The best stops and detours on a drive from Dublin to Galway

Are you planning on doing a drive from Dublin to Galway and wondering what to see along the way? Well this post is for you. There is a bit of a distance between Dublin and Galway and if you want to see a bit of Ireland along the way we have you covered. Here we tell you the best way to get to Galway from Dublin from the more scenic routes, to the most direct.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

What is the distance between Dublin and Galway

The distance between Dublin and Galway on a direct route is around 129 miles or 207km. That translates to around 2 hours 20 minutes of drive time. Of course this will be dependant on traffic and weather conditions.

Obviously the distance between Dublin and Galway is going to be shorter when you stick to the motorways. The driving conditions on the motorways are decent, particularly if you don’t get stuck in traffic. That being said the drive from Dublin to Galway is really quite boring if you stick to the motorway. You don’t get to see much apart from cars, trucks, and road signs. In which case it is way more scenic to take the back roads.

The distance between Dublin and Galway will very much depend on the route you take, but we can guarantee that this is the perfect opportunity to discover the real Ireland, and not just the big cities.

Getting to Galway from Dublin Factsheet

Distance: 207km

Drive time: 2 hours plus (depending on traffic)

Train time: 2.5 hours

About Dublin: Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland, and is located on the east coast of the country. Dublin is the largest city in Ireland with over 2 million people living in the Greater Dublin area.

About Galway: Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a popular harbour city. The population sits around 79,934 people, making it the 6th biggest city on the island of Ireland.

Getting to Galway from Dublin by public transport

While this guide is mostly focussed on planning a drive from Galway to Dublin, we thought it would be worth mentioning some public transport options just in case.

The train is the easiest and most comfortable way to get to Galway from Dublin via public transport. It usually takes around 2.5 hours and the train departs from Dublin Heuston Station. Trains usually run between 05.25 and 19.20. Tickets can be purchased either online in advance or at the train station directly. These usually cost under €20 each way, but this is dependent on the time you are travelling.

You also have a number of bus companies that cover the route from Dublin, and Dublin Airport all the way to Galway. Some of the companies include CityLink, GoBus, and Aircoach.

Getting to Galway from Dublin by car

Getting to Galway from Dublin is easiest by car. As mentioned above the drive time is just over 2 hours. A drive from Dublin to Galway will mostly take you on the motorways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the M6.

It’s almost a straight cross from the east of Ireland to the west, as the cities are virtually opposite each other. The drive is very well signposted, so if you are coming from Dublin you just need to follow the signs to Galway.

Renting a car for your drive from Dublin to Galway

If you have the means we highly recommend doing a drive from Dublin to Galway instead of using public transport. This means that you can explore several other places along the way.

You can rent a car from most major airports in the country and Dublin is one of them. Make sure you book a car well in advance to get the best deal. Car rental in Ireland can be expensive, but it really is worth it to explore more of the country.

Here are some tips and things to consider when renting a car in Ireland.

• Plan your route before going, as often, your GPS can send you to what might not be the quickest route.
• If you are planning on taking the scenic route, we recommend avoiding the motorways as these can be pretty boring with few sights.
• Plan some stops along the way in order to take a break from driving.
• When renting a car bigger isn’t always better. The roads can be quite narrow at times and it is often easier driving with a smaller car.
• The majority of cars in Ireland are manual (or stick as it is referred to in the US), so if you want an automatic you should book this in advance as they are not always in stock.
• Go with the full insurance option as it is better to be safe than sorry.
•  If you are planning on returning your car at a different location to where you picked it up, then there will be a fee for doing so. It is not so bad if you are renting a car for a long period of time, but more noticeable if you only have the car for a few days.
• Some roads contain tolls so make sure you consider this before driving.
• Make sure you drive on the left side of the road.
• Do your full checks before driving away with the car, and highlight any scratches or scuffs not mentioned on the inventory. Otherwise you might end up with a hefty bill.
• Make a note of the amount of petrol in car before you set off and return it with the same amount to avoid fees.

A longer drive from Dublin to Galway

Here we go through some ideas for places to stop or rather detour to on your drive from Dublin to Galway.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains are located south of Dublin. To visit you pretty much need to detour off your drive from Dublin to Galway instantly. It is worth it though because it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland.

