I booked the Cliffs of Moher & The Burren half day tour through Galway Tour Company this past…read moreNovember. The value of the tour was great, only costing around $45 (42.50 euros) for an eight hour tour. I was able to select the pickup point at a nearby hotel. The bus was prompt and we headed on our way shortly after 10am. The tour bus driver was an absolute delight. Incredibly friendly and full of knowledge and funny stories. We stopped at a couple spots along the way including a castle, a very old cemetery, and a pub in Doolin. We drove through the Burren on our way which was a really interesting sight to see. I enjoyed learning about the geology of such a unique place. We had adequate time to explore the Cliffs of Moher once we arrive - almost 2 hours to roam around, take pictures, and check out the gift shop. Then we made our way back to Galway and arrived around 6pm. The timing was perfect and I really feel like it was a valuable experience. So glad I booked a group tour instead of renting a car and trying to navigate to the cliffs myself - the roads to get there were really wild and I'm not sure I could've handled it on my own (plus, it would've been way more expensive). I'll also note that the tour company reached out the day before my scheduled tour to let me know they had to reschedule due to the snow and ice that rolled through that night. They put me onto the tour the following day and communication was seamless throughout. I highly recommend booking your tour through Galway Tour Company!

If you're looking for a tour company while visiting Galway, search no further…read more My friend and I took the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip, Including Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin which conveniently picked up right outside our Galway hotel. The scheduled time frame was 9:30am-5:30pm so not too early and not too late - just right when committing to a day trip tour time frame I'd say. The order of the day trip started with Dunguaire Castle (which featured misty rain when we arrived so not the best weather for traipsing around a castle - sadly it didn't seem that we were able to go inside the castle so this wasn't a long stop), followed by Aillwee Cave (note, this was an additional €20 if I remember correctly), then onto Cliffs of Moher (with perfect weather I might add; I think we had about 2 hours or so to spend here, including shopping in the store which has a lot of great merchandise), an added lunch break at Fitz's Pub in Doolin, then the last stop before heading back to Galway was the Burren. I really enjoyed the Cliffs of Moher stop as well as the Burren - the views were incredible for both. Sadly I didn't spot any puffins at the Cliffs of Moher though. If I could've changed anything about the tour, I probably would have skipped the Aillwee Cave to spend more time in Doolin. I definitely need to find a way to get back to that area to explore more. This was my second day trip centered around the Cliffs of Moher but the previous day trip left from Dublin and included a stop in Galway so it was through another tour company. Choosing between the travel for both, I prefer this trip originating from Galway - it was more reasonable of a time frame as the trip from Dublin started hours earlier and still ended around the same time. We booked this tour directly through Viator, and it cost for 2 adults $109.82 plus tip (which we tipped cash following the end of the tour). Oh and I can't end this review without praising our tour guide Barry Hopkins - he was fantastic, very personable and friendly.

This was an amazing adventure to the cliffs and moher! Get it?…read more Anyway, our tour guide was Jerry Sweeny, full of knowledge, funny and extremely nice. Well worth it!!

Thanks to John B for an amazing tour day to amongst many places including the Cliffs of Moher…read more Amongst the amazing things he taught our group was the history of Irish famine and unfair taxation, the emigration of many Irish to other parts of the world, the famine cottages and walls, the

Unbelievable service in a clean, safe coach maned by a knowledgeable and professional driver who…read morewas flexible to our needs. Even though it rained for a week our sites and stops were unbelievably great! Our driver's positive and friendly attitude made the rainy week shine! A real value for our money. California Sunshine

Reaneys of galwayread more

If you are thinking of renting a car in Ireland, stop immediately!! Brian offers great service at a…read morevery reasonable price. We were originally planning on renting a car, but are extremely happy we went with car hire instead. Brian was friendly and very reliable. He got us to all of our stops on time with a few added sightseeing stops on the way. He also gave us a few recommendations for restaurants in Galway which were spot on. Highly recommend to anyone traveling on West coast of Ireland.

Brian is a very professional, personable, patient and punctual driver who added great convenience…read moreand fun to our trip. Our party of six adult travelers looked into renting a van, but instead we chose to hire Brian to provide the van and do the driving for us. Leave the stress of driving and navigating and the expense of rentals and insurance in the dust and be carefree on vacation (holiday)! We traversed up and down the west coast with very specific destinations in all types of weather. Brian accommodated our every travel request and waited with great patience as we explored and shopped. You will be so glad you traveled with Brian behind the wheel. All six of us on the trip agreed that Brian was the very best option and we'd hire him again in a heartbeat.

