Galway to Killarney - daytrip

Rachael · Member

Galway to Killarney - daytrip

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Even with a car -- and single-minded determination to GET TO Killarney -- I would NOT suggest visiting Killarney as a 'Day Trip'.

To have any REAL time in Killarney, you would need to spend at least one night there. As it will be getting dark around 5 or 6 PM, the ride back to Galway would offer little, or no scenic distractions.

The Bus http://www.buseireann.ie/ departs Galway at 9 AM and arrives in Killarney at 12:40, with ONE change. The BEAR, however, is that to RETURN to Galway, there is a 18:30 Departure, with TWO changes -- BUT -- It does not arrive in Galway, until 9:45 AM!! The bus site lists Journey Plan Options, but it generally allows less than 60 days in advance.

Even IF there were a viable return trip, you are looking at 4-5 hours EACH way -- just in TRAVEL time. That's 8-10 hours ON the Bus. What do you expect to SEE of Killarney in just 4-6 hours?

I STRONGLY urge you to reconsider.

Geno · Guru

Rachael:

Would agree you need more time, as while the town of Killarney is not one of my favorites, the areas nearby are tremendous. There is so much to do and see as daytrips from Killarney ... it would be well worth your time to spend a day or two there. As Bob noted, the actual drive from Galway to Killarney would not serve as a grand scenic experience, especially figuring that the bus would take major roads and go through Limerick and Adare instead offering you the slower, but much more beautiful views of County Clare.

Geno

tony2phones · Guru

Can be done in one day but not for any benefit...

Logistics are leave Galway 05:26 by Train, 3 changes and 5 hours later arrive in Killarney..
Leave Killarney at 17:24 by train with 1 change to Limerick, hope you get the last bus to Galway..to arrive at 10pm ish.

Rachael · Member

Thanks so much for the information! I am so glad I came here and asked.

I have 6 days in Ireland this year. Not enough however all I could manage.

I always stay in Galway and this year it is the same. I have plans to visit Dublin, Inis Mor and The Cliffs. Can anyone recommend another day trip from Galway? I'll need just one more as I plan to blend in as a Galwegian as much as possible.

Michele Erdvig · Host

How about Connemara?

tony2phones · Guru

http://goo.gl/Ek8bpw & http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu

Rachael · Member

Thank you, all. Michele, I am bypassing Connemara this year as the friends I am taking with me declined. Tony, thanks so much for the links! Great info. One more question though, any thoughts on Limerick or Athenry for a day trip?

tony2phones · Guru

Either make for a good day out, Limerick has more to offer perhaps with King Johns Castle a different animal altogether than Athenry "Tower house" Then the Hunt Museum and a selection of other less known points,,, You need BeanA on the TA forum for real local insight down there. I am more Connemara and East Clare local.. East Clare being an option which could tie with Limerick either going down or coming up.. drop down Lough Derg from Portumna, call in at points like Mountshannon, Holy Island, Tuamgranee, then Killaloe/Ballina at the foot of Lough Derg and continue on over O'Briens Bridge and into Limerick from the east. Sorry needs a car?

As an Update City Link Have started a Direct Service Galway to Killarney http://citylink.ie/images/citylinkkillarneytimetablewebqp.pdf

Michele Erdvig · Host

If you decide on Limerick you might enjoy:

King John's Castle
St. Mary's Cathedral
Hunt Museum
Angela's Ashes Walking Tour
Red Viking Hop on Hop off Tour: http://www.redvikingtours.com/

Nearby is:

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Adare Village
Foynes Flying Boat Museum

On the drive down just off the highway near Ennis is Clare Abbey. Quin Abbey makes for an interesting stop too.

More than enough to keep you busy for a day (or two or three!) in and around Limerick.

Rachael · Member

Thank you so much!

I LOVE this forum and all of you are the BEST! I can always count on great advice and info.

Rachael