It will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get here from Dublin. The drive is incredibly scenic, and when we did it there were times when we were the only car on the road.

There are a lot of things to see in the Wicklow Mountains including several waterfalls you can visit. Glenmacnass Waterfall is one of the most isolated making it our favourite in the area.

You also have the Powerscourt Waterfall located on the Powerscourt Estate. This is the tallest waterfall in Ireland at 121 metres.

Hiking is another must do in the Wicklow Mountains. The Great Sugar Loaf is a popular route with hikers, and it will take about an hour to walk so make sure you plan accordingly.

Once you have visited the Wicklow Mountains (make sure you visit the nearby Glendalough), you can then make your way up to Kildare and head back north to join the M6 at Kilbeggan. From here you can head west towards Galway.

Glendalough

Another possible detour on your trip from Galway to Dublin, is to visit Glendalough. As mentioned above Glendalough is located in County Wicklow and close to many of the main sights in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

It is famous for its early medieval monastic settlement. This was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. As you walk around you really start to see what attracted the monks here in the first place. The rugged mountains with deep lakes in between really make you feel insignificant and almost spiritual.

The Upper Lake is the sight of St Kevin’s original settlement. This is also one of the two lakes that gives Glendalough it’s name. There are trails you can follow around the lake and this really is a great place to explore.

For more information on visiting Glendalough from Dublin you can checkout this post.

County Kildare

Kildare is perfect if you really do just want to do a quick detour on your drive from Dublin to Galway. If you take the M7 to Kildare, you can stop off here, and then rejoin the M6 via Tullamore and Kilbeggan.

There is a lot to do in the area like visiting the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. I’m more keen on the gardens than the stud farm, to be honest, but either way it’s an interesting place to visit if it is your thing.

There is also the Castletown House, which has beautiful gardens ready to be explored, and the Lullymore Heritage Park for nature overs.

If you have time to stop in the town make sure you visit St Brigid’s an 800 year old cathedral that is just spectacular.

Athlone

If you are short on time, or just want to have a quick break on your drive from Dublin to Galway, Athlone is a good choice. It’s a really beautiful town located about 1.5 hours drive from Dublin, and around an hours drive to Galway.

Athlone, is only small but there is a Castle that has information on local history and some pretty awesome views too.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is another favourite if you are planning a detour on your drive from Dublin to Galway. Kilkenny is located in the south east of Ireland, and is less than 2 hours drive from Dublin.

It is a big detour when trying to get to Galway from Dublin but it is worth it as it’s a beautiful place to explore. To get to Kilkenny you would need to travel south of Dublin and take the M9. It’s worth doing this as part of a bigger Dublin to Galway road trip that includes the Wicklow Mountains and Kildare.

There are some great things to see in Kilkenny, including the Castle, which is one of the biggest attractions. You also have several cathedrals to explore, as well as cobbled streets, and some lively bars.

Cashel

Cashel is a bigger detour on your drive to Galway from Dublin, but is very much worth doing if you have the time. If you are seeing Cashel you should also visit Kilkenny, as it isn’t far form here. In fact there is about an hour drive time between the two.

The Rock of Cashel is popular with tourists, but don’t let the mass amounts of tour buses put you off. The site itself is an ecclesiastical site with medieval buildings, located in County Tipperary. It is well worth a visit especially if you are looking to explore the more traditional parts of Ireland or you are interested in Irish history. You will need about an hour to see the site.

Once you are done you can take the N74, which will then turn into the N24 to Limerick. If you have the time you should spend the night, otherwise you can keep driving north to Galway.

Tullamore

Tullamore is another great detour you can make when driving to Galway from Dublin. It’s a good halfway point between the two cities so great if you need a driving break.

Tullamore is only small, but you might know it from the town’s most famous export – Tullamore DEW. Also something interesting the DEW actually stands for Daniel E. Williams who was the distillery’s manager in the late-19th century and was the reason the brand shot to international fame. It’s worth visiting if you are into whiskey (but obviously don’t drink and drive!).

Tullamore is also home to a Gothic Revival Castle called Charleville Castle. It’s a lovely bit of architecture, so worth snapping a picture on your drive from Dublin to Galway if you can.

Limerick

Limerick is well worth a visit on your drive from Dublin to Galway, particularly if you are detouring to other spots like Kildare, Kilkenny and Cashel. It’s a large city in the Munster Province, and is south of Galway.

