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5 Days In Ireland From Knock (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Low Fitness)

5 Days In Ireland From Knock (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Low Fitness)

Planning a 5-day Ireland itinerary using only public transport can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 5-day itinerary:

  • Has been meticulously planned for those only using public transport
  • Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
  • Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Who this itinerary will suit

It’s important that you take a look at the graphic above as each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

  • Starting in/near Knock
  • Using public transport and organised tours
  • Looking to explore at a fast pace
  • With a low level of fitness (i.e. it avoids long walks and hikes)
  • Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

map holder image

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Dublin for 4 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Sligo Town

Sligo Town

Photos courtesy Eddie Lee/Ed Lee Photography via Failte Ireland

It’s day one, and welcome to Ireland! Today, you’re heading up to Sligo Town from Knock Airport, where you’ll be doing some exploring of Ireland’s gorgeous northwest coast. You’ll spend one night in Sligo before making your way to Galway.

If you haven’t already got somewhere in mind to stay, we’ve made a list of our favourite hotels and B&Bs in Sligo town below!

Our Sligo accommodation recommendations

Stop 1: The bus to Sligo

Knock to Sligo

Photo left: Google Maps. Others via Expressway

You only have one option at Knock and that is to take the bus. Expressway operates an hourly service between the airport and Sligo Town as does Bus Eireann and Bus Feda. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.

Stop 2: Sligo Abbey

Sligo Abbey

Photos via Shutterstock

Once you’ve arrived in Sligo, walk the 13 minutes over to Sligo Abbey. The Dominican friary dates back to the mid-13th century and was founded by Maurice FitzGerald, the founder of Sligo town.

The abbey ruins are in great condition, considering they survived a fire in 1414, an attack during the ‘Nine Year War’ in 1595, and pillaging during the Rebellion of 1641. Legend has it that during the rebellion, the abbey’s silver bell was salvaged and thrown into nearby Lough Gill. Today, only those “pure of heart” can still hear the peal of the bell through the town…

Despite sustaining heavy damage, the abbey, which is a blend of Norman and Gothic architecture, still has beautiful carvings and monuments. For those interested in literature, the abbey was featured in two of W.B. Yeat’s poems – ‘The Curse of the Fires and of the Shadows’ and ‘The Crucifixion of the Outcast’.

Stop 3: Lunch

Flipside Sligo

Photos via Flipside Sligo on FB

Our personal favourite lunch spot in Sligo is Hooked. Their brunch menu has Irish classics like beer-battered fish and chips and international dishes like the 12-Hour Slow Cooked Pork Belly Vietnamese Bahn Mi.

If Hooked doesn’t take your fancy, then we also recommend Lyons Cafe and Bakeshop (delicious home-cooked meals, light bites, and cakes) or Bridgefoot House (incredible open-faced sandwiches made with Irish soda bread).

Stop 4: The Model

The Model

Photos courtesy Eddie Lee/Ed Lee Photography via Failte Ireland

Sligo is officially Yeats country, so it’s a great opportunity to learn about and see works by both brothers. The Model is a wonderful contemporary art gallery and centre in the heart of Sligo Town.

It’s home to the Niland Collection (named after the librarian who founded the collection in the 1950s, Nora Niland), with over 300 works, including a significant collection of Yeats pieces.

‘A Political Meeting (In the West of Ireland)’, ‘A Sunday Morning in Sligo’, and ‘An Island Man’ are just a few of the J.B. Yeats works in the collection. Each year, the gallery curates six exhibitions from the Niland Collection, with a heavy focus on the works of J.B. Yeats.

Stop 5: Yeats Society Sligo

Yeats Building

Photos courtesy Eddie Lee/Ed Lee Photography via Failte Ireland

To continue on with the Yeats theme, walk the five minutes to the Yeats Society Sligo. Inside the 120-year-old building, you’ll find a permanent Yeats exhibition as well as the Hyde Bridge Gallery, which is home to various contemporary exhibitions.

The Yeats exhibition is an ode to W.B. Yeat’s life, works, and family, with loads of interesting information and stories in the exhibition.

The society itself dates back to 1957 when a small group of dedicated Yeats fans decided to hold a Yeats Country Festival. The festival happened in May of the following year and was a great success. Following the festival, the group organised to meet every year in May, and thus the society was born!

Stop 6: Dinner, drinks and live music

Sligo pubs

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

It’s time to wrap up your first day, and what a day it was! Head back to your hotel to freshen up, or go directly from the museum to grab some dinner. We’ve got some suggestions below.

Our Sligo food recommendations

Hopefully, you’re hungry as there’s some excellent restaurants in Sligo.

