Bus Hire in Galway

Galway is Ireland's cultural capital on the west coast: a university city with a compact Georgian and medieval centre, a gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands, and the host of the annual Galway Races summer festival (late July) and the Galway International Arts Festival. The nearest commercial airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), 90 kilometres north-east via the N17 (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes). Shannon Airport (SNN) is 100 kilometres south via the M18 (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Dublin Airport (DUB) is 220 kilometres east via the M6 (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).

The Connemara region west of Galway (the R336, R340, and N59 roads through Clifden and Letterfrack) is Ireland's most dramatic Atlantic landscape and the most popular full-day coach route from Galway. The Cliffs of Moher (100 kilometres south via the M18 and R477) is the most popular day trip from Galway for visitor groups.

Airport Transfers (NOC, SNN, DUB)

Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC, 90 kilometres north-east, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via the N17) serves Ryanair routes from the UK and continental Europe. Shannon Airport (SNN, 100 kilometres south, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via the M18) serves transatlantic routes including direct services to New York, Boston, and Toronto. Both airports are practical options for groups based in Galway; the route via the M18 from Shannon to Galway passes through Ennis and Clare, offering the option of a Cliffs of Moher detour on the transfer day.

Connemara Coach Tours

Connemara is the Atlantic coast region west of Galway, stretching from Maam Cross to Clifden and north to Letterfrack and the Killary Fjord. The standard Connemara coach day circuit from Galway follows the Sky Road (R341) to Clifden, Kylemore Abbey (in the Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, 71 kilometres west via the N59), and returns via the Maam Cross crossroads and Oughterard. Full-size coaches can complete the entire circuit; certain sections of the Sky Road above Clifden are narrow and suit midi-coaches for groups that want the scenic cliff road rather than the main N59.

Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

The Cliffs of Moher (100 kilometres south via the M18, N67, and R477, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) are 214-metre sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience has a dedicated coach car park with toilets and facilities. The Burren (the limestone karst plateau north of Ennis) is accessible on the same day circuit: Poulnabrone Dolmen (a 5,000-year-old portal tomb) and the Burren National Park are 30 to 40 kilometres east of the cliffs.

What Bus Hire Costs in Galway

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Galway runs around 260 to 490 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 430 to 830 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 660 to 1,250 EUR per day. Galway peaks in late July for the Galway Races and the Galway Arts Festival, when coach availability is very limited and prices are at their highest. Book summer Galway coaches 6 to 8 weeks in advance. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Galway