only two days in galway, stay in galway or outside of galway? hotel?

I would stay on Eyre Square right in the heart of Galway. You are in walking distance to the bus and train station and there are plenty of lodgings to choose from. You can pick up a bus tour to the Cliffs right off Eyre Square if you don’t want to rent a car.

You used to be able to pick up a walking tour in front of the Skeffington Arms Hotel on Eyre Square. I found it quite interesting. I’ve stayed at the Skeffington, so will warn you this hotel is quite noisy as it is above a fun pub.

Thanks Kathy, I might even look into a driver for the Cliffs as we would rather pay a little more but maximize our time. I might hit that pub you mentioned but not stay there, thanks!!

Hi Lizzie,

The train from Dublin requires you to get to the station (there are two) from the airport via a shuttle. The bus is direct and there are several. If you miss a bus, your allowed to get on the next one. There are a couple of lines, but the locals take Citylink (tour bus type, clean, comfortable, big windows and free wifi).

We stayed at the Hardiman hotel in Galway and loved it and the location. It's on Eyre Square and in front of the train station (surprisingly quiet). Skeffington Arms (nice hotel) is a great place if you like noise! We almost booked there and glad we didn't as the rooms are above the popular bar with loud music. Our room was so lovely at the Hardiman (we asked for a high floor with a nice view). Our first night (after the bus ride) we dined at the Skeffington Arms and had a great time with good food.

The next day we took a day trip to Aran islands (Inish Mor) and it was lovely. You can get there by inexpensive ferry boat or (surprisingly inexpensive) flight. We flew there early and had the place to ourselves for several hours before the ferries arrived. We hoped on one of the shuttles to the top that told us about the island and sights along the way, getting off at the top to take the easy hike to Dún Aonghasa (it's the largest of the prehistoric stone forts right on the top of sheer beautiful cliffs; stunning). After the hike we shopped the famous Aran sweaters and had homemade soup and Irish bread before taking the shuttle back down to the main village. The village has a few pubs (also good food, fresh caught local fish/soup/Guinness on tap and lots of locals), shops and lovely views (don't miss the scones and coffee shop, amazing scones)! After spending the day wandering there we flew back and returned to the hotel (transportation to/from hotel to ferry or airport is via a scenic shuttle drive that is booked at the same time as ferry/flight) before 5pm. We strolled to the Spanish arch, Latin quarter, circling back to the square having so many great dinner options and live music fun to choose from! Everything is so close to the square. The day was so peaceful and relaxing, we are not very fit and far from young, but we were never tried out and went at an easy pace.

If the Cliffs you are looking for are the Cliffs of Moher, there are several companies that offer day trips from the Square. "Cliffs of Moher Tours" is one I remember, I can't recall the rest, but check online. Alternately you can take a comfortable local bus, it goes right to the Cliffs Visitor center. The station is 5 minutes’ walk from the square and the ride there is a little over 2 hours (take the route that goes along the coastline). It's lovely when no one must concentrate/navigate driving on the opposite side of the road, especially with jet lag and a 1.5 hour drive each way.

Salthill is a bit remote and although lovely, I wouldn't know what to do there for two days. An afternoon or an evening maybe. The locals go there on the weekends or day's off to picnic, Ferris wheel, swim.

I've been to both "Cliffs" and if I had to choose only one, it would be the Cliff at Dun Aonghasa as the island is so lovely, with several offerings but also, peaceful and rich in history. Moher is famous, breathtakingly beautiful and the visitors center has a nice café. There's a tower with a staircase you can climb for higher views. I went there with a group (lots of busses/groups come here) and we spent 2 hours and it was more than enough. If you wanted to walk the cliffs add on and extra few hours. There is a walking trail but, it is very windy!

Whatever you decide, you'll have an amazing time!

Hello Lizzie,
I am planning on taking the train from Dublin to Galway as well. Were you able to rent a car for several days? If so; what company did you use and what were the rates. I am checking online and rentals seem to be very expensive. Thank you-