adventures around Ireland, you can explore our other Ireland blogs here for tips, guides, and first-hand recommendations. Or, browse some of our most popular travel blogs below for even more ideas to help you plan your next adventure.

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