The Drive From Dublin to Galway (Best Stops + Map)

The drive from Dublin to Galway is one that many visitors to Ireland do within their first few days of arriving to the country.

You have two options when completing this journey:

• Option 1: The direct route via the M4 and M6 motorways
• Option 2: The Dublin to Galway road trip which I’ll discuss below

The main stops on the drive from Dublin to Galway

Take a moment to look over the map above as it’ll give you a sense of where the Dublin to Galway road trip will take you.

As you can see, this is the scenic route. It takes in several historical points of interest along the way.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this route.

How long does it take to drive from Dublin to Galway?

If you travel from Dublin to Galway by car, it will take you just under 2.5 hours. Please note that this time will vary if you travel during rush hour as both cities experience heavy rush hour traffic.

How far is Dublin from Galway?

The distance between Dublin and Galway City is 213km/132m.

How long does the scenic route take?

If you follow the route outlined below, there is a total drive time of 4.5 hours. You’ll want to allow an additional 4 – 5 hours for the stops. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of the stops mentioned below – many people skip the first stop, heading straight to the second.

The Dublin to Galway road trip

I’ll give you an overview of each of the stops between the two cities. Now, you don’t have to stop at each of these places – I’m just giving you some good options to consider.

Each of the stops below is within a 30 minute drive of the M4/M6 Motorway, so you’ll never venture too far afield.

1. The National Stud and Japanese Gardens

You’ll find the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Tully in Kildare, a 50-minute drive from Dublin Airport.

Now, even if you have zero interest in seeing some of the world’s most prestigious stallions, this place is worth a visit, as the gardens are magnificent.

The renowned Japanese Gardens, created between 1906 and 1910, symbolise the ‘Life of Man’ and are regarded as some of the finest in Europe.

St. Fiachra’s Garden, designed in 1999, draws inspiration from Ireland’s monastic heritage, showcasing the beauty of the Irish landscape in its purest form.

2. The Tullamore DEW Distillery

The next stop on your Dublin to Galway road trip is the brilliant Tullamore DEW Distillery.

This is a 50-minute drive from the National Stud and, if you skipped the Stud, a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive from Dublin Airport.

The distillery has been producing one of the best Irish whiskey brands from it’s home in Offaly since 1829.

Visitors can tour the distillery, see the whiskey-making process from distillation to maturation, visit the 50,000 cask maturation warehouse, and enjoy an Irish coffee, too.

3. Athlone Castle and Ireland’s oldest pub

Athlone is arguably the most popular of the many stops on the drive from Dublin to Galway, as it’s around the 1/2 way point.

The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Dublin Airport and a 40-minute drive from the Tullamore DEW Distillery.

There are two main attractions in the town:

• Athlone Castle: Dating to the 12th century, there’s an immersive visitor experience on offer
• Sean’s Bar: The oldest pub in Ireland daring to 900AD

4. Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise is arguably one of the most interesting places to visit in Ireland. This is the island’s most prominent early Christian site and it’s located along the Shannon River.

It’ll take you 30 minutes to reach here from Athlone. The site was founded in 554 AD by Saint Ciarán and the settlement played a significant role in Middle Ireland.

Clonmacnoise is located right where the Shannon meets the Slighe Mhor – one of the Five Great Roads in medieval Ireland. This location meant Clonmacnoise became a key centre for learning and trade.

Visitors today can explore the ruins, see the Celtic Crosses and admire the round towers. There’s also a visitor centre that tells the story of Clonmacnoise wonderfully.

If there’s only one stop you do on your Dublin to Galway road trip, make it this one.

5. Shannonbridge

You’ll come to the charming little town of Shannonbridge around 10 minutes after leaving Clonmacnoise.

While there are plenty of great small villages in Ireland that are popular amongst tourists, few stumble upon Shannonbridge.

The town takes its name from the bridge pictured above that connects the counties of Offaly and Roscommon.

If you fancy a feed, Luker’s Bar is a great pub that offers views out over the water.

6. Dunguaire Castle

The final stop on the drive from Dublin to Galway is Dunguaire Castle. This is a 55-minute drive from Shannonbridge.

This 75-feet-tall tower house was built in the 16th-century on the shores of glorious Galway Bay, not far from the town of Kinvara.

It was built by the powerful Ó hEidhin clan and it was once owned by the King of Connacht. During the summer, the castle opens for tours.

If you visit during the off season, you can still park across the road and admire it from the outside.

When you finish up, you’re a 40-minute drive to Galway City Centre.

What to do when you arrive in Galway

There are endless things to do in Galway City once you arrive.

Here are some guides to get you started:

• Self-guided Galway walking tour
• Where to stay in Galway
• Traditional pubs in Galway
• The Galway road trip