Updated June 2025–Have you ever driven from Dublin to Galway in three days?
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
The journey, if done in one day, would typically take about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
But this one is intended to take much longer, allowing you to stop off at places along the way, most of them in a region of Ireland known as The Midlands.
To complete this journey, you’ll need a rental car.
Most tourists to Ireland rent a car at either Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport.
DAY #1:
Tourist Attraction: Irish National Stud and Gardens, County Kildare
Leave Dublin early in the morning to get a head start on your Dublin to Galway in three days adventure.
The first stop is about a 55-minute drive from Dublin.
Located in the heart of what is known as the “Thoroughbred County, the Irish National Stud and Gardens in Kildare is a popular attraction for both tourists and the Irish themselves, and indeed for anyone interested in learning more about Ireland’s reputation for breeding some of the world’s finest horses.
In fact, the Irish National Stud & Gardens is home to a select group of stallions, who have each won some of the world’s most prestigious races.
A free guided tour of the stud farm is included in the price of a ticket, although private tours are also available, but must be pre-booked by emailing [email protected].
Many people coincide their visit to the attraction between February and May when over 300 foals take their first steps each year.
You may be lucky to see the newborn foals with their mothers, a magical experience.
The Irish Racehorse Experience is a relatively new attraction located on the stud farm.
The beautiful Japanese gardens, created between 1906 and 1910, are an equally sought-after site to visit in this part of Ireland.
St. Fiachra’s Garden is part of that and was designed to pay tribute to Ireland’s rich monastic heritage. It is named after St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardens.
Give yourself 2-3 hours at this attraction, included your self-guided tour of the gardens mentioned above.
(function(d, sc, u) {
var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
s.type = ‘text/javascript’;
s.async = true;
s.src = u + ‘?v=’ + (+new Date());
p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);
})(document, ‘script’, ‘//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js’);
Lunch: Hartes of Kildare
Expect hearty, well-prepared dishes, including several vegetarian and vegan options, at this award-winning gastropub in the town of Kildare.
Tourist Attraction: Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
While you’re in the vicinity, and especially if you’re looking for a souvenir of your visit to Ireland, why not take the 15-minute drive from the restaurant to the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre?
Before you feast your eyes on the beautiful gifts, including the exquisite Newbridge jewelry, be sure to see the Museum of Style Icons, which is housed within the center.
This is a treasure trove of beautiful garments and accessories worn by some of the world’s best-known celebrities.
The collection was started by the company’s CEO and it has grown since it was established in 2006.
Some of the items you’ll see on display include a Givenchy-designed dress worn by the late Princess Grace on her visit to Ireland in 1961 and during her visit to the White House that same year; the world’s largest collection of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia; a satin wedding dress worn by Judy Garland in the movie, “The Pirate;” as well as a blouse worn by the late Princess Diana of Wales for her engagement portrait.
Take a factory tour and then browse the collection of gift items available in the Newbridge Silverware shop.
You can also look for gifts and jewelry online.
Tourist Attraction: Croghan Hill, County Offaly
From Newbridge, take the R419 to Croghan Hill, which is about a 45-minute drive.
Croghan Hill is basically the remains of an extinct volcano that arose from the Bog of Allen about 60 million years ago.
The real treat, however, is the commanding view of the surrounding countryside that you will get from the top, where people say you can see nine counties.
The trek to the top will take about 20 minutes and while it is a steep climb, it is not very difficult.
The summit is considered to house the remains of a Bronze Age burial place, and in 2003, that premise was solidified when the perfectly preserved Iron Age body, now known as “Old Croghan Man,” was found in 2003.
Researchers believed he died between 362 BC and 175 BC. His body can be seen in a permanent exhibition titled “Kingship and Sacrifice” at the National Museum of Archaeology in Dublin.
Take a look at the four panels on the monument at the top of the hill that depict Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid, the volcanic eruption that created the hill, and the Old Croghan Man.
Not surprising that the monument you see above makes reference to Ireland’s prominent saints since this area has a strong association with both Saint Patrick (there’s a holy well to his name nearby that is signposted) and Saint Bridget, Ireland’s unofficial female patron saint as she was apparently born in the area.
I recommend you make the detour to explore this special area of Ireland. The start of the trail can be found opposite the school in Croghan village. Free parking is available.
Dinner: Sirroco’s Italian Restaurant, Tullamore, County Offaly
After a long day of touring, you deserve a top-class dining experience.
You’ll get that at the award-winning Sirroco’s Italian restaurant in the heart of Tullamore, the most central of Ireland’s towns.
Tullamore is a 29-minute drive from Croghan Hill via the R420.
While Sirroco’s is Italian, it’s got a definite Irish flair to it. All of its food is locally sourced, including seafood from County Donegal and the best of Ireland’s beef.
Suggested Accommodation: Bridge House Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club, Tullamore.
DAY 2:
Tourist Attraction: Tullamore DEW Distillery, Tullamore, County Offaly
Whiskey tourism has taken on a life of its own these days as distilleries pop up all over the country and attract more and more international visitors.
Among the popular distilleries to visit on your Dublin to Galway in three days trip is Tullamore DEW, which is the second-largest selling brand of Irish whiskey on the market.
The distillery was established in 1829 by Michael Molloy.
It wasn’t until the early 1900s that Daniel E. Williams, who started his career as a stable boy in the 1870s and worked his way up to general manager, took over the running of the company.
It is where the acronym DEW, used in the whiskey’s brand name, comes from.
You can take a guided tour of the distillery, where you will learn about the three-pronged process the distillery uses to create its unique flavors.
If you’d rather swap a visit to Tullamore D.E.W., then consider visiting the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest on the island of Ireland
The Distillery Experience tour at Kilbeggan includes a cocktail taster in a drum glass that you can take away with you, as well as learning about the incredible story of the distillery founded in 1757.
