13 days in Western Ireland Itinerary

A major hub for visitors exploring Ireland's western regions, Galway serves as a city of art and culture, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galway: Cong (The Quiet Man Museum, Ashford Castle, &more) and Keoghs Irish Gifts (in Oughterard). Spend the 1st (Sat) exploring nature at Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre. There's still lots to do: take a memorable drive along Wild Atlantic Way, admire the striking features of Galway Cathedral, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Galway Atlantaquaria, and stroll around Eyre Square.

To find maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Galway visit planner.

Prague, Czech Republic to Galway is an approximately 10-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Prague to Galway, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Prague in September, plan for a bit cooler days in Galway, with highs around 17°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can travel to Inishmore.

Inishmore represents the largest of the Aran Islands and has a strong commitment to maintaining the Irish language, culture, and ancient attractions.

Inishmore is known for historic sites, outdoors, and wildlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the ancient world of Dun Aonghasa, look for gifts at Lia Arann, discover the deep blue sea with Dive Academy - Scuba Diving School, and make a trip to Teampall Bhean'in.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Inishmore route maker site.

You can do a combination of bus and ferry from Galway to Inishmore in 3.5 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Inishmore can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to travel to Clifden.

The town of Clifden represents a beloved Victorian style and is known for its position along County Galway's coast.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): relax in the rural setting at Dan O'Hara's Homestead Farm, stop by Cottage Handcrafts, then take in nature's colorful creations at Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, and finally don't miss a visit to Sky Road.

For ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Clifden road trip planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and taxi from Inishmore to Clifden takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, taxi, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can drive to Achill Island.

Dramatic rocky cliffs, rolling green hills, and a meandering coastline buffeted by a wild ocean make a trip to Achill Island one of the best opportunities to snapping memorable photos of classic Irish landscapes.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Sun): contemplate the waterfront views at Keem Bay, take in the exciting artwork at Ronan Halpin Gallery, and then cruise along Atlantic Drive.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Achill Island travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Clifden to Achill Island in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. October in Achill Island sees daily highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can drive to Westport.

Renowned for its Georgian architecture, Westport sits in the shadows of Croagh Patrick, considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.

On the 10th (Mon), make a trip to Jacks Old Cottage, grab your bike and head to The Great Western Greenway, then take in nature's colorful creations at Westport House, and finally explore by horseback at Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Tue): examine the collection at National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, then see the interesting displays at Michael Davitt Museum, then make a trip to Foxford Woollen Mills, and finally stroll through Drummindoo Stud.

To see maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, use the Westport trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Achill Island to Westport takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. October in Westport sees daily highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Carrick-on-Shannon.

Carrick-on-Shannon is the county town of County Leitrim in the Republic of Ireland. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): get all the information you need at Rathcroghan Royal Site & Visitor Centre.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Carrick-on-Shannon tour itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Westport to Carrick-on-Shannon takes 1.5 hours. In October, plan for daily highs up to 14°C, and evening lows to 7°C. On the 12th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive back home.