Head to Hooked for delicious Irish and international food made from local ingredients sourced from Sligo County. Some of our favourite dishes are the Sherlock of Tubbercurry’s prime beef steak sandwich and the buffalo chicken mac’n’cheese, but they also have some delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes.

For seafood and steaks, we love Coachlane. It’s a little on the pricey side, but their certified Irish Angus beef is worth the extra money. If steak isn’t your thing, their seafood platter is incredible, with salmon, scallops, crab claws, cod, monkfish, and shrimp.

Our Sligo pub recommendations

If you’re feeling like after dinner drinks, we suggest hitting up Hargadon Bros (a traditional Irish pub dating back to 1868), Thomas Connolly (a heritage Irish pub and the oldest in Sligo Town), and Shoot the Crows (a cosy and quirky traditional pub with a great pint of Guinness).

For a night of lively trad music, pass by McLynns Bar or Fureys Pub (or both!).

McLynns is in the heart of Sligo town on Old Market Street. The fourth-generation pub has been running since 1889, with live music (Irish folk, acoustic, and bluegrass) every weekend and on mid-week nights. The traditional interior will transport you back in time, with wooden furniture and historical decor.

Fureys Pub on Bridge Street is a cosy old-style pub with a great atmosphere, an open fire (great for those cold winter evenings), and live trad music on weekends and certain weekday nights.

Day 2: The trip to Galway

Galway City

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

Today we are heading to Galway, where we will spend three nights before you head back home.

Before you head off on your trip, grab a hearty breakfast from where you’re staying, or venture out into the city for some grub. 

Recommended accommodation in Galway

Stop 1: Getting from Sligo to Galway 

Sligo Abbey

Photos via Shutterstock

Our best option for getting to Galway from Sligo is via an Expressway bus. There is a Galway bus departing from Sligo Bus Station about every 2 hours. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes and deposits you at Galway Bus Station. As always, we recommend that you check the schedule and purchase your tickets in advance.  

Stop 2: Check-in, get lunch and decide between walking or the bus

food in Galway

Photos via Blakes Bar Galway on FB

When you land in Galway, head to your accommodation, get checked in and head for lunch.

By now, you must be hungry. There are heaps of brilliant places for lunch in Galway, but if you don’t want the hassle of finding somewhere to eat, we’ve got a few suggestions! 

We recommend Blakes Bar (traditional pub grub), Zappis (authentic Italian cuisine), or Tigh Neachtain (Irish and international cuisine). 

Now, Galway is a very walkable city, but if it’s raining or if you fancy getting dropped to the ‘main’ attractions, the hop-on/hop-off bus tour is well worth buying.

Regardless of which option you choose, here are some of our favourite sites in Galway City (we’ve listed them in a logical way for you to walk between them).

Stop 3: Galway Cathedral

galway cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

Galway Cathedral is wonderfully impressive both inside and out. It’s arguably the jewel in the Galway City skyline and you’ll cop it from many places as you stroll around the city.

Interestingly enough, it’s not as old as it looks, and construction on the building was only completed in 1965, earning it the title of ‘the last great stone cathedral to be constructed in Europe’.

The cathedral is free to enter, but visitors are asked for a donation of €2 to help with the building’s upkeep.

Stop 4: Quay Street and the Latin Quarter

Galway City

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

Galway’s colourful streets are an absolute joy the ramble along regardless of the time of year.

If you’re walking from the cathedral, you’re a short stroll away from the Latin Quarter and Quay Street where you can have a nosey around.

These streets are alive with the buzz from tourists and locals alike.

Stop 5: The Hall of the Red Earl

One of our favourite places to visit in Galway (especially if it’s raining!) is the Hall of the Red Earl.

The Hall of the Red Earl is one of Galway’s most interesting sites. The ruins date back to the 13th century, with ties to the founding of Galway and the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family.

It was the first municipal building in the city, used for collecting taxes, hosting banquets, and sentencing criminals. 

The Hall of the Red Earl was lost as the city grew until 1997, when the ruins were unearthed by archaeologists on behalf of the Office of the Public Works.

Today, you can walk amongst the ruins, view the artefacts, and learn about the hall’s history from the informative displays. 

Stop 6: Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum

Photos via Galway City Museum on FB

The Galway City Museum is just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Arch. It’s one of the best places to learn about Galway’s history, culture, and archaeology, with collections telling the story of prehistoric Galway all the way through to 19th and 20th-century Galway! 

The museum has three floors and seven long-term exhibitions, including The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science, and an exhibition on Pádraic Ó Conaire. 

It’s free to visit, although donations are always appreciated. 

Stop 7: Spanish Arch and the Long Walk

Spanish Arch

Photos via Shutterstock

The Spanish Arch is a must-see Galway attraction, dating back to Medieval times. The large stone arch is located on the outskirts of the city centre, overlooking the Claddagh (shore).