Finish the tour with a whiskey master class in the old Cooperage.
The cost is €35 per person.
Tourist Attraction: Sean’s Bar, Main Street, Athlone
The 35-minute drive from Tullamore to Athone via the R420 and connecting to the M6 motorway will take you to Sean’s Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland and indeed Europe, dating back to 900 AD.
Its age was verified in 1970 during an excavation that revealed walls made of ancient wattle and daub, dating back to at least the 9th century.
Once inside, grab a pint and take a look at the ancient artifacts on display in this hugely popular spot.
They include part of the original walls that were exposed during the excavation and others in a corner of the pub that also includes modern-day mementoes from visitors who have stopped by.
Coins were also discovered during that excavation but are now housed at the National Museum of History in Dublin.
Lunch: The Left Bank Bistro
Lots of delicious lunch offerings at this popular bistro in Athlone’s Left Bank Quarter.
All menus include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant is also wheelchair-friendly.
Tourist Attraction: Viking Cruise from Athlone to Clonmacnoise
Take it slowly for part of the day and enjoy a Viking cruise along the shores of Lough Ree that will take you to the sacred monastic site, Clonmacnoise courtesy of Viking Tours.
The cruise, voted number 1 on TripAdvisor, takes 80 minutes.
Sailings from Athlone Castle take place between May and October each year and are only available on specific dates and times. You can enjoy live commentary, as well as access to a snack shop and a bar.
Tickets can be purchased online or the day of the cruise, but be sure to check the website beforehand as sailings are weather- and water level-dependent. Admission is €40 for adults, €20 for children up to 15, and €120 for a family ticket.
Clonmacnoise is a must-see on your Dublin to Galway in three days journey.
The mid-6th century monastic site was founded by St. Ciaran.
It includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs to be found anywhere else in Europe.
You can see the slabs in the visitor center, as well as other exhibitions, including its centerpiece, the Cross of the Scriptures.
Clonmacnoise was a major center of religion and learning, with many written works created at the site.
It flourished for at least 600 years and the monks who lived there created some of the most beautiful Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts in the world.
This is a truly awe-inspiring, peaceful place to fit into your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.
Viking Cruises also runs the Lough Ree and Hodson Bay Cruise departing from Athlone Castle and Hodson Bay and are offered more frequently than the Clonmacnoise cruise.
Tickets are flexible, meaning they can be used at any time during the tourist season.
Dinner: The Fatted Calf, Church Street, Athlone
The Fatted Calf is one of several great restaurants among Athlone’s burgeoning culinary scene.
The food is stellar here and like so many other restaurants across Ireland these days, all food is sourced locally.
Rent a Vacation Home in Ireland with Vrbo
Suggested Accommodation: The Shearwater Hotel & Spa, Ballinasloe.
DAY 3:
Tourist Attraction: Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, County Galway
The journey to this dark tourism attraction is about a 42-minute drive from Athlone via the M6 motorway and the R355 secondary road, which is a bit of a detour from the official Dublin to Galway road journey but well worth it, in my opinion.
Expect to spend several hours at the Irish Workhouse Centre, which documents what life was like for local families during the Famine.
Between 1840 and 1858, there were 163 workhouses in Ireland. This was the largest building project the British established in Ireland to provide social relief to the poor and destitute.
Visitors are guided through the original workhouse buildings, which opened in 1852, and are shown a short film on life in the workhouse.
You’ll begin your tour in the boardroom, where the Board of Guardians regularly met, then a guide will take you to the waiting room, where people stood to be admitted.
Women and men were separated as were children if they were old enough.
It was a tragic end for many.
The center is open 7 days a week from March 1st through Oct. 31. Tours are provided at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is €12 for adults, €8 for seniors and students, and €25 for a family of four. Children under 7 are admitted free and kids between 7 and 12 are charged €6.
Get Wifi in Ireland with Wifi Candy – take 10% off with code IOB10
Tourist Attraction: Thoor Ballylee, Gort, County Galway
A visit to Thoor Ballylee, the summer home of William Butler Yeats, is a welcome transition from the somber surroundings of the workhouse in Portumna.
The late Seamus Heaney, also a celebrated Irish poet, once called this place the most important building in Ireland.
The 14th-century Norman tower was once the home of Yeats, who paid £35 for the run-down property in 1917.
He lived there during the summer months only. Following his departure in 1929, the tower began to deteriorate again.
Today, it has been tastefully restored inside in a way that is similar to the style of the early 20th century.
Climb to the top of the tower and take in the surrounding South Galway countryside as well as the Burren in County Clare.
You can get to the top by climbing the winding staircase that inspired Yeats’ volume of poems titled “The Winding Stair.”
An audio-visual presentation recounts the life and times of Yeats and is available in several languages.
Outside, you can take a walk along the river and explore the nearby mill.
Admission is $7 per adult. For groups of 10 or more, admission is €5 each. Thoor Ballylee is open from April through September only.
The visitor center, exhibitions, and studio space at Thoor Ballylee are currently closed.
Tourist Attraction: Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, County Galway
Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, Co. Galway is temporarily closed right now, but it still makes for a good place to stretch your legs and take a photo.
Lunch: Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan, County Galway
No visit to County Galway is complete without tasting the excellent oysters, brown soda bread, and other offerings at Moran’s Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan.
Moran’s Oyster Cottage is a family business that has been around since 1790 and is popular among locals and visitors alike, especially during Galway’s Oyster Festival.
Take a look at the menu here.
The drive to Galway City from here will take approximately 30 minutes. For information on Galway City accommodation, check this blog post featuring some of Galway’s most popular hotels.
Have you driven from Dublin to Galway in three days? If so, let me know the sights and sounds that you experienced on your journey.