I'm honestly unsure of the best way to rate this tour company. On one hand, it's Ireland and Irish…read moreweather is unruly. On the other hand, there was a forecast and the forecast called for rain. And as I heard from other local visitors, their tour companies cancelled and refunded their tours in advance. I had purchased an Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher tour via Viator. It was nearly $100 for two, which is rather pricey, but it included views of the cliffs from two angles, a coach bus from Galway, and some time on the smallest of the islands. It seemed like a good deal. The actual tour was boring and flat. I would have liked to stop and take photos at the castles and the lighthouse we passed, but the bus kept on going. I got some drive-by shots, but they're not the same. The bus was also very cold on a very cold day, which was unsettling and uncomfortable. The tour guide only rattled off some basic facts and mostly about the educational system in Ireland. Cool, but not exciting in the least. Once we arrived at the docking area, we were given tickets and boarded the tiniest little ferry on the literally wild Atlantic Ocean. I was terrified. The half-hour journey to the Aran Islands was mortifying to say the least. People were puking. I was doing everything in my power to not join in. The crew seemed fine. We got to the Aran Islands without me puking, which was nice and surprising. We then paid a local guide to drive us around since it was raining so hard. We got to see a nice sliver of the islands, which was nice and probably my favorite part. We then had a small, very bland lunch and I took more motion sickness meds. After about an hour, our group boarded a vessel before being told to get off. We then waited outside in the cold for far too long and were placed on a slightly larger ferry. This time around, I wasn't so lucky on the seasickness front and spent most of the trip back staring at the inside of a bag...along with many other folks. Did I get views of the cliffs from the sea? Nope. Did I get views of the cliffs from the cliffs? Nope. Do I feel kind of ripped off? Yes. But is it Ireland? Yes. Was it their fault? Well, yes, I think so. I found out we were the last ferry to go across that day. The storms from the hurricane remnants were strong. I honestly wish they had given us the option to postpone our tour. I would have in a heartbeat. The next day was much nicer and I would have actually gotten my money's worth. I absolutely know they can't control the weather, but they should have some sort of system in place to avoid such situations.

Cliffs of other, Coast of County Clare and the Burren Day Tour from Galway…read more My husband, daughter and I had a informative and fun day long tour with Patrick as our guide. He took us to the places that were listed along with additional perfect pictures spots and a local pub for lunch. We learned history and insights about the area from a local. The day went by fast and I would highly recommend a Patrick and Spirit of Ireland Travel

Tour cost: 5 Euros (includes tea and scones)…read more Full disclosure: I usually run in the opposite direction from anything in Ireland that has even a whiff of "tourist trap" to it. If there's even a chance that someone is going to be getting off a tour bus with a fanny pack singing Danny Boy, it's a hard no for me. Such was my initial concern when hearing about the Claddagh Arts Centre. As much as I longed to visit the place where Claddagh rings originated (quite literally, they were first made during the 17th century in the village where the Centre now stands as the sole remaining dwelling), I had visions of when I visited Amsterdam and got swarmed by merchants hocking diamonds. I assumed this was a touristy spot where the sole purpose was to get you to buy a new ring. I couldn't be happier that I did a bit of research instead of discounting it. The Centre- and the people who run it- have "sales" as the very last thing on their minds. Their true purpose is to educate visitors on the little-known history of how this once-thriving, rural village on the outskirts of the city was forced to abandon its beautiful, traditional, simple life as modernization and the trawler industry in the bay took over. All that is now left of Claddagh village is the one thatch cottage and outbuilding/cafe that houses the Centre. Once inside, you are transported to another century in Ireland. Far from kitschy knick knacks, each item within is an authentic antique from the era, demonstrating exactly what it was like to live in another time. Anna, who gave us our tour, offered a poignant, powerful and thorough recounting of the trials and triumphs of the villagers, instilling in me a new respect for the rings I have worn since my youth. In my many visits to Galway over the years, I had never before had an inkling of this part of its past. After the voyage back in time, we made our way to the art studio and cafe behind the cottage. Wow. It was filled with the most gorgeous work in various mediums from local craftsmen, using materials found around Connemara. Spectacular stuff. And no sales pitch. In fact, Anna seemed surprised that I even inquired about pricing. Her main concern was kitting out the wood table with a feast of tea and scones. By this stage, the latest Claddagh ring I've been wearing for the last few years, one purchased at some point from some random place, seemed almost like an imposter. Expecting to see rows and rows of rings for sale, I was instead shocked (pleasantly) to find just a humble little tray with a dozen or two. There was no fanfare around it. Sales were truly an afterthought to the people here who are so intent on keeping the Claddagh village story alive. Anna apologized for the small selection and explained that they only carry authentic, vintage rings- as in real, historic Claddaghs. Thus, their inventory was sparse. Figuring that meant I would be priced out of owning one of these treasures, I cast a glance at them just for a chance to see what a "real" Claddagh looked like. And immediately fell in love with one. Its simplicity was so perfectly attuned to its heritage. I checked the price tag. 57 Euros. About $64. Otherwise stated: half the price for this antique than what I had paid for the random one on my finger. It came home with me. I honestly cannot put into words the joy it brings me the twenty times a day I glance down at it. The hour or so spent at the Claddagh Village was a vacation highlight for me in a city where I thought I already knew the best spots. Located just a five minute stroll from the Spanish Arch, it took us on a journey of a hundred+ years. Oh. And it's only 5 Euro per person for the tour, tea and scones. I know. Right? Go visit them when you find yourself in Galway. If you're there in the off-season and hours are limited, ask for a private tour (same cost) as we did. Claddagh Arts Centre & Katie's Claddagh Cottage 26 Fairhill Road Upper, The Claddagh Galway, Ireland Web: https://claddaghdesigns.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CladdaghArtsCentre/

