8 day itinerary
Ireland - Road Trip From Sligo To Galway
Itinerary
An 8-day road trip from to Galway sounds like a fantastic adventure! Ireland is filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it perfect for a family-friendly trip with options for adults to enjoy as well. Let’s dive into your itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning:
- Arrive in and check into your accommodation. There are some lovely family-friendly hotels and B&Bs in the area.
- Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try the famous Irish breakfast!
Afternoon:
- Explore town. Visit the to learn about the famous poet W.B. Yeats.
- Take a stroll along the and enjoy the scenic views.
Evening:
- Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like , which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious local dishes.
- If the kids are up for it, check out some live traditional music at a local pub!
Day 2: to Donegal
Morning:
- After breakfast, head to the stunning for a family-friendly hike. The views are breathtaking!
Afternoon:
- Drive to Donegal (about 1 hour). Stop at the picturesque town of for lunch and maybe a quick beach visit.
- Visit and explore its beautiful grounds.
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation in Donegal town.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some fresh seafood.
Day 3: Donegal to
Morning:
- After breakfast, take a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to (about 1.5 hours).
- Stop at the for some jaw-dropping views. There are family-friendly walking paths here!
Afternoon:
- Arrive in and have lunch in the city center.
- Explore the historic and take a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history.
Evening:
- Dinner in at a family-friendly spot like or The Food Company.
- If you have time, enjoy a stroll along the River Foyle.
Day 4: to Letterkenny
Morning:
- After breakfast, head to Letterkenny (about 1 hour).
- Visit . The park has beautiful trails and a stunning castle to explore.
Afternoon:
- Have a picnic lunch in the park or at a nearby café.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the park or take a guided tour of .
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation in Letterkenny.
- Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some traditional Irish stew.
Day 5: Letterkenny to Westport
Morning:
- Depart Letterkenny and head towards Westport (about 2.5 hours).
- Stop at the charming town of for a coffee break and a quick look around.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Westport and have lunch at a local café.
- Explore , a beautiful historic estate with gardens and a playground for the kids.
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation in Westport.
- Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Porterhouse.
Day 6: Westport to Connemara
Morning:
- After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Connemara (about 1 hour).
- Visit , a stunning Victorian castle with beautiful gardens.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at the café at .
- Explore the , where you can enjoy family-friendly hikes and stunning views.
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation in the Connemara area.
- Dinner at a local pub or restaurant, enjoying some traditional Irish music if you can!
Day 7: Connemara to Galway
Morning:
- Depart Connemara and head to Galway (about 1.5 hours).
- Stop at the picturesque village of for a coffee and a stroll.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Galway and have lunch at a local eatery.
- Explore the vibrant streets of Galway, visiting shops, street performers, and the famous .
Evening:
- Check into your accommodation in Galway.
- Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Quay Street Kitchen, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Day 8: Explore Galway
Morning:
- After breakfast, visit the , a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
- Take a stroll through the beautiful .
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a local café.
- Spend your afternoon visiting the and maybe take a boat tour of the bay if time allows.
Evening:
- For your final dinner, treat yourselves to a nice meal at a restaurant like , which offers a more adult-oriented dining experience with local ingredients.
Tips for the Road:
- Make sure to have a good playlist for the drive!
- Keep an eye out for local festivals or events happening during your visit.
- Don’t forget to take lots of photos and enjoy the stunning scenery!
I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable family road trip in Ireland! Safe travels! 🍀
