Ireland Road Trip Part 4: Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Connemara & Aran Islands Ferry from Galway
Day 11: Adare to Doolin
We hit the road and started our trek up the west coast toward Doolin, but we couldn’t resist a pit stop in Adare. Walking through town felt like stepping into a storybook—those thatched-roof cottages are every bit as charming as they look in photos. We grabbed lunch at The Good Room Cafe and Bistro, where we fueled up on Irish beef burgers, housemade iced tea, and an incredible chocolate peanut butter bar for dessert.
After a quick drive through downtown Limerick to take in the city sights, we finally made our way to Doolin and settled into our B&B. The village has such a welcoming, end-of-the-road feel that instantly makes you want to slow down.
To cap off the day, we headed down the hill to McGann’s Pub. Between the dark wood, the local chatter, and the warm atmosphere, the meal was the absolute definition of cozy and hearty. It was exactly the kind of comfort food we needed to fuel up for our upcoming big event: our trek to the Cliffs of Moher.
Day 12: Cliffs of Moher
We got an early start to beat the crowds at the Cliffs of Moher. While there’s a car park right across from the main visitor entrance, here’s a Pro Tip: Guerin’s Path Car Park is about 1 km further up. It’s a €2-3 cheaper and offers a quiet, 20-minute scenic walk to the visitor center—perfect if you want to dodge the tour bus hustle. We opted for the main lot this time to explore the visitor center, which is built right into the hillside and is definitely worth a look.
From there, we headed up to the cliffs. It’s a steep, paved climb with the Atlantic wind whipping our hair, puffins darting along the rock faces, and the endless blue ocean stretching to the horizon. The scenery is spectacular!
IMHO: Ireland is so spoiled for views that we’d rank these cliffs third on our list. As amazing as they are, we thought Slieve League and the Kerry Cliffs were even more breathtaking. That’s just how unbelievable this island is!
After the Cliffs of Moher, we drove through the Burren, and the landscape shifted instantly. It is unlike anything else in Ireland—a vast, lunar-like terrain of jagged limestone “pavements” and deep fissures. It feels otherworldly, like you’ve stepped onto another planet made of rock. We pulled over a few times to take it all in, catching a glimpse of a private sheepdog demonstration and exploring ancient ruins, including Poulnabrone Dolman, a megalithic tomb over 5,000 years old.
We finished the day back in Doolin, wandering around the village before settling into a pub, Gus O’Connor’s Pub, for another hearty dinner.
Book your own Cliffs of Moher and Burren tour here, including round‑trip transport, a local guide, and time to explore both the visitor center and scenic cliff paths.
Day 13: Connemara to Galway
We bid farewell to Doolin and set our sights on Galway, venturing deep into the heart of Connemara. This region is famously described as a “savage beauty,” where rugged mountains meet mirror-like lakes.
Along the way, we couldn’t resist a stop at the iconic Quiet Man Bridge, a must-see for fans of the John Wayne classic.
Naturally, we had to stop at a Connemara Marble store, a place Tara has a deep appreciation for. This rare stone is truly “Ireland’s Gemstone” because it’s found only in this specific corner of the world.
- A Piece of Ireland: Formed over 500 million years ago, its distinctive green swirls are like a map of the Irish landscape.
- A Personal Treasure: We couldn’t leave without a memento, so we picked out a beautiful and unique Connemara marble necklace. Because it’s a natural metamorphic rock, no two pieces are ever identical, making it the perfect one-of-a-kind souvenir from our travels.
Our next stop was the breathtaking Kylemore Abbey. Originally a grand private castle built as a romantic gift, it later became a Benedictine monastery and a boarding school. Seeing the abbey’s Gothic towers glowing against the lake was like stepping into a fairytale, especially as we wandered through the stunning Victorian walled gardens and visited the miniature Gothic church on the grounds.
The absolute highlight of the trip, however, was a private sheepdog demonstration. Watching these dogs herd with such flawless, silent precision against the Connemara backdrop was mesmerizing—truly a masterclass in teamwork and instinct.
We ended our day in Galway, where the city’s energy was absolutely pulsing. The legendary hospitality of our B&B host made us feel right at home before we headed into the bustling Latin Quarter. While the crowds were a bit overwhelming and our dinner was just okay, the city’s historical charm won us over. The crowning moment was in Eyre Square, where we spotted the Darcy family crest flag flying high! Seeing Tara’s heritage represented among the city’s historic “Fourteen Tribes” was the perfect, personal end to our West Coast adventure.
You can book a guided Connemara and Kylemore Abbey day tour from Galway here if you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery instead of driving.
Day 14: Inishmore Aran Islands
Today, we set sail for Inishmore, the largest and most rugged of the Aran Islands. Although the weather was a bit wild, the 90-minute ferry ride out was surprisingly smooth. As you step off the boat, the island greets you with a bustle of activity—tour guides and bike rentals are everywhere, ready to show you the sights.
We decided to explore at our own pace, starting with a long, cozy stint in the Aran Sweater Market. There’s something so special about seeing those iconic patterns right where they originated! From there, we hiked uphill to explore some ancient ruins before ducking into Joe Watty’s Bar for a well-earned lunch.
The return journey was a different story—the Atlantic showed its teeth, and the ride back was much rougher. Let’s just say there were a few green faces on board! However, the detour past the Cliffs of Moher made it all worth it. Seeing those massive stone giants from the sea provides a jaw-dropping perspective you just can’t get from the top.
The sun finally peeked out just as we docked, and we retreated to our B&B to warm up. Our host was wonderful, providing tea and biscuits by the fire—exactly what we needed to shake off the sea chill. For dinner, we opted for a rare break from pub food and headed across the street to Glenlo Abbey. We dined at Palmer’s, finishing the night with a perfect Irish coffee nightcap.
Ireland’s west coast has delivered nothing but raw beauty and soul, but the biggest surprise of the trip is still to come. We’re headed for a fairy-tale castle stay that felt like stepping into a storybook, complete with hawks, wolfhounds, and a meal so perfect we still talk about it years later.
Ready to plan your own Ireland road trip? Head to Crafted Routes for personalized custom itinerary planning tailored to your pace, interests, and budget!
