I wanted to share how we managed this very enjoyable day trip from Galway on Public Transport as this question comes up from time to time.
- Take the 10:00 am Citilink Bus from the new coach station in Galway to Oughterard. Arrive around 10:40. (8 euros) Spend about 30 minutes looking around town.
- Walk or take a taxi the one mile to the Corrib Cruises dock. (It was a 20 minute walk for us) but others might prefer a taxi.
- Take the Oughterard-Inchagoill-Cong return cruise at 12 noon (28 euros). This cruise is a great adventure on its own and a terrific way to arrive right at Ashford Castle. 30 minute crossing on Loch Corrib to the historical island of Inchagoill where a guide takes the group to two ancient churches and a previous village site on a short walk. You spend about an hour on the island. 30 minutes later you tie up to the dock at Ashford Castle (2pm). You will have until 5:15 here. (3 hours). Your cruise ticket also gives you admission to the Ashford Castle Gardens. It is a 7 minute walk to Cong.
- We walked 5 minutes to the Ireland School of Falconry where my sister participated in a personal Hawk Walk for about an hour. (Pre-arranged appt at 2:20 pm) Walking and flying a Harris Hawk through the gardens and forests at Ashford Castle. I went along as photographer. It was a great experience. We then walked to Cong where there was more time to explore, eat a snack at the Hungry Monk, and still catch our return cruise at 5:15pm.
- We arrived back at the dock about 6 pm. We walked to Oughterard, but once again, a taxi would be an option here. Time for a meal.
- Citilink bus back to Galway (8 euros)
Total transport cost per person (including cruise/tour) 44 euros
It was a full day! However, it was so enjoyable and incorporating the cruise into our public transport plan worked well. The cruise would have been worth it on its own. As a way to arrive at Ashford Castle, it was great. The timing worked well to incorporate the Hawk Walk as well.