I only had about 2.5 full days in Dublin, but I really wanted to take a day trip to see the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, so I booked my ticket through Viator to experience the legendary landscape from the dramatic heights of the Cliffs of Moher to the charming streets of Galway—which was a pleasant surprise!

I highly recommend this adventure since they take care of everything, and if you’re jet-lagged like I was, you’ll have plenty of time to take a quick catnap!

Let’s go on an Irish adventure, shall we?

Breakdown of the Day Trip

My trip started at 6:45 am, when I had to walk to the meeting stop, but I almost didn’t make it there because I woke up at 6:35 am and still had a 10-minute walk ahead of me. Luckily, I got there just in time!

Now, depending on the tour, your pick-up spot will vary. I made sure (thankfully) that the hostel I was staying in was close enough to the pick-up point because I was nervous due to jet lag. Once you get on board, it’s your typical large tour bus; it doesn’t have a bathroom, but it does have Wi-Fi and charging stations. I highly recommend getting a window seat if you can. I will discuss below which side you should sit on, depending on what you want to see.

Also, they will stop twice during the trip at a service station where you can use the bathroom and get coffee and snacks once an hour after leaving Dublin and once an hour before returning. The trip to the Cliffs takes about three hours, and the entire tour—the drive to the Cliffs, Burren, Galway, stops, and return to Dublin—lasts about 13 hours!

Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Iconic Landmark

At the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll be struck by the steep drop and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walking along the cliff edge, you'll feel a cool sea breeze and see seabirds nesting on the rocky ledges.

The trail is currently closed due to recent fatalities, but you can still enjoy the stunning cliff views. I suggest turning right at the visitor center to explore that section of the coast. It might be better to skip O’Brien’s Tower as it tends to be crowded, and the narrow stairway can cause delays. And if you’re lucky like I was, you'll see the cliffs illuminated by sunlight!

A quick heads-up: it often rains here. It started pouring as we arrived, but the sun reappeared after 20 minutes. You’ll have about two hours for exploration. Plus, a musician plays Irish tunes while you take in the scenery.

Here are a few tips for the visitor center: avoid eating at the second-floor café; opt for the smaller café on the first floor, as it’s more affordable. They also offer a free phone charging station with lockers, so I recommend locking up your phone before grabbing a snack. That way, you can let it charge while you eat.

I had a small quiche because I was getting hungry, but I'd suggest waiting until you arrive in Galway for a proper meal. My recommendation for where to eat is below!

Exploring the Burren

On the way to Galway, the route goes through the Burren—a fascinating area of limestone pavement and rare wildflowers. This drive is genuinely breathtaking. You will marvel at this unique landscape, which feels otherworldly and peaceful.

As for seating, it all depends on what you prefer to see. If you sit on the left side of the bus (facing the driver), you'll see the mountains and limestone; on the right side, you'll have ocean views! I was happy with nearly two hours of ocean scenery.

During this time, your tour guide will share more about the history of this area and why it's so special, just like he did for the Cliffs.

A word of caution: if you don't like windy roads and get motion sickness, please take some medication. I was perfectly fine, but the girl in front of me felt sick during that two-hour drive. The tour guide, Sean, was fantastic and tried to help her.

Galway: The City of Tribes

The final stop is Galway, known for its colorful streets, lively markets, and rich artistic heritage. You’ll have about two hours to explore the Latin Quarter, try local foods, listen to street musicians, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere before returning to Dublin.

I personally spent some of the time at the Christmas Market, since I was surprised they had one at the beginning of November. Below are my recommendations for the few places I visited based on Sean’s suggestions.

·Christmas Market

To get a Christmas ornament, if the market is still there!

O’Connell’s

Grab a pint and enjoy this pub where Ed Sheeran shot the music video for “Galway Girl.”

Sonny Molloy’s

Known for their Shepherd’s Pie, I highly recommend getting dinner here!

Charlie Byrnes’s Bookshop

A cute book shop wherein you can browse local Irish writers

Planet Retro

A really cool vintage clothing store with different clothing and costumes from various periods in time, ranging from the 1920’s to the 1990s! They even had some great Christmas outfits that I almost bought!