It originally housed soldiers who were keeping watch on the city’s Medieval walls. Its nickname is thought to come from the city’s merchant trade with the Spanish, whose ships would often be docked in the area!

From the Spanish Arch, you can take a short stroll alongside the water to what’s known as The Long Walk. You’ll likely have seen pictures of it (it’s a line of colourful buildings right on the water).

Stop 8: Dinner, drinks and live music 

Galway Pubs

Photos courtesy Failte Ireland

Galway is a lively city regardless of the time of year. Here’s some spots worth checking out:

Our dinner recommendations

There’s some excellent restaurants in Galway – our favourites are Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen, and Dela. Ard Bia is absolutely fantastic, but you need to book in advance for dinner.

The restaurant has a quirky interior and serves beautifully presented modern dishes.

The Quay Street Kitchen has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, and Dela has modern Irish cuisine on the menu.

Live music and trad bars

There’s some mighty pubs in Galway. After dinner, head out for drinks at either Tigh Neachtain or The Crane. Both are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere. 

Trad music is an integral part of the city, with heaps of options to choose from. Our favourite spots are Crane Bar (mentioned above) and Tigh Chóilí.

Day 3: Connemara and Cong

cong village

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day 3 of your 5 days in Ireland itinerary, and today you’ll be exploring the breathtaking Connemara and Cong!

Grab breakfast at your accommodation or head to Gaslight Brasserie, Esquires Organic Coffee Co, or Jungle which are all near the departure point outside of the Hyde Hotel.

This 8-hour organised day-trip takes you through Connemara, stopping at popular attractions like Kylemore Abbey

Keep reading below for an overview of the tour, but please note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance. 

Stop 1: Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey

Photos via Shutterstock

Kylemore Abbey is a stunning Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 1920s. It’s incredibly picturesque, sitting on the shores of Pollacapall Lough.

The lower floors of the abbey have been restored and are open to the public, as well as the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden.

The estate includes a Neo-Gothic church and several woodland and lake-side walks. 

Stop 2: Killary Fjord and Leenane

Killary Fjord

Photos via Shutterstock

Leenane is a beautiful village in an area of outstanding beauty. The village sits at the top of Killary Fjord, tucked away under the Maamturk mountains.

If you’re about ready for a second coffee and a snack, we recommend picking something up at The Purple Door, a lovely family-run cafe. 

Killary Fjord is Ireland’s only fjord! It stretches 16km across, forming a natural border between County Galway and Mayo.

It’s a truly breathtaking part of Connemara, with mountains rising up dramatically around the water. 

Stop 3: Cong

cong village

Photos via Shutterstock

Cong Abbey, or the Royal Abbey of Cong, is a historical ruin in the heart of Cong. The ruins mostly date back to the 12th century, although it was built on the site of a 6th-century monastery founded by St. Feichin. 

The current abbey was reconstructed in 1307 and dedicated to St. Mary. But, sadly it fell into ruin sometime during the mid 1500s, after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.

The ruins are in good condition and are said to be one of the best examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the country. 

When you visit, try to imagine the 3,000 inhabitants that once lived on the abbey. 

Stop 4: An Spideal

Spiddal

Photos via Shutterstock

An Spideal on the shores of Galway Bay is a gorgeous little seaside village full of rural Irish charm.

There are several beaches in the town that are worth a look if you have time, or if you’d rather do some shopping for souvenirs, head to the Spiddal Craft Village & Cafe for unique gifts made by local artists. 

The village is a part of the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area), and a large percentage of the population speaks Irish regularly. 

Stop 5: Back to Galway for the night

Galway Pubs

Photos courtesy Failte Ireland

After a long day, it’s time to make your way back to Galway. Make a stop at your hotel to freshen up for dinner, or if you’re simply too hungry, head straight to the restaurant from the bus stop!

Galway is a lively city regardless of the time of year. Here’s some spots worth checking out:

Our dinner recommendations

There’s some excellent restaurants in Galway – our favourites are Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen, and Dela. Ard Bia is absolutely fantastic, but you need to book in advance for dinner.

The restaurant has a quirky interior and serves beautifully presented modern dishes.

The Quay Street Kitchen has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, and Dela has modern Irish cuisine on the menu.

Live music and trad bars

There’s some mighty pubs in Galway. After dinner, head out for drinks at either Tigh Neachtain or The Crane. Both are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere. 

Trad music is an integral part of the city, with heaps of options to choose from. Our favourite spots are Crane Bar (mentioned above) and Tigh Chóilí.

Day 4: The Clare coast

The Burren

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s the penultimate of your 5 days in Ireland, and today, you’ll be taking a tour of North Clare. It’s a wonderful corner of the country, with beautiful landscapes and historical sites. It’s home to the Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the country!

