Routes · Europe

Melbourne to Ireland: Dublin, Galway and Killarney

Melbourne → Dublin → Galway → Killarney

Wild Atlantic Way Best season (general guide): May–Sep

Ireland's west coast is the country at its most dramatic, and this route crosses from Dublin to Galway and then south along the Wild Atlantic Way to Killarney. From Melbourne you'll connect via Asia or the Gulf to Dublin. Kerry airport near Killarney has links to other European hubs, or you can return to Dublin by train. The itinerary spends three nights in Dublin, two nights in Galway and three nights in Killarney.

How to pace it: After the connecting flights from Melbourne, plan days one to three in Dublin: first Temple Bar, then Trinity College and museums, and finally free day or day trip. Next, plan days four and five in Galway: first travel to Galway, then Aran Islands or Cliffs of Moher. Next, plan days six to eight in Killarney: first down the coast to Killarney, then Ring of Kerry, and finally Dingle peninsula.

Dublin is a compact city for walking: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the national museums, and an evening of music in a traditional pub. The road or train west takes you to Galway, a student city with street musicians and a busy harbour. Day trips go out to the stone walls of the Aran Islands, the mountains and lakes of Connemara and the Burren's limestone landscape on the way to the Cliffs of Moher. In Kerry, Killarney sits beside lakes, woods and Muckross House, and the loop roads around the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle peninsula pass beaches, villages and ancient stone forts.

The longer, milder days from about May to September are best for driving the coast. July and August are busiest, so May, June and September often feel more relaxed. Rain is possible in any month, so a waterproof jacket is essential.

Driving is on the left, and rural roads in the west are often narrow and winding. Allow more time than the distances suggest, and book accommodation early for July and August.

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