Galway & The Wild Atlantic Way: Trad Sessions, The Burren, Doolin & Cliffs of Moher in 2 Days

Start in the bustling heart of Galway. Stroll across the landscaped green past the 17th-century Browne Family Doorway, the fountain inspired by traditional Galway Hooker sailing boats, and the statue of writer Pádraic Ó Conaire. Grab a morning coffee from one of the artisanal cafés bordering the square.

Cross the rushing waters of the River Corrib via the Salmon Weir Bridge (peer over the railings to spot wild salmon resting in the clear shallows). Dedicated in 1965, this is one of Europe's youngest great stone cathedrals, constructed from local limestone with a stunning Renaissance dome, rich Connemara green marble floors, and stained-glass windows.

Wander into Galway's vibrant pedestrianised heartbeat. The narrow cobblestoned lanes are framed by brightly painted 15th-century stone townhouses, busking fiddle players, and independent bookshops. Settle into a cosy table on Quay Street at McDonagh's or The King's Head for a lunch of piping hot wild Atlantic seafood chowder with soda bread or freshly battered fish and chips.

Walk down to where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay. Built in 1584 as an extension of the Norman city walls to protect merchant quays, Spanish galleons once unloaded casks of Rioja wine here. Stroll past the arch along The Long Walk to admire the iconic row of pastel-coloured fishermen's cottages looking across the harbour to the Claddagh.

Catch city bus 401 (or take a scenic 30-minute seaside stroll) out to Salthill Promenade. Breathe in the crisp Atlantic sea air as you walk the two-mile shoreline promenade overlooking the Aran Islands and County Clare hills. Walk out onto the iconic concrete art-deco Blackrock Diving Tower and take part in the beloved Galway tradition of "kicking the wall" at the promenade's end for good luck.

Return to the Latin Quarter to cap off your day at this legendary 1894 wooden pub on the corner of Cross Street. Squeeze into one of its cosy timber snugs beside a peat-burning fireplace for a creamy pint of Galway Hooker ale or Guinness, hearty beef stew, and spontaneous live traditional Irish music sessions.

Depart Galway by car or day tour heading south along the Wild Atlantic Way (N67 / R477). Follow the coast past Kinvara and around Black Head, where the otherworldly carboniferous limestone pavements ("clints and grikes") plunge straight into the Atlantic waves. Walk out onto the limestone slabs to spot rare Arctic and Mediterranean flora flourishing side by side in the rock fissures.

Stop at this pristine, windswept Blue Flag beach renowned for its towering Atlantic sand dunes backed by the grey limestone mountains of Clare. Enjoy a brisk walk along the shore watching local surfers take on the rolling Atlantic swell with clear views across to the Aran Islands.

Arrive in Doolin, the internationally celebrated world capital of traditional Irish music. Stroll along colourful Fisher Street with its thatched pink and yellow cottages, then step inside the historic 1832 Gus O'Connor's Pub for lunch. Savour their award-winning Doolin seafood chowder loaded with fresh salmon, smoked haddock, and mussels, served with dense Irish treacle brown bread.

Just a 10-minute drive from Doolin, experience Ireland's most majestic natural wonder. Towering sheer cliffs soar up to 214 metres (702 ft) above the crashing Atlantic breakers, stretching 8 kilometres along the Clare coastline. Climb the stone spiral stairs of 1835 O'Brien's Tower for sweeping 360-degree vistas across to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, and walk the safe cliff-edge paths watching nesting seabirds soar on ocean updrafts.

On the scenic return drive to Galway, stop at this legendary 250-year-old thatched cottage situated on the banks of the tranquil Dunkellin River estuary. Run by the 7th generation of the Moran family, it is world-renowned for fresh Galway Bay native oysters shucked to order, paired with brown soda bread, fresh mussels, and a pint of stout.