Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026: Wild Atlantic Way Tours & Airport Transportation
Airport Transfers and Private Group Tours from Dublin, Shannon, and Cork
Traveling to Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic this August? If you’ll be in Dublin to cheer on the TCU Horned Frogs or North Carolina Tar Heels at the Aviva Stadium at this American football showdown, we hope you also have plans to visit us for a tour of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Our Ireland tour and transportation options are endless and include transportation from Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, and Cork Airport, , in addition to Wild Atlantic Way tours from Galway. Visit the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, with stops at Hazel Mountain Chocolates and the Burren Perfumery or opt to go from Galway to Connemara for a day exploring Kylemore Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, Clifden, and the Sky Road with a stop at the Quiet Man Bridge.
Fancy a farm visit?
We bring Connemara tour guests regularly to Killary Sheep Farm and can also arrange a Killary Cruise to enjoy Ireland’s only fjord from the water.
We’d love to show you our home in the West of Ireland. Please get in touch for information on the following:
Airport transportation from Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports
Transportation around Ireland, from Dublin to Galway, Galway to Killarney, etc.
Tours of the Wild Atlantic Way – We offer private custom day tours that could include the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Galway, Connemara, Westport, and beyond.
When and where is the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic?
The game takes place on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with the TCU Horned Frogs facing the North Carolina Tar Heels. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. local Irish time (noon ET), so you’ve the whole morning to enjoy Dublin before the match – or to travel in from wherever you’ve been exploring.
Can you collect us from Dublin Airport after we fly in?
We can indeed. We offer private airport transfers from Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports. Whether you’re landing before the game or flying into Shannon to start on the west coast, just let us know your flight details and we’ll be there to meet you.
We’re staying in Dublin for the match – can you bring us out to the Wild Atlantic Way afterwards?
That’s exactly what we love to do. Many of our guests spend match weekend in Dublin and then head west to see the “real” Ireland. We can collect you in Dublin and bring you across to Galway, which makes the perfect base for touring Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Aran Islands.
How far is it from Dublin to Galway and the west coast?
Galway city sits roughly two and a half hours’ drive west of Dublin, right on the edge of the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s an easy transfer, and the moment you cross into the west the landscape opens up — stone walls, sheep, mountains, and the Atlantic beyond.
What tours would you recommend for first-time visitors?
It depends on what stirs you. If you love wild scenery, our Connemara tour takes in Kylemore Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, Clifden, the Sky Road, and the Quiet Man Bridge. If it’s the coast that calls, we’ll bring you to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, with lovely stops at Hazel Mountain Chocolates and the Burren Perfumery. And no first visit is complete without the Aran Islands and a Cliffs of Moher sea cruise.
We can. Alongside our set day tours, we offer private custom tours of the Wild Atlantic Way that can take in the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Galway, Connemara, Westport, and beyond. Tell us what you’re hoping to experience and we’ll build the day around you.
We’d love something a bit different – any suggestions?
For a real taste of west of Ireland life, we regularly bring our Connemara guests to Killary Sheep Farm to meet the sheepdogs at work. We can also arrange a Killary Cruise so you can take in Ireland’s only fjord from the water — a peaceful, beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
Are your tours private or shared with other groups?
All of our day tours are private and custom, just for your group. You travel at your own pace with your own driver-guide, which means we can adjust the day to suit you.
How do we book, and how far ahead should we get in touch?
The match weekend is a busy one, so the sooner you’re in touch the better we can look after you.Just reach out with your dates here, your group size, and what you’d like to see, and we’ll take care of the rest. We’d love to show you our home in the West of Ireland.
The g Hotel & Spa | 5-Star Hotel · Just outside the City Centre
One of only two 5-star hotels in Galway city, The g is a design icon with interiors by milliner Philip Treacy. Brightly coloured communal spaces, calm restful rooms, stunning sea views, great food and an ESPA spa. All a stone’s throw from Galway’s main attractions.
💡 Tip: Splurge if you can — this is a genuinely special experience.Visit Their Website Here.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate | 5-Star Country Estate · Lough Corrib
A magnificent 5-star country estate on the edge of Lough Corrib, just outside Galway. Dining highlights include The River Room, Palmers Bar & Kitchen, and the showstopping Pullman Restaurant set in two original Orient Express carriages — a truly unforgettable eating experience.
💡 Tip: Book the Pullman Restaurant for a truly unique dining experience. Visit Their Website Here.
The House Hotel | Boutique Hotel · City Centre
A stylish, award-winning boutique hotel in the very heart of Galway City. Chic design, central location, and excellent service make it a firm favourite for couples visiting the city.
💡 Tip: Perfect for exploring the Latin Quarter — everything is walkable. Visit Their Website Here.
The Twelve Hotel | Boutique Hotel · Barna Village
A chic, intimate coastal retreat in Barna village, just minutes from the city. Luxe suites, a legendary wine list, a buzzing gastropub, and fine dining, all steps from the sea and scenic Connemara.
💡 Tip: The wine list here is one of the best on the west coast. Visit Their Website Here.
Connemara Coast Hotel | 4-Star Hotel · Furbo, Galway Bay
Spectacularly set on the Wild Atlantic Way on the shores of Galway Bay, just 15 minutes from Galway City. Award-winning hotel with panoramic views of the Bay, the Burren and the Aran Islands. Excellent dining, a leisure club with pool, sauna, steam room, and a kids club.
💡 Tip: An ideal base for exploring both Galway City and Connemara in one trip. Visit Their Website Here.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel | 4-Star Castle Hotel · Ballynahinch, near Roundstone
One of Ireland’s most romantic and celebrated hotels, set in 700 acres of woodland and riverbank in the heart of Connemara. Elegant rooms, exceptional dining at the Owenmore Restaurant, salmon fishing, and walks along the river. Simply magical.
💡 Tip: Spend at least two nights to truly unwind in this special place. Visit Their Website Here.
Rosleague Manor | Country House Hotel · Letterfrack
A gracious 19th-century manor house overlooking Ballinakill Bay near Kylemore Abbey. Stunning views of Connemara’s lakes and mountains, warm Irish hospitality, and an excellent restaurant. A peaceful, intimate escape.
💡 Tip: Ideal for walkers — Connemara National Park is right on the doorstep. Visit Their Website Here.
Connemara Sands Beach Hotel & Spa | Boutique Hotel & Spa · Mannin Bay, Ballyconneely
A family-run boutique retreat nestled between the Twelve Bens mountains and the white sands of Mannin Bay. Sea-view rooms, suites and cottages, a seaweed spa, outdoor beach sauna, hot tub and cold plunge — all with a sustainable ethos.
💡 Tip: One of the most scenically located hotels on the entire Wild Atlantic Way. Visit Their Website Here.
Currarevagh House | Victorian Country House · Oughterard
Set in 180 acres of private parkland and woodland on the shores of Lough Corrib, this gracious early Victorian country house has been run by the same family for 130 years. Wood-fired sauna, lakeside walks, bespoke dining and timeless elegance.
💡 Tip: A wonderful base for exploring both Connemara and the Aran Islands. Visit Their Website Here.
The Quay House | B&B & Guesthouse · Clifden
A charming seafront B&B in Clifden where antiques, fireplaces and warm Irish hospitality meet. Beautiful harbour views, coastal walks and cosy nights by the fire in a lovingly restored historic home. Visit Their Website Here.
💡 Tip: Book well ahead in summer — one of the most popular B&Bs in Connemara. Visit Their Website Here.
Galway’s most celebrated restaurant, Aniar is a