A Whirlwind Visit to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway
Is this a traditional or ideal travel post? No. Would I recommend this specific route? No. Would I say we spent enough time in any particular location? No. Do I feel like we packed as much into the short amount of time we had? Absolutely, yes!
It was an incredible, whirlwind trip that tested the limits of my planning skills. In a nutshell, it was a loop from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher to Galway to Belfast and back to Dublin. This first post covers the Cliffs of Moher and Galway leg.
First Stop – Sean’s Bar
I arrived in Dublin early in the morning; rested and ready to go after a wonderful flight from the US in a Polaris lay-flat seat on United Airlines. After a stop for coffee, it was road trip time!
The first stop after leaving Dublin was in Athlone for Sean’s Bar. Sean’s is Ireland’s Oldest Pub (as listed in Guinness Book of World Records) so obviously must be visited! I loved everything about this pub – the history, the atmosphere and the storytelling by the bartender. Athlone was my first glimpse at the legendary Irish charm and I was already looking forward to more! But one drink and done because there was so much more to see!
Up until this point, the roads had been all highway. Except for driving on the left, it was very similar to driving on freeways in the US…well that was about to change!! I’m not sure if google maps needed us to do a little sightseeing or if it was legitimately the most efficient route but once we took the exit, the roads narrowed and the winding, backroad journey to the next destination, Cliffs of Moher, began.
Self Side Note (ssn) – since Patti wasn’t there, I must do my own sidenote. I had two romanticized, clichéd Ireland scenes that I hoped would play out. First, a flock of sheep blocking the country road. Second, happening upon an Irish wake or wedding celebration in a local pub. Spoiler alert…neither happened.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are known to be the top tourist attraction in Ireland. The Cliffs are represented on almost all travel bucket lists, like “50 of the Best Views in the World”. It was definitely top of my list, and you all know I love checking off the lists!
It was a few Euro for admission, paid to the very charming attendant as you park. Then a short walk to the Visitor Center which also houses a row of souvenir and snack shops. The weather (as expected) was chilly, with an ocean breeze and overcast skies. It was a little bit of a trek up along the trail but plenty of viewpoints along the way and the views were enough to stop you in your tracks! The 700-ft, rugged cliff walls topped with vivid green grass were just breathtaking.
As difficult as it was to tear ourselves away from this scene, we had reservations in Galway!
Galway Town
The drive from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway was one of my favorites of the trip. Each town was cuter than the previous. As I was annoyingly pointing out. With each colored building, pub sign, flower box or thatched roof, I announced, “This is the CUTEST!”
ssn – I’m sure this is an American thing. Europe is full of small, quaint towns with architectural interest so maybe it isn’t as much of a treat. With a few exceptions, we just don’t have this in the USA.
We arrived in Galway and checked into the hotel with not much time to spare. We stayed at The House Hotel nearer the docks but just outside the Latin Quarter. The hotel was perfectly located near the action but not too near! It was modern and stylish with friendly service.
Galway Whiskey Tasting Tour
I had booked a “Private Irish Whiskey and Galway Spirits Tour” with Sheena from Galway Food Tours.
The Latin Quarter is sooooo fun and lively! It was hard to make a direct line to our first meeting place, McCambridges, without getting distracted. We had a private tasting room and were given a selection of local meats and cheeses to go with the Irish Whiskey tastings. Now, I have been to a good number of the Bourbon Distillers in Kentucky (and love them!) but my Irish Whiskey experience is limited to a few shots of Jameson on St. Patrick’s Day.
Whiskey Tasting Stop 1
Our first pour was Slane. Turns out, I really like Irish Whiskey. We also tasted the Irish version of moonshine, Poitin from Micil. Pronounced, “puh-cheen”, this very high-proof alcohol has only been legal in Ireland since 1997. Not going to lie, it was rough! There was Longueville Apple Brandy that Sheena took with us for later in the tour.
Whiskey Tasting Stop 2
Moving along, we went to Ruibin down by the Docks. Sheena’s storytelling and local knowledge were the perfect accompaniment to these wonderful whiskeys. We tried Tullamore 12-year, Yellow Spot 12-year and Connemara Original and had some delicious snacks.
ssn – I loved both the Tullamore and the Yellow Spot. I was not crazy about the Connemara as it was very peaty (which I have not yet acquired the taste for).
Whiskey Tasting Stop 3
The third stop was Tigh Neachtain. Tigh Neachtain, Galway’s oldest pub is full of history and charm! We tasted Bushmills American Oak Cask Finish – I loved this one – and ate some amazing local oysters, mussels and a pork sliders. We also broke out our apple brandy for a beautiful ending.
Off to Explore
We left the tour feeling blissfully immersed into vibrant Galway. Sadly, we only had one night in town and I felt like I needed to explore as much of the city as possible. Galway is made for wandering – charming streets, colorful buildings, cheerful pubs and buskers.
The Claddagh
At Sheena’s recommendation, we walked just across the river from the Latin Quarter to The Claddagh for a more authentic, local experience.
I had my first pint of Guinness (in Ireland) at an outdoor beer garden-style tent at a local pub and was beginning to feel the tiredness from the travel day catching up with me. Back to the hotel to rest up for another destination tomorrow!
