Old Rail Trail, Greenway, Athlone, Co Westmeath
Most visitors driving from Dublin to Galway take the motorway and arrive in just over two hours. While it’s certainly the quickest route, it’s also the easiest way to miss some of Ireland’s most fascinating historical sites, hidden monastic ruins, medieval castles, and charming riverside towns.
The journey across Ireland’s Midlands offers a very different side of the country from the dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery that often dominate travel guides. Here you’ll find ancient monasteries, Norman fortresses, quaint Irish villages, and landscapes that tell the story of Ireland’s past.
Whether you’re planning a self-drive holiday or exploring Ireland with a private driver-guide, these are the best stops between Dublin and Galway.
If you’re short on time, these are the stops worth considering:
| Stop | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| A – Start Dublin | ||
| B – Trim Castle | 1–2 hours | History and castles |
| C – Fore Abbey | 1 hour | Hidden gems |
| D – Athlone | 2–3 hours | Food and culture |
| E- Clonmacnoise | 1–2 hours | Ancient Ireland |
| F -Shannonbridge | 30 minutes | Traditional village atmosphere |
| G – Athenry | 1 hour | Medieval heritage |
| H – End Galway |
Trim Castle, Co Meath
Just under an hour from Dublin, Trim is one of Ireland’s finest historic towns and an ideal first stop on your journey west.
Dominating the skyline is Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Built in the late 12th century, the fortress covers more than three acres and played a major role in the Norman conquest of Ireland.
Film lovers may also recognise the castle from the movie Braveheart, where it served as a filming location for several scenes.
Take a walk along the River Boyne after visiting the castle. The riverside path offers some of the best views of the fortress and is often overlooked by visitors.
Fore Abbey, Co Westmeath
If there’s one hidden gem between Dublin and Galway, it’s Fore Abbey.
Located in a peaceful valley in County Westmeath, Fore was once a thriving monastic settlement founded by Saint Fechin in the 7th century.
Today visitors can wander among atmospheric ruins while learning about the famous “Seven Wonders of Fore,” a collection of unusual legends associated with the site.
Unlike many of Ireland’s better-known attractions, Fore Abbey often feels wonderfully undiscovered.
Allow at least an hour to explore the site and surrounding area.
Athlone Castle at Night, Athlone, Co Westmeath
Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, Athlone is one of Ireland’s most important inland towns and makes an excellent lunch stop.
The town has been a strategic crossing point for centuries and combines history, culture, and excellent food.
The castle dates back to the 13th century and offers interactive exhibits that tell the story of the town’s military and commercial importance.
The River Shannon is Ireland’s longest river, and Athlone’s waterfront area is perfect for a relaxing walk.
Athlone has become one of the Midlands’ culinary hotspots, with excellent cafés, traditional pubs, and award-winning restaurants.
Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly
Few places capture the spirit of early Christian Ireland better than Clonmacnoise.
Founded by Saint Ciarán in the 6th century, this monastic city became one of the most important religious centres in medieval Europe.
Its location beside the River Shannon helped it flourish as a centre of learning, religion, and trade.
Today visitors can explore:
The site has a remarkable atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when visitor numbers are lower.
For many travellers, Clonmacnoise becomes the highlight of the entire journey between Dublin and Galway.
Shannon Bridge, Co Offaly
Just a short drive from Clonmacnoise lies the small village of Shannonbridge.
Many tourists pass through without stopping, but it’s worth a brief detour.
The village sits beside the River Shannon and offers a glimpse into traditional rural Ireland.
It’s an ideal place to slow down before continuing west.
Athenry, Co Galway.
As you approach Galway, Athenry provides one final opportunity to step back in time.
This medieval town is one of the best-preserved walled towns in Ireland.
Visitors can still walk sections of the original walls and admire the impressive medieval architecture that survives throughout the town.
Many people know Athenry because of the famous Irish ballad “The Fields of Athenry,” but the town’s history stretches back much further.
Galway City
Ideal for travellers with limited time.
Perfect for first-time visitors.
This itinerary focuses on Ireland’s medieval and early Christian heritage.
A relaxed route with plenty of opportunities for breaks.
Bealtaine Fire, the Hill of Uisneach, Co Westmeath
While Athlone and Clonmacnoise are becoming increasingly popular, several lesser-known locations remain largely undiscovered.
One of Ireland’s most underrated monastic sites.
Known in mythology as the spiritual centre of Ireland.
A peaceful stop that showcases traditional Irish village life.
An important location in Irish history that receives surprisingly few visitors.
A self-drive trip between Dublin and Galway offers flexibility and independence. However, many visitors find that they miss fascinating stories and hidden locations simply because they don’t know they’re there.
Travelling with a local private driver-guide allows you to discover places that rarely appear in guidebooks while learning about the history, folklore, and traditions of the region.
Private tours also make it easier to adjust the itinerary, spend more time at places you enjoy, and avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Blackrock Diving tower at Sunset, Salthill, Galway City
The drive between Dublin and Galway is much more than a transfer between two cities.
By taking a little extra time, you can discover ancient monasteries, medieval castles, riverside villages, and some of Ireland’s most fascinating historical sites.
Whether you stop for a few hours or spend an entire day exploring, the journey through Ireland’s heartlands offers experiences that many visitors miss completely.
The best stops include Trim Castle, Fore Abbey, Athlone, Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, and Athenry. These offer a mix of medieval castles, early Christian monastic sites, and traditional Irish villages across the Midlands.
Yes. While the motorway is faster, the scenic route allows you to experience Ireland’s hidden heartlands, including historic sites, riverside towns, and cultural landmarks that you would otherwise miss.
The direct drive takes just over 2 hours. With sightseeing stops, the journey can take between half a day and a full day depending on how many attractions you visit and how long you spend at each location.
The best way is to travel at a relaxed pace and include key heritage stops such as Clonmacnoise and Athlone, along with smaller hidden gems like Fore Abbey and Shannonbridge for a more authentic experience.
Yes. With Emerald Irish Tours, you can book a private driver-guided tour between Dublin and Galway. These tours are fully flexible, allowing you to stop at castles, monastic sites, and scenic locations along the way while learning about Ireland’s history from a local guide.
A private driver tour removes the stress of navigation and planning, while also giving you access to local knowledge, hidden stops, and flexible timing. It’s ideal for travellers who want a deeper and more relaxed experience of Ireland’s countryside.
