Two Ways Across Ireland: Direct and Easy, or Scenic and Story-Filled

Traveling between Dublin and Galway might look simple on a map – a straight shot from east to west. And it can be. But this is Ireland, and sometimes the best part of the journey is what happens when you detour off the motorway.

Dublin to Galway Drive: 2 Routes Across Ireland

Dublin and Galway are two of Ireland’s most popular city bases. Whether you're starting your trip in the capital or finishing along the Wild Atlantic Way, chances are you’ll travel between them.

You have two very different options:

The quick motorway route (about 2.5 hours direct)
A route that dips south of the motorway and turns the drive into a full-day – or even two-day – journey

Which one makes sense for you really comes down to how much time you have between Dublin and Galway.

If you're working within a tight schedule, the motorway is efficient and straightforward.

If you’ve built flexibility into your itinerary, leaving the motorway opens up castles, early Christian history, and some wonderfully open midlands landscapes along the way.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 326. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Route 1: The Quick and Easy Motorway (M4 to M6)

If you want to arrive in Galway with plenty of afternoon ahead of you, the motorway is your friend.

Leaving Dublin, you’ll take the M4, which seamlessly connects to the M6 about a third of the way across the country. It’s an easy drive, well-signed, and very manageable even if you’re new to driving in Ireland.

There are two tolls on this route:

Kilcock–Kinnegad (M4)
West of Ballinasloe (M6)

Depending on your starting point in Dublin, you may also encounter the barrier-free electronic toll on the M50 ring road.

Learn more about toll roads in Ireland – and why you probably don't need to purchase a tool pass from your rental car company

This route is ideal if:

You want an uninterrupted afternoon in Galway (or Dublin)
You’re planning evening music and pub hopping
You’re short on time

But even the “quick” route offers one classic stop.

Sean's bar - Athlone, Ireland - building front autumn 2024

A Stop in Athlone: Sean’s Bar

Roughly halfway across the country sits Athlone, and more specifically, Sean’s Bar — the oldest pub in Ireland (and Europe), with origins dating back to 900 AD.

As you enter, Sean’s Bar feels exactly like you hope it will. The long wooden bar anchors the front room, worn smooth by centuries of elbows and conversation. There’s usually a fire glowing in the hearth, adding that unmistakable warmth that Irish pubs do so well. Tucked into corners near the back you’ll find cozy snugs, perfect for quiet chats, while the walls are layered with memorabilia that tells the story of the building and the people who’ve passed through it. There’s even a small viewing area where part of the original wattle and wicker wall is visible – uncovered during renovations and now preserved as a reminder of just how long this spot has welcomed travelers.

Most travelers pop in for a quick pint, stretch their legs, and continue west. But if you have time, you can book into one of the workshops: learn to pour a pint of Guinness, sip uisce beatha – the water of life – with a whiskey tasting, or enjoy an Irish coffee while hearing about the pub's history.

If you're hungry, the Left Bank Bistro, across the street, is an excellent choice for a relaxed and satisfying meal before getting back on the road.

Parking tip: Street parking near the pub is limited. Follow the road up the hill for paid public parking (bring coins or download the parking app to pay).

From here, it’s about an hour to Galway — and you’ll likely arrive with the afternoon still ahead of you.

Route 2: The Scenic Detour through County Offaly

If you have a full day between Dublin and Galway – or even better, two – dipping south of the motorway transforms a simple transfer into a highlight of your itinerary.

Exiting the motorway at the N52 will lead you to

A remarkable castle estate
One of Ireland’s most important monastic sites
Optional whiskey experiences
A castle stay
Wide-open parklands reclaimed from peat bog

It’s slower. It’s richer. And it feels wonderfully “middle of Ireland.”

From the M6, exit at Kilbeggan and follow the N52 south toward Birr.