I haven't written a review in a while, but this is needed. These guys almost made me miss a…read morepre-paid and non-refundable tour. Seems like yelp not that popular in Ireland but, for what it's worth... Needed a taxi this morning at 8:30am to catch a tour bus at 9:00am so I booked them online day before. No public buses at that time. Driver came here, but picked up some woman who was also at my hotel. Good for her, stealing my taxi. Driver didn't verify name/room number. The front desk, and my eventual driver, confirmed that these guys have a terrible reputation. Said they'll pick up whoever is available to make sure they get their euros. Once downtown, I just happened to pass by their office. Stopped in to tell them they suck, that their driver picked up the wrong person. They confirmed that the driver reported the trip was "completed". Then they apologized profusely... just kidding... there was no apology, no nothing. What do they care? I'm just a tourist. Got their automated email thanking me for booking with them. -rolling eyes- To top it off, the price: €11.16 was €1.16 more than what Galway Taxi charged me. Call Galway Taxi. 091-561-111

Good service, largest Taxi company in Galway. But they do think they own the roads and they know…read morehow to charge.

We were staying for three nights at Ashford Castle with a transfer from Knock Airport. After our…read morearrival, an 8 seater taxi was waiting for us and whisked our party to Ashford. We had booked a drive to a seaside restaurant near Galway and Damien quickly showed us his skills as a tour guide. always interesting and informative about the local area and history. A return guide through Connemara was so impressive, couldn't have been more scenic. Such a memorable day, we would all thoroughly recommend Damien for transfers and scenic tours

Excellent,professional,prompt,very reasonably prices 24 hour Taxi serviceread more

Pros: - very convenient location, 5-10 minutes from the…read moreLatin quarter and river walk - surprisingly noise isolating for its central location. Slept through a Friday night just fine - Irish breakfast buffet is so good - front desk was friendly Cons: - sink didn't drain well - lift was broken while we were there - towel rack is in the shower - parking is paid, although discounted to about 16 euros a day, and a 5-10 minute walk which, with luggage, feels like forever

This hotel doesn't have the best Yelp reviews, but sometimes it comes down to digging into the…read morecomments. You book this hotel for cost and convenience - We took a redeye to Dublin and landed at 8:30 am on a Saturday. We took the 9:20 am train to Galway. When we got to Galway, this hotel was a two minute walk from the train station and it was ready for check in at noon. Thats exactly what you want after not sleeping for 36 hours! We also were doing an all day Viator bus tour to the Cliffs of Moor and several other sites, and that was a five minute walk from the hotel. As others have noted, it's a super quick walk to Budget rental (where you can rent a car day of), as well as many restaurants and shops. Your room includes breakfast which was a pretty typical hotel breakfast. Was it noisy at night? Yes, our first night was a Saturday night in the city and you're above a pub! But we shut the window and popped in ear plugs and turned on the fan and we were fine. I slept through the entire night and I'm not a great sleeper. There is no AC because it's Europe and most cheap to mid-priced hotels don't offer AC.

Michelle was great, welcoming, knowledgeable , and really seems to enjoy her job. The food and…read moredrinks were really delicious and everything had incredible flavors and so much variety. If only we didn't have a dinner reservation that night, I could have likely eaten and drank even more! It was more than just a tasting at each stop, a lot of food was served, and everything was good.

We did the Mystery Food Tour on Halloween with Michelle! It was a wonderful time and one of the…read morehighlights of our time in Galway. We got to try 5 different spots, all within walking distance. Everything was delicious! We loved learning about the local spots and learning a bit about Galway's history. Michelle was a wonderful guide and great storyteller! The company asked for any food allergies over email a few days before and those with allergies were accommodated so no one felt left out. Highly recommend and hope you'll keep doing the Mystery Food Tour for Halloween!