Connemara, County Galway

Wild Atlantic Way Central – Clare, Galway & Mayo

View Photos

View Map

On this page:

Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

8 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £1110 per person
Best time to go: April - October
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Loop Head

Enjoy a day out on the Loop Head Peninsula, with sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the famous lighthouse and explore the rugged beauty of the Bridge of Ross and Kilkee Cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher

Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher, a Signature Point along the Wild Atlantic Way and one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions. Admire the magnificent views over the Atlantic and explore the fascinating visitor centre.

Aran Islands

Hop on a ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Hire a bike or take a stroll to the prehistoric Dún Aonghasa fort, perched atop spectacular towering cliffs. Visit the local seal colony and relax on stunning beaches.

Galway

Unwind in the vibrant and bohemian city of Galway. Explore narrow lanes of bright-coloured shops and unique museums. Galway is known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Irish music sessions, which can be heard in the many pubs dotted around the city.

Kylemore Abbey

Located in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian walled garden is a stunning 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion surrounded by picturesque gardens and lakes.

Keem Bay

Take a short trip to Achill Island. Relax on the idyllic and sheltered beach at Keem Bay, with its golden sands, turquoise water, and bordered by impressive cliffs.

A Remarkable Road Trip on Ireland’s Rugged Cliff Coast

This self-drive tour explores the stunning central section of the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning in the traditional town of Doolin. It then follows the rugged Cliff Coast through County Clare to County Mayo.

Pass through County Galway, home to some of Ireland’s finest scenery and the vibrant city of Galway itself. Your journey culminates in wonderful Westport, surrounded by some of Ireland’s finest beaches.

Arrive in Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music. Take a day to explore the spectacular coastal scenery of the Loop Head Peninsula and learn about the many historical and geological features along the Loop Head Heritage Trail.

Spend time gazing in awe at the lofty Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most spectacular natural site. Take a day trip to the Aran Islands, known for their rugged, windswept landscapes, ancient stone forts, and welcoming local community.

You will then make your way north to the vibrant city of Galway, your base for the next two nights. Discover the bustling and bright-coloured streets of Galway City and enjoy a local tipple while listening to traditional live Irish music.

The Wild Atlantic Way continues northwest towards Clifden, located in the heart of Connemara. Discover the spectacular Connemara National Park, where you can follow numerous walking trails, explore the remote Derrigimlagh Bog, or visit the beautiful Kylemore Abbey.

Your journey will then take you past dramatic Killary Harbour towards County Mayo and Westport, a picturesque Georgian town known as the Riviera of the Wild Atlantic Way. This is the ideal base to explore the dazzling Bay Coast, with its crystal clear waters and impressive beaches.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in County Clare

Your adventure will begin in timeless County Clare, where you could hop on a boat tour of the Shannon Estuary for an opportunity to spot dolphins.

Take the Loop Head scenic drive for sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and visit some Star Wars filming locations. Or explore some of County Clare’s unique landscapes, including the Bridge of Ross and Kilkee Cliffs.
Overnight – Doolin

Day 2: County Clare Sightseeing

Rise early and visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher, standing 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Make time to visit Lahinch, a sweeping sandy beach popular with surfers. Next, travel inland to Poulnabrone Dolmen on the Burren limestone plateau, Ireland’s oldest megalithic monument.

Finish your day at a cosy pub in Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music.
Overnight – Doolin

Day 3: County Clare to Galway

You will receive a warm welcome in this compact and vibrant city. Get your bearings on an included City Sightseeing Bus Tour which visits the most famous sights, including Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral. Finish your day by indulging in local cuisine at one of the lively restaurants in the Latin Quarter.
Overnight – Galway

Day 4: Galway Sightseeing

Today you could take a boat trip to Inishmore, the largest of the unique Aran Islands. Explore Dún Aonghasa, an impressive pre-historic hillfort perched above the Atlantic. You can hire a bike and visit Kilmurvey Beach with its crystal clear waters.

Once back on the mainland, drive the beautiful Burren coast towards Dunguaire Castle, which has a spectacular location on the shores of Galway Bay.
Overnight – Galway

Day 5: Galway to Connemara

Travel north to the glorious coast of Connemara. Enjoy endless opportunities for sea and sand, from the crystal-clear waters at Coral Beach on the Carraroe Peninsula, to the beauty spots of Gurteen Beach and Dog’s Bay. Make a stop at Derrigimlagh Discovery Centre to about Ireland’s fascinating involvement in transatlantic technology.
Overnight – Clifden area

Day 6: Connemara Sightseeing

Visit Clifden Castle before driving the Sky Road, Connemara’s spectacular peninsula. Enjoy tranquil white sands at Eyrephort Beach and at low tide, make your way to Omey, an uninhabited island connected to the mainland by a beach. Then, explore Connemara National Park, home to 2,000 hectares of glorious mountains, grassland, and woodlands.
Overnight – Clifden area

Day 7: Connemara to County Mayo

Today, make your way northeast towards Westport. Stop at Kylemore Abbey, a gothic mansion with extensive grounds built in 1868. Watch the landscape become more mountainous as you approach County Mayo, and make a stop at the wild and beautiful Doo Lough Valley. End the day with a boat trip on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s finest glacial fjord.
Overnight – Westport area

Day 8: County Mayo Sightseeing

Explore Achill Island, home to picturesque landscapes and one of Ireland’s most stunning beaches, Keem Bay. For those seeking a physical challenge, climbing Croagh Patrick or hiking the Mullet Peninsula is a must. Don’t forget to visit the awe-inspiring Downpatrick Sea Stacks, towering rock formations that jut out of the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight – Westport area

Day 9: Depart County Mayo

After breakfast, you might wish to explore County Mayo further, before your unforgettable Wild Atlantic Way holiday comes to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Irish breakfast
Comprehensive information pack and local visitor information
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
Map of Ireland with our recommended driving route
9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
Tickets for the Galway City Sightseeing Tour
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that, after a busy day of sightseeing, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

How do our Self-Drive Holidays Work?

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

How to Plan a Perfect Road Trip in Ireland

Discover Ireland with our new self-drive tours. This comprehensive guide covers everything from Ireland's history and geography to travel tips, best times to visit, and top attractions. Plan your perfect Irish adventure with expert advice on exploring the Emerald Isle. Read more