This morning we head to Doolin Pier and board a ferry for the beautiful island of Inis Mór, famous for its dramatic prehistoric stone forts, stark limestone landscape, and for being one of the places where Irish is still commonly spoken.

The best way to explore Inis Mór is by bike, so when we arrive, we’ll pick up bikes or e-bikes and spend most of the day exploring the island.

The highlight is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort dramatically positioned at the edge of a sheer Atlantic cliff.

But the island itself is the real experience.

Stone walls crisscross the landscape, tiny roads wind between villages, ancient ruins appear unexpectedly, and the Atlantic is never very far away.

We’ll have time to bike, explore, stop for lunch, and experience a part of Ireland that feels very different from the mainland.

Late in the afternoon, we ferry back to Doolin, retrieve our van, and continue to Galway, the “Cultural Heart of Ireland,” celebrated for its vibrant traditional music scene, medieval architecture, and lively nightlife.

We’ll check into our hotel, then head into the city center for dinner and to experience some of Galway’s famous evening atmosphere and traditional music.

TOTAL DRIVING TIME: Approximately 1h30m, broken into about 15–20m to Doolin Pier and 1h10m–1h15m to Galway.

OVERNIGHT: Menlo Park Hotel

MEALS: Breakfast