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38 Comments
RJ
That looks a great tour, especially if you could do it slower.
Big Sister
Agreed! I would have loved to spend more time in Galway and Doolin!
Vanessa Shields
What fun! It’s definitely a lot to cover in a short time but you made the most of it! Seeing the Cliffs of Moher and experiencing a whiskey tour would be top of my list too! Now you have a great reason to go back and see more.
Big Sister
Thank you!! We could travel well together 🙂
Steven Jepson
One of our kids was in Ireland last month. Drove from Dublin to the Cliffs and back in a day. So yours is the second whirlwind trip to this part of Ireland that I’ve heard about recently. Has to be seen though, right? No matter how much time you have.
Big Sister
You’re right, it has to be seen! And it would be worth the day trip!
Mitch - Very Tasty World
Funnily enough we were in Ireland earlier this year. We loved the Cliffs of Moher, they are stunningly beautiful, and you got some great photos there. It looks as though you had loads of fun in Galway and made the most of the time you had!
Big Sister
Thank you! I definitely made the most of it but did not come close to doing it justice!
Carina | bucketlist2life
I know the feeling of not having enough time but making the best of it! You did an amazing job even making time for a whisky tasting!
Big Sister
Thank you so much! There’s always time for whiskey 😉
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
I would love to see the Cliffs Of Moher! We visited Galway a couple of years ago and loved it. Such a vibrant, fun town.
Dana
What an amazing account of an amazing tour around Ireland. My bucket list is getting shorter but I always wanted to go to Ireland or Scotland. Sadly, I’m sure I’m going to have to choose one or the other. Are you up for being a tour guide (after we hit Australia at some point in the near future I hope)? Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Big Sister
I will be your tour guide any time! And we definitely need to get Australia rebooked! xoxo
kmf
Ireland is second on my list so love this post! Even a whirlwind visit to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway sounds and looks fabulous! Love the pics!
Big Sister
Thank you so much for reading! I cannot wait to read about your trip when you visit – you will love it!!
Jen Nilsson
Isn’t it so often the case that we make it a whirlwind? Makes for a very informative blog post, though! Thank you!
Big Sister
It really is! I hate the feeling of missing something but I don’t want to pass up an opportunity to take the trip either! Thanks for reading!
Tiffany Pence
I love food/drink tours with good storytellers! You got to try quite a lot of whiskeys on that tour. Galway does look like the cutest, and definitely needs a few days more to soak up that Irish culture.
Big Sister
Food and Drink tours are the best! I think they are one of the best ways to get acquainted with a new city! I can’t wait to go back and spend more time.
Wanderingkellers
Went to Ireland in 2000. Brings back lots of memories. Loved Galway and the cliffs of moher.
Big Sister
Glad to bring those memories back to you! Thank you so much for reading 🙂
Lisa
I love visiting Ireland and this brought back some great memories! Your photos of the Cliffs of Mohar are incredible, I didn’t make it here on our last visit.
Big Sister
Thank you so much! It was my first trip to Ireland and I cannot wait to return!
Tom Smalltownplussize
Whirlwind traveling is how we like to go. We want to experience as much as possible so our wheels rarely stop. Only to sleep! Looks like you had a wonderful time and we’re crossing our fingers for a sheep experience next time.
Big Sister
LOL, thank you for the sheep wishes! I absolutely agree with you – I enjoy the whirlwind also – I’ve never tried slow travel but I fear I would wonder what I was missing! Thank you so much for reading!
Erin
I love reading about your adventures. I’d love to do this tour but a little slower. Y’all have so much fun!
Big Sister
Aw, thank you! You’re so sweet! We do try to cram as much fun into our trips as we can, LOL
Karla R Petersen
Why was it such a whirlwind? It looks wonderful, but too, too short.
And why is there a “Latin quarter” What does that mean?
Big Sister
I didn’t know why it was called the Latin Quarter so I looked it up!
Spanish trading ships used to come to Galway back in the middle ages and hence the Spanish influence. The Latin quarter more than any other part of the city epitomizes this mix of cultures and the atmosphere is second to none.
Thank you for your comment!
Malaika Archer
Looks beautiful. Ireland is on our bucket list.
Big Sister
Thank you! I hope you get to go, it is a wonderful country!
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Tia
Great article, I loved my time.e in Ireland, but definitely would like to return with a little more time without being too rushed. I haven’t done any of the whiskey tours, but that is on my list next visit. Thanks for sharing.
Big Sister
I agree, I was a little too rushed the whole trip but it was still fabulous. Thanks for reading!
Stefan
Love how you start your brilliant post with half a dozen caveats hahahaha…. You DID pack a lot into that trip. The photos of the Cliffs of Moher are very cool. I’d certainly aim to do as much of the beautiful nature as possible, but also wouldn’t want to miss out on the watering holes like Tigh Neachtain and Sean’s Bar. 🙂
Big Sister
LOL, I didn’t want people coming at me telling me that I didn’t spend enough time 🙂
Kellye Hefner
Great post! We would love to visit Ireland someday, but in the meantime we will follow along with you on your journey. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and insight!