There is a lot to do in Limerick and the surrounding areas, so you want to plan a bit of time here. One of the most popular things to do is to visit King John’s Castle which is located above the River Shannon. There are also a number of historical sites in County Limerick like Adare Castle and Glenstal Abbey.

The county is also good for hiking with several beautiful routes that you can follow.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must see when visiting Ireland. For that reason if you have the time we highly recommend detouring on your drive from Dublin to Galway and visiting them.

You have two main options when it comes to your driving route. You can follow most of the route that will take you directly from Dublin to Galway on the M6. You will then need to detour near Athenry, to the M18 which will eventually lead you to the Cliffs of Moher.

The other option is to follow the M7 to Kildare, past Limerick, and then up to the Cliffs of Moher. For more information we have included a map below.

For more information driving from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher you can checkout this post.

The Cliffs of Moher, are rugged and steep cliffs that face into the Atlantic Ocean. They are 14km in length and are located in County Clare which is on the west coast of Ireland. They are also the second most popular tourist attraction in Ireland with over 1 million people visiting each year.

When you get to the Cliffs of Moher you will need to pay for parking. This is around €7 and includes entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. You should try and book entry in advance to avoid missing out as it is very popular and entry times are staggered.

There is a lot to do do around the cliffs like hiking, enjoying the Visitors Centre, and checking out O’Briens Tower.

Doolin

Not far from the Cliffs of Moher, is the village of Doolin. You will actually reach Doolin before you get to the Cliffs of Moher. It’s only a 15 minute drive from here to the Cliffs of Moher visitors car park.

Doolin is worth visiting because it’s a quaint and colourful village, which will give you some insight into the quieter parts of the country. You can also do a cruise from here that will take you to the base of the cliffs.

There are a number of pubs in Doolin, and you can explore some of the caves in the area which is another popular attraction.

From Doolin it is around a 1.5 hour drive to Galway so it’s a good option if you want to spend the night somewhere before making the drive to Galway in the morning.

Best time of year to drive to Galway from Dublin

When planning your drive to Galway from Dublin, you definitely want to take advantage of the good weather. This is why we recommend you do this drive in the summer months or alternatively late spring or early autumn.

The roads can be icy and there tends to be a lot of rain and fog in the winter months, so this isn’t ideal. On top of that it gets dark relatively early.

What to bring for your drive from Dublin to Galway

If you are wondering what to pack for your drive to Galway from Dublin, here are some tips.

• A decent pair or walking shoes.

This is a big one because the paths can get mucky especially if want to do a bit of a hike and get away from the main tourist spots.

• A rain jacket

It’s Ireland and the weather is sometimes slightly unpredictable. If you are travelling all the way from Dublin to Galway, don’t let a bit of rain ruin your fun.

• Refreshments

Bring a bottle of water with you especially if you go out hiking.

Before you drive from Dublin to Galway

If you are planning a drive from Dublin to Galway, that means you will probably have a bit of time to spend in Dublin. Here are some of the best things to do in Dublin to give you a bit of inspiration for your visit.

And for a more detailed Dublin itinerary you can read this post.

The Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is a must for any trip to Dublin. There are 7 floors where you can learn all about Guinness, its history and how it was made. There is also a panoramic bar on the top floor of the storehouse to try some of it too.

It’s a good idea to purchase tickets online in advance as it is a popular attraction.

Trinity College

This is one of Europe’s top universities, and walking around the campus is really cool. Try and do a tour if you can as the history of the college is just as interesting as the campus itself.

The Book of Kells

If you are visiting Trinity College try to see The Book of Kells. It’s essentially a manuscript containing the four Gospels and dates back to the 9th Century. Admission to see the book also includes a tour of the Old College Library, which in itself is fascinating and very picturesque.

Stephens Green

This is basically Dublin’s version of Hyde Park with squirrel infested green space and swan filled ponds. Changes are at some point during your time in the city you will end up here.  It’s a beautiful place to wander around and experience some greenery in a bustling city.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is a tourist favourite. The area is known for its cobbled streets, and has earned itself the title as Dublin’s cultural quarter. One of the most visited places in the area has to be the ‘Temple Bar’ pub. It is a great place to sit (if you can find one) and have a pint and listen to some live music.

