If you’re anything like us, sometimes you just need more than a “stay in one hotel and order room service” kind of weekend. We wanted adventure, scenery, amazing food, and a bit of romance — all wrapped into four unforgettable days. So we packed the car on Thursday morning, left Dublin early, and pointed it west.

Day 1 – Dublin to Sligo: Wild Beauty & Romance

By midday we were rolling into Sligo, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and Atlantic air. Sligo is compact but packed with things to see — perfect for couples who want exploration without rushing.

Afternoon Must-Sees in County Sligo

Before checking in, we made the most of the afternoon:

Benbulben – That iconic flat-topped mountain. We stopped for photos and a short scenic walk. We drove and guided ourselves, but there are loads of guided tours for not much money if you want a truly great day.
Knocknarea – A rewarding hike to Queen Maeve’s Cairn with sweeping coastal views.
Rosses Point – Beach stroll, lighthouse views, and pure Atlantic romance.
Glencar Waterfall – Just a short drive away and absolutely magical.

After soaking up the local scenery, we checked into The Glasshouse Hotel — a luxury riverside stay that feels indulgent but is surprisingly affordable if booked in advance. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Garavogue River set the tone immediately.

That evening, we enjoyed a romantic dinner in the hotel restaurant (part of our overnight package). Candlelight, locally sourced food, a great bottle of wine — honestly, it felt like a honeymoon night all over again.

Day 2 – Sligo Morning & Onward to Coastal Galway

Breakfast the next morning was generous and relaxed — fresh pastries, full Irish, proper coffee. Exactly what you want before another day of exploring.

Morning Walk Around Sligo Town

Today we booked a walking tour and met a group of 8 others. We were all similar age so had a great time chatting and enjoying the tour wandering through town. We made sure we seen:

Sligo Abbey – Beautiful medieval ruins in the heart of town.
Yeats Building – A must for literature lovers.
O’Connell Street for boutique browsing and coffee stops.

By 3pm, we hit the road again — destination: the Galway coast.

Day 2 (Evening) – Coastal Galway Magic in Clifden

We based ourselves in Clifden, the heart of Connemara. It’s lively but still intimate — perfect for couples.

We checked into Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, a romantic castle-style hotel overlooking the bay. Think antique furnishings, four-poster beds, and complimentary prosecco receptions.

We arrived late, so we relaxed in the hotel bar, enjoyed a nightcap, and soaked in the atmosphere.

Day 3 – Connemara Adventures & Saturday Night in Galway City

Saturday was packed with bucket-list experiences:

Must-Do Experiences in Connemara

We had a drive down Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal drives, before heading to Kylemore Abbey – A fairytale castle with Victorian walled gardens. Before heading into Galway City we hiked up Diamond Hill for panoramic views, part of Connemara National Park where you can get a guided tour to see all the highlights.

Other options for things to do include;

Guided kayaking or boat tours along the Connemara coastline.
Horse riding experiences through rugged Atlantic landscapes.

By late afternoon, we made our way to Galway for Night 3 of our action packed trip. Have a look at places to stay within your own budget.

Where to Stay in Galway City

We personally checked into The g Hotel & Spa which is stylish, modern and luxurious. Its perfect for a Saturday night treat.

Romantic Dinner Spot

Tonight we decided to eat outside of the hotel and we headed for dinner out at Restaurant Geo, a lovely restaurant that you can book through the previous link. The restaurant was awarded 'Best Hotel Restaurant in Galway' at the Irish Restaurant Awards and holds 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence, so was a must do in our opinion. After the fantastic food, we stayed local and had a few drinks as we walked pub to pub back to the hotel and on the way enjoyed a mix of live music, buzzing streets, cocktails and that unbeatable Galway energy.

Day 4 – Sunday Exploring Around Galway

Sunday was slower but equally special.

On the Way from Coast to City (If Not Done Saturday)

Coral Strand beaches near Carraroe
Scenic drive through Maam Valley
Local craft shops and cafés in Oughterard

Sunday in Galway & Nearby

Salthill Promenade – Kick the wall at the end for good luck.
Galway Cathedral – Beautiful and peaceful.
Spanish Arch – Perfect riverside photo spot.
Day trip to Cliffs of Moher if you want one last jaw-dropping Atlantic view.

We soaked up the last of the atmosphere, grabbed an early dinner, and hit the road at 6:30pm — back to Dublin tired, windswept, and completely recharged.

A Romantic 4-Day West Coast Escape: Dublin to Sligo & Galway