Day 1 | Galway Arrival & Spanish Arch Stroll
Begin your Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary in Galway, the beating heart of Ireland’s bohemian spirit. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with colorful shopfronts and lively pubs where traditional Irish music fills the air. Visit Eyre Square before strolling to the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the city’s medieval walls that whispers tales of Galway’s maritime past.
This first evening marks a perfect start to your Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary, as you savor fresh Galway Bay oysters and a steaming bowl of seafood chowder at a riverside restaurant. Raise a pint of creamy Guinness as locals share stories of the Wild Atlantic Way.
🚗 Transport Tip: Take a direct bus from Dublin (approx. 2.5 hours) or enjoy a scenic train ride through Ireland’s lush countryside.
🏰 Day 2 | Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey
On Day 2 of your Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary, drive into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, where mountains meet the Atlantic in a dramatic dance of nature. Hike the Diamond Hill Trail for panoramic views of peat bogs and pristine lakes. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a romantic neo-Gothic castle mirrored in a glassy lake, and stroll through its Victorian walled gardens.
Lunch on hearty Irish stew at a traditional thatched-roof pub in Letterfrack before returning to Galway for an evening of Gaelic storytelling in a cozy tavern.
🚗 Transport Tip: Renting a car from Galway is the best option, with a drive time of around 1.5 hours to Connemara.
🌅 Day 3 | Cliffs of Moher & The Burren Lunar Landscapes
Today’s highlight in this Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary is the iconic Cliffs of Moher, where sheer cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean.
En route, explore the Burren, a stark limestone landscape dotted with rare flora and ancient dolmens. Stop in Doolin, famed for its traditional Irish music, and enjoy fish and chips wrapped in paper as fiddles and bodhráns echo from nearby pubs.
🚐 Transport Tip: Take a coastal bus route or join a guided day tour for hassle-free travel.
🌊 Day 4 | Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive
Continue your Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary by venturing to the Dingle Peninsula, where rugged headlands and pristine beaches await.The scenic Slea Head Drive offers breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands and endless Atlantic horizons. Visit the charming harbor town of Dingle, famous for its vibrant shopfronts and the beloved dolphin Fungie.
Enjoy fresh Atlantic lobster and a glass of crisp white wine at a seafood shack overlooking the harbor. As dusk falls, listen to locals singing Gaelic ballads in an intimate pub setting.
🚗 Transport Tip: From Limerick, it’s around a 2-hour drive to Dingle.
🍀 Day 5 | Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park
Conclude your Ireland West Coast 5 Day Itinerary with the legendary Ring of Kerry, a route brimming with mountain passes, sparkling lakes, and coastal villages steeped in history. Meander through mountain passes, sparkling lakes, and coastal villages steeped in history. Stop at Muckross House in Killarney National Park, where stately gardens bloom beside serene lakes.
Indulge in a farewell dinner of roast lamb with colcannon potatoes in Killarney, paired with a dram of smooth Irish whiskey. Toast to five unforgettable days on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
🚐 Transport Tip: Either self-drive the ring route or join a local bus tour, ideal for first-time visitors.
💶 Budget Recommendations (Not Included in Word Count)
- Transport: Public transport pass approx. €80; car rental for 5 days approx. €300 (including insurance)
- Food: Average €40-60 per person per day; upscale restaurant €50/person
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels approx. €100-150 per night
- Attractions: Cliffs of Moher €10, Kylemore Abbey €15, Muckross House €9
For more travel inspiration and detailed maps, visit the Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Official Tourism Guide.
For those who love dramatic mountain landscapes, consider exploring the Scottish Highlands with this Ben Nevis Travel Guide: 5‑Day Highland Adventure through Peaks, Castles & Local Whisky for your next trip.