Kilmainham Gaol

If you are looking for something unusual to to do in Dublin checkout Kilmainham Gaol. Located about 3.5 km out of Dublin centre. It is an important part of Irish history and many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed here by order of the UK government.

Glasnevin Cemetery

Built in 1832 this is one of Dublin’s most famous cemeteries, and was once a key target for body snatchers.

These days though it is the final resting place for some of Ireland’s most historical figures like Michael Collins – who played a key role in Ireland’s Independence. And if you are wanting to trace your Irish ancestry this is the best place to do it.   

Phoenix Park

You would be wrong if you were thinking that Dublin is all hustle and bustle. Just a stones throw from the centre is Phoenix Park, a 7km green space, that is home to Dublin Zoo, and some wild deer that wander around the grounds. It’s perfect for strolling around or having a picnic – just watch out for the deer.

Phoenix Park is located on the west side of Dublin so it’s a great place to visit as you embark on your drive from Dublin to Galway.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Apart from Guinness, Ireland is also renowned for its Whiskey. The museum is located across the road from Trinity College and goes into detail about the history of Irish Whiskey. It is actually a lot more interesting than it sounds and the guides are excellent and entertaining throughout the tour.

Dublin Castle

It wouldn’t be a trip to Ireland without seeing one castle. Dublin Castle until 1922 was the centre of UK government rule in Ireland. Since then it has become a major tourist attraction and is used for state dinners as well as the inauguration of presidents in Ireland. You can buy a ticket combining entry to the castle and the Book of Kells online in advance.

Ha’penny Bridge

Chances are you will cross the River Liffey at some point when visiting Dublin, so why not do it in style. The Ha’penny Bridge is a scenic pedestrian bridge that was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey. It is one of the symbols of the city, and one of the first pedestrian bridges over the River itself.

Things to do in Galway

Again if you are making the effort to drive from Dublin to Galway you might be wondering what some of the best things to do in Galway are. Here is a list to give you a bit of inspiration.

Eat

Galway is a foodies paradise, and considering it is so close to the sea, it’s no surprise seafood is all the rage here.

If you want to make the most of your time in Galway we recommend doing a food tour which is a good idea for getting to grips with the culinary delights in the city.

Experience the pub culture

The Latin Quarter is one of the best places to do this. There are so many cool traditional type pubs in the area. A lot of them also have trad music sessions which is a real treat.

Listen to the buskers

One of the must dos in Galway is visiting Quay Street. Here you will find lots of buskers playing different types of music. It’s one of the things that Galway is famous for so you have to stop by.

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands, whilst not technically in Galway, are one of the best day trips to do from the city. If you are travelling from Galway to the Aran Islands, then you will need to make your way to Rosaveel which is just under an hour away from the centre of Galway. From Rosaveel you then need to hop on a ferry that will take you to Inis Mór.

The Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral is one of the newer buildings in the city. It was built in 1965 and has since become one of the iconic parts of the city skyline.

Visit Salthill

Salthill is one of the lovely beach areas in Galway. I know that the country isn’t really famous for sunning yourself on the beach, but it does have some gorgeous coastal spots.

Is it worth driving from Dublin to Galway?

You might be wondering if it is worth driving from Dublin to Galway? Personally we think it is. Whilst visiting Dublin is great, it doesn’t give you a proper representation of what life is like in Ireland. If you want to do that you definitely need to visit different parts of the country.

Your drive from Dublin to Galway can be as long or short as you want, or at least as short as 2.5 hours for the direct route. But if you have the chance take those detours, stay away from the motorway and get to know the Ireland that the guide books gush about.

Trying to decide between Cork and Galway? – Here is a handy guide

Driving from Galway to Dublin trip recap

We hope that this article has helped you plan your own drive from Dublin to Galway. Both Dublin and Galway are incredibly beautiful places and there is no shortage of things to do in either. But if you want to experience more of what Ireland has to offer then make sure you add in some detours along the way. Seriously a drive to Galway from Dublin doesn’t have to be boring.

If you can only do Dublin or Galway here is a helpful guide to help you choose which one to visit.

For more ideas and things to add to your Ireland bucket list you can checkout this post.

And if you are wondering if Ireland is worth visiting this is a handy post.

If you have found this article useful please do Pin it and save for later.

Happy Travels!