It is so important to explore the city that you’ll be staying in during your exchange, but it is also great to see all the other amazing places your host country has to offer. With this, I would love to share some of the Irish cities and towns that are accessible from Galway for a nice day or weekend trip!
1. Clifden
The first town that I would recommend visiting from Galway is Clifden. Clifden is in County Galway and is about an hour and a half bus ride from the University of Galway. This town features so many cute shops and cafes that you can easily spend a day visiting. In Clifden you can also walk along part of Sky Road, a panoramic road that features beautiful views of the town and coast.
2. Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a beautiful place to do some hiking and is about an hour and a half bus ride from the University of Galway. Here I hiked the Diamond Hill trail which has breathtaking views along the way. The bus stop is in Letterfrack, which is a quaint town with a few great pubs and shops to check out after your hike! In the area is also the Kylemore Abbey which I would recommend visiting. At the abbey you will be able to tour the estate which features the Victorian Walled Gardens, beautiful scenery, and the Abbey itself.
Cork
Cork is known as the food capital of Ireland and is a 3-hour bus from Galway City. Cork was a great city to visit with the English Market being a great place to explore and all the amazing food in the area. Also, make sure to check out the Butter Museum and learn all about Irish butter! Cork is also home to Blarney Castle & Gardens where the Blarney Stone is housed.
Dublin
Of course, you can’t go to Ireland without going to Dublin. Dublin is a 3-hour bus from Galway and has so much to offer. There are so many museums, shops, and restaurants to explore. During my times in Dublin, I visited the Irish Emigration Museum, the Little Museum of Dublin, Dublin Castle, and the Temple Bar area. I would recommend these places to anyone!
And these are just some of the places I managed to get to during my exchange, but there are so many other places that are accessible from Galway via public transportation. Happy traveling!