We’re recommending this 8-hour day trip from Galway City as it takes in a good chunk of Clare’s main attractions (and it has excellent reviews).

If you fancy a hearty breakfast, we’d recommend Pascal Coffee House (the pancakes are amazing) or Gaslight Brasserie (great for a full Irish or a breakfast burrito). 

Keep reading below for an overview of the tour, but please note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance.

Stop 1: Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

The enchanting Dunguaire Castle sits on the shores of Galway Bay and has an impressive 75-foot tower.

According to legend, if you stand at the front gate and ask a question, you’ll have an answer by the end of the day!

The castle was built in 1520 and belonged to the O’Hynes clan. In 1912, the castle was bought by writer Oliver St. John Gogarty.

During his ownership, he restored the castle and hosted several famous writers, including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. 

Stop 2: Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey

Photos via Shutterstock

Corcomroe Abbey is a late 12th/early 13th-century abbey ruin tucked away amongst the scenic Burren hills.

The ruins are in great condition and as you pass by, admire its Cistercian architecture set against the backdrop of lush green hills. 

Stop 3: The Burren

The Burren

Photos via Shutterstock

During the tour, you’ll be driving right through the Burren, a gorgeous landscape characterised by huge limestone plateaus. 

The Burren is what is known as a karst landscape, a distinct landform that arises when carbonate rock (such as dolomite, marble, or limestone) is slowly dissolved by water, giving the land its unique shape.

In fact, the Burren is still being shaped by the rain to this day! Karst landscapes have sinkholes, caves, and underground streams, the Burren being no exception, with huge subterranean caverns below its surface.

The Burren is one of the best examples of karst landscapes worldwide, and it has a diverse range of flora and fauna thanks to its varied landscape. 

Stop 4: Doolin Pier

Doolin Pier

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll then make a quick stop at Doolin Pier, the main access point to the nearby Aran Islands

This place tends to be a hive of activity as the two ferry providers shuttle people to and from Inis Mor, Inis Oirr and Inis Meain (you’ll be visiting Inis Mor tomorrow).

Stop 5: Lunch at Hotel Doolin

Hotel Doolin

Photos via Hotel Doolin on FB

For lunch, you’ll be heading to Fitz’s Pub and Eatery, which is a part of Hotel Doolin. It’s a cosy traditional pub serving up delicious Irish food.

The Navarin-style Irish lamb stew is a huge hit, as is the sustainable all-white fish chowder. If you’re a beer drinker, make sure to try their in-house Dooliner Beer, a creamy and smooth Irish red ale. 

Stop 6: The Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Photos via Shutterstock

Your next stop, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.

The cliffs are 15-minutes away from Doolin, with breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic, Galway Bay, and the Aran Islands. 

There’s a visitor centre on-site, as well as 800 metres of paved walkways with viewing areas, and the historic O’Brien’s Tower. 

Stop 7: Lisdoonvarna

Lisdoonvarna

Photo left: UpSwing Mediaa. Top right: Maria Ryan Donnelly. Bottom right: Failte Ireland

Keep your eyes peeled as you pass through Lisdoonvarna, a spa town renowned for its annual matchmaking festival! The festival began in 1857 and today it attracts over 20,000 visitors from all over the globe. 

Lisdoonvarna is relatively new for Irish standards (dating back to the early 19th century), but it’s still full of charm, with colourful shop fronts and traditional houses. 

Stop 8: Back to Galway for the night

food in Galway

Photos via Blakes Bar Galway on FB

From Lisdoonvarna, it’s around one hour and 20 minutes back to Galway, so sit back and relax as you may your way back through the lovely countryside. 

Our dinner recommendations

There’s some excellent restaurants in Galway – our favourites are Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen, and Dela. Ard Bia is absolutely fantastic, but you need to book in advance for dinner.

The restaurant has a quirky interior and serves beautifully presented modern dishes.

The Quay Street Kitchen has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, and Dela has modern Irish cuisine on the menu.

Live music and trad bars

There’s some mighty pubs in Galway. After dinner, head out for drinks at either Tigh Neachtain or The Crane. Both are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere. 

Trad music is an integral part of the city, with heaps of options to choose from. Our favourite spots are Crane Bar (mentioned above) and Tigh Chóilí.

Day 5: The Bus to Knock Airport

Knock Airport

Photo left: Google Maps. Top right: Bus Eireann. Other: Shutterstock

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and today, you’ll be heading to Knock to catch a plane back home.

Grab some breakfast at your accommodation or nearby and then head on out to the bus station.

You only have one option to get to knock and that’s to take a bus. There are two options

  • Option 1: Bus Eireann (takes about 1.5 hours)
  • Option 2: Bus Feda (takes about an hour but it only operates twice a day)

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!

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