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Yaay! We are back with our 15th travel blog post. Don’t forget to check our other travel posts.

While it’s true that Ireland is a traveller’s Pandora Box – every little town is bathed in rich culture and heritage, providing stunning scenery and landscape – anyone would agree that public transport isn’t the best way to see the country in all its glory. YOU NEED A CAR. Enough said.

However, I’ve lost count of how many times someone has messaged me asking ideas to visit places without a car. And I completely understand because an Indian driving license (most of my friends are from India) is only valid for your first year in Ireland and securing a full Irish DL consumes a lot of time.

I believe that not owning a car should not stop you from travelling. Yes, driving makes it a lot easier to visit nooks and corners of Ireland but it’s not the end of the road if you don’t have a car.

After a bit of research, I have created an itinerary that lets you visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher, enjoy an evening in the memorable Galway city, and visit Aran Islands – a true Irish experience. This cost-effective plan starts and ends in Dublin, and is completely reliant on touring agencies and public transport.

NOTE: I’ve already executed this plan and it works! My friend and his wife followed the itinerary and spent a wonderful weekend together.

THE PLAN –

Day 1 – Dublin -> Cliffs of Moher -> Galway

WildRoverTours Cliffs of Moher tour – EUR 50 / person

Book your Cliffs of Moher tour with WildRoverTours. The tour bus picks you up at 7am from Dublin city centre and takes you to the Cliffs of Moher. After lunch, pass through Burren – the limestone haven – and reach Galway city at 3.30 pm. Now, the tour ends in Dublin but today, you’re going to stay in Galway overnight. So, let the driver know you’re getting off here and bid them goodbye.

There aren’t many places as colourful as Galway city. Spend your evening walking along the city’s narrow streets and indulge in some local cuisine. There are many BNB’s to choose from but ensure you stay within walking distance to Queen’s street because that’s where you take your ferry to Aran Islands the next morning. Savoy hostel is an ideal choice – it’s both budget-friendly and close to Queen’s street.

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Day 2: Galway -> Aran Islands -> Galway

Ferry: EUR 39 / person (includes shuttle bus) | Bike hire in Inis Mor: EUR 10 / person (optional)

Pre-book your Ferry here: https://www.aranislandferries.com/booking. The ferry is from Rossaveel port, so ensure you tick the box for the shuttle bus. The ferry is at 9.30 am. Inis Mor is the largest and the most popular of the 3 Aran Islands and that’s where we’ll be going today.

WARNING: Your booking confirmation email is NOT your ticket. You need to collect tickets from the booking office (in Queen’s street). The office is open from 9 am. Use your email booking confirmation to collect your tickets from their office and walk to the port (2 mins walk).

WARNING: Carry enough cash as there’s just one ATM on the island. You wouldn’t want to take a chance.

The bus journey from Galway to Rossaveel is as scenic and tranquil as the 40-min ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mor. You’ll arrive at 11.15 am. Here’s a complete guide for things to do in Inis Mor. If you’re used to biking (aka cycling) a lot, hire a bike. You also have other modes of transport including horse-drawn carriages and jeeps. My guide above has every little detail, it’s worth checking out.

Aim to be back to the port at around 4 pm. The ferry departs from Inis Mor sometime between 4.30 – 5 pm.

Day 2 Evening – Galway -> Dublin

Citylink: EUR 13 / person

The shuttle bus drops you back in Galway at 7 pm and you have to catch the 7.15 bus back to Dublin. Fret not! The bus stop is only 200m away from where the shuttle bus drops you. After enjoying everything from cliffs, ferries, and nightlife, to the rugged islands – saunter your way back to Dublin with ultimate satisfaction and joy.

If you need any help with this, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook. I’ll soon come up with yet another travel plan. Until then, Ciao!

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