We are planning a stay in Westport to climb the Croagh of Patrick and on the following day would like to go by local bus or tour bus through Connemara and end in Galway. Any ideas?
You might try searching on www.buseireann.ie; they have a window to put in your departure city, arrival city, dates, etc to "Plan Your Trip." I haven't used their bus system; we did this region by bicycle. The countryside is drop-dead gorgeous!
Advice about checking out the bus eireann schedule is right on!! Try to pick a route that has stops in the most little towns and villages---you will probably be in for a very entertaining ride, and the locals love to chat!!! And it is----drop-dead gorgeous!!