Ireland west coast and Cliffs of Moher tour - 5 days
Crafted by Marcela, travel expert from Ireland
IrelandAn Ireland west coast and Cliffs of Moher tour brings you into a wilder, more atmospheric side of the country. Atlantic waves, towering cliffs, ancient stone walls, and quiet country roads set the tone for a journey rich in scenery and local character.
Among our Ireland trips, this route blends rugged coastlines, traditional music, welcoming pubs, and story-filled landscapes. Travel at your own pace, with time for hidden villages, misty valleys, and moments that feel personal rather than rushed.
Ireland's west coast and Cliffs of Moher tour highlights
- Witness the iconic Cliffs of Moher in all their wild glory: Stand atop the dramatic Atlantic cliffs at golden hour, with time to wander quiet paths and capture once‑in‑a‑lifetime coastal views.
- Explore hidden corners of the Wild Atlantic Way: Venture beyond the usual stops to discover secluded coves, tiny fishing villages, and scenic viewpoints.
- Immerse yourself in traditional Irish music and pub culture: Settle into characterful pubs where locals gather, enjoying live trad sessions, storytelling, and hearty dishes.
- Stay in handpicked, character-filled accommodations: Sleep in boutique guesthouses and family-run inns chosen for their warm welcomes, coastal views, and authentic insight into life along Ireland’s west coast.
- Travel at your own rhythm with a fully tailor-made itinerary: Enjoy a flexible route designed around your interests, so every day feels personal and unhurried.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin | • Collect your rental car and settle in • Explore O’Connell Street and Grafton Street • Visit Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse • Evening in Temple Bar | Dublin |
| 2 | Dublin → Burren → Cliffs of Moher → Galway | • Drive toward Ireland’s west coast • Explore Burren National Park • See the Cliffs of Moher • Evening in Galway with pubs and live music | Galway |
| 3 | Galway → Doolin → Cliffs of Moher → Spanish Point | • Visit colorful Doolin • Walk the Cliffs of Moher paths • Take in views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay • End at Spanish Point | Doolin |
| 4 | Spanish Point → Limerick → Rock of Cashel → Kilkenny | • Visit King John’s Castle in Limerick • Explore the Rock of Cashel • Continue to medieval Kilkenny • Evening stroll through cobbled streets and pubs | Kilkenny |
| 5 | Kilkenny → Glendalough → Wicklow → Dublin Airport | • Explore Glendalough’s monastic ruins and lakeside trails • Drive through Wicklow Mountains National Park • Return to Dublin Airport • Drop off your rental car and depart | — |
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
Welcome to Ireland. On arrival in Dublin, collect your rental car and settle into the city at your own pace.
Ease into Ireland travel with a stroll along O’Connell Street and Grafton Street, where street music, local boutiques, and lively cafés give you a first taste of the capital. Explore Trinity College, with its elegant buildings and peaceful gardens, then visit the Guinness Storehouse to discover the story behind Ireland’s most iconic stout.
After dinner, wander through Temple Bar, where cobbled lanes, traditional pubs, and live music set the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Dublin to Galway via the Cliffs of Moher
Leave Dublin and journey toward Ireland’s wild west, tracing the Atlantic shoreline toward the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Pause in Burren National Park, one of the best places to visit in Ireland for ancient history and unusual natural beauty.
Explore its quiet limestone landscapes, megalithic tombs, dolmens, and Celtic crosses before continuing to Galway. This lively university city is known for its arts, music, and bohemian spirit.
Wander colorful streets, discover local pubs, and settle in with a pint as traditional musicians play. You may even end the night listening to Galway Girl.
Day 3: Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, and Spanish Point
Dive into the wild beauty of County Clare, starting in colorful Doolin, known for its traditional music pubs and welcoming coastal charm.
Continue to the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO-listed wonder. Walk the cliff paths, feel the Atlantic wind rise around you, and take in sweeping views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the distant Connemara mountains.
End the day at Spanish Point, where the dramatic shoreline carries stories of 16th-century shipwrecked Spanish galleons.
Tips from Marcela
Ireland Travel Expert
At the Cliffs of Moher, don’t stop only at the main viewing area. Walk a little farther along the cliff path toward Hag’s Head for quieter views and a stronger sense of the Atlantic coast’s scale. The light often softens beautifully later in the day, making the cliffs feel even more dramatic.
Day 4: Limerick, Rock of Cashel, and Kilkenny
Your Ireland trip continues from the wild west toward the country’s medieval heart. Begin at King John’s Castle in Limerick, overlooking the River Shannon, where interactive exhibits and rampart views trace centuries of battles and city life.
Travel east to the Rock of Cashel, an atmospheric complex of 12th and 13th-century ruins that deserves a place on any Ireland itinerary. Once linked to Ireland’s kings, it later became the site of a dramatic Cromwellian siege.
End the day in Kilkenny, a lively medieval city of cobbled streets, artisan shops, and welcoming pubs, perfect for an evening stroll.
Day 5: Glendalough, Wicklow, and departure
Discover the serene valley of Glendalough, known as the “valley of two lakes.” Wander among atmospheric 6th-century monastic ruins, hear local stories and legends, and follow lakeside trails shaped by the Ice Age.
Continue into Wicklow Mountains National Park, often called the Garden of Ireland, where rolling green hills, peaceful valleys, waterfalls, and mirror-like lakes create a memorable final glimpse of the country’s wild beauty.
Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dublin, then continue to the airport to return your rental car and conclude your trip.
