Pubs, bogland, sea cliffs and trad music
This is leg 2 of 3.
Travel leg · Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
Galway to Connemara
Galway and Connemara sit about 68 km (42 mi) apart in a straight line, with Connemara to the west. It is leg 2 of 3 on our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, a 9-day trip. Here is how long it takes by car, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 68 km · 42 mi
- Est. road distance
- 82–96 km
- Est. drive time
- 1 h – 2 h
- Direction
- Heading west
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By car
Most travelers on our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way itinerary do this leg by car. We estimate 82–96 km (51–59 mi) of road and 1 h – 2 h behind the wheel, so check live traffic before you set off.
By train
Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way guide also mentions trains for parts of the trip. Whether a direct train links Galway and Connemara depends on the line — check timetables.
Use trams and walk in Dublin, then take the train to Galway and pick up a hire car there. A car is needed for Connemara and the Burren; roads are narrow and you drive on the left.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Connemara
Lakes, bog and mountains; base in Clifden for 2 nights.
Kylemore Abbey
Lakeside castle-style abbey with a Victorian walled garden.
Connemara National Park
Moorland park with free trails; Diamond Hill gives views to the islands.
Sky Road
Loop drive west of Clifden on high ground over Atlantic inlets and islands.
Mitchell's Restaurant
Seafood restaurant with open fires; fish arrives daily from local boats.
Lowry's Bar
Music and whiskey bar with a long Irish whiskey list and trad sessions.
Killary Fjord
Long sea inlet between mountains; cruises run from Nancy's Point near Leenane.
Before you leave Galway
Lively harbor city; 2 nights for pubs, the Latin Quarter and an Aran Islands day trip.
On this curated route
Where Galway → Connemara sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Connemara to Galway is the same 68 km in a straight line, heading east. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Weather at each end
The biggest gap comes in June, when Connemara averages highs 4°C cooler than Galway. Over a year, Connemara gets about 270 mm more rain.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galway high | 8° | 8° | 10° | 13° | 16° | 19° | 20° | 19° | 17° | 14° | 10° | 8° |
| Connemara high | 9° | 8° | 9° | 11° | 13° | 15° | 17° | 17° | 16° | 13° | 11° | 9° |
| Galway rain | 108 | 84 | 81 | 68 | 81 | 89 | 97 | 105 | 86 | 104 | 118 | 113 |
| Connemara rain | 143 | 112 | 100 | 79 | 92 | 95 | 113 | 122 | 112 | 129 | 151 | 152 |
Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Connemara month guides.
Galway to Connemara: questions travelers ask
How far is Galway from Connemara?
Galway is about 68 km (42 mi) from Connemara in a straight line, with Connemara to the west. By road, we estimate 82–96 km (51–59 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Galway to Connemara?
An estimated 1 h – 2 h, assuming 82–96 km of road at average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Galway to Connemara?
Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way itinerary includes this leg. Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way runs about 9 days across 4 stops, best in May – Sep.
Onward from Connemara
Getting to Galway
- Dublin to Galway 186 km
Guides for both ends
- Galway travel guide
- Galway weather best time to visit
- Connemara travel guide
- Connemara weather best time to visit
Connemara by month
Plan Galway → Connemara with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.