Self-Drive Tours in Galway
Ireland
Base yourself in Galway city and drive west into Connemara's empty bog roads, the Sky Road above Clifden Bay, and the ferry port for the Aran Islands — all within an hour of the Latin Quarter.
Self-Driving in Galway
Galway is one of the best self-drive bases in Ireland. The city itself is compact and walkable — you won't need the car for the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch, or the pubs along Quay Street — but within an hour's drive in any direction, the landscape shifts dramatically. Head west on the N59 and the suburbs give way to the bog and mountain of Connemara. Head south and you reach the limestone karst of the Burren in County Clare. Head to Rossaveal and you can park the car and take a ferry to the Aran Islands for the day.
The Connemara loop is the classic day trip. From Galway, the N59 runs through Oughterard — the gateway to Connemara — and on to Clifden, roughly 80 kilometres and two hours west. Along the way, the Inagh Valley opens up between the Twelve Bens and the Maamturk Mountains, and Kylemore Abbey appears on the lakeshore near Letterfrack. In Clifden, the Sky Road is a 16-kilometre coastal loop with views over island-dotted bays that justify the entire drive. Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park adds a two-hour walk with panoramic views.
The Aran Islands deserve a full day. Drive to Rossaveal (45 minutes west of Galway) for the ferry to Inis Mór, the largest island. Bike rental is available at the pier, and the ride to Dún Aonghasa — a Bronze Age cliff fort 100 metres above the Atlantic — takes about 40 minutes each way. The return ferry often sails past the Cliffs of Moher, adding a bonus view without a detour.
Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered. You can collect your car from whichever location suits your route, with 31 flexible pick-up points available.
What's Included
Highlights of Galway
Connemara & Sky Road
The N59 through Oughterard to Clifden, then the 16-kilometre Sky Road loop above Clifden Bay. Kylemore Abbey and Diamond Hill are en route.
Aran Islands Day Trip
Drive to Rossaveal, catch the ferry to Inis Mór, and cycle to Dún Aonghasa. The return ferry often passes the Cliffs of Moher.
Galway City Base
Park the car and explore the Latin Quarter, Quay Street, and the Spanish Arch on foot. The city is compact enough to cover without driving.
The Burren (County Clare)
A 90-minute drive south through the lunar-like limestone landscape of the Burren, with the Cliffs of Moher at its western edge.
Sample Galway Self-Drive Itinerary
A suggested rhythm — yours to bend.
Day 1
Arrive in Galway City
Collect your car and check in. Spend the afternoon on foot in the Latin Quarter — Shop Street, the Spanish Arch, and the Claddagh. Evening of live music and seafood in one of the Quay Street restaurants.
Day 2
Connemara Day Drive
Drive west on the N59 through Oughterard and the Inagh Valley to Clifden. Walk Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park (2 hours return), visit Kylemore Abbey, and drive the Sky Road loop before returning to Galway.
Day 3
Aran Islands
Drive to Rossaveal for the morning ferry to Inis Mór. Rent a bike at the pier and cycle to Dún Aonghasa, the Poll na bPéist rock pool, and the island's quiet western beaches. Return ferry in the late afternoon.
Day 4
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Drive south into County Clare. Explore the Burren's limestone pavements and wildflowers, then continue to the Cliffs of Moher (214 metres above the Atlantic). Return via the coast road through Kinvara and Clarinbridge.
Driving Tips for Galway
Essential Tips for Your Self-Drive Adventure
- 1Galway city centre has limited parking — use the large car parks at Eyre Square or the Docks and explore on foot
- 2The N59 to Connemara is a good road but narrows west of Oughterard. Allow two hours for the 80km to Clifden with stops
- 3The Sky Road near Clifden is narrow with blind bends — take it slowly and use passing places
- 4For the Aran Islands, park at Rossaveal harbour (free parking) and take the ferry. Private vehicles are not permitted on the islands
- 5If driving south to the Cliffs of Moher, the R478 coast road through Doolin is scenic but slow — add extra time
- 6Fuel up in Galway or Clifden. Stations are scarce through central Connemara
- 7All tolls are included with your rental through our Peace of Mind Package
Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Drive in Galway
Clifden, Connemara's main town, is about 80 kilometres and roughly two hours west of Galway via the N59. Connemara National Park at Letterfrack is slightly closer at about 90 minutes.
No. Private vehicles are not permitted on the Aran Islands. Drive to Rossaveal (45 minutes from Galway) and take the ferry. Bikes are available to rent on Inis Mór at the pier.
Yes. The Cliffs of Moher are about 80 kilometres south, roughly 90 minutes by car via the N18 and R478. It makes a comfortable half-day or full-day trip combined with the Burren.
The Arts Festival runs for two weeks in July, followed immediately by the Galway Races in late July. The Oyster and Seafood Festival is in late September. Book accommodation well in advance during these events.
Yes. The M6 motorway connects Dublin to Galway directly — it is about 210 kilometres and takes around 2.5 hours. The road is well-maintained and straightforward.
Let's start dreaming —
Ready to Explore Galway by Car?
Let our experts help you plan the perfect self-drive adventure through Galway. We'll create a customized route based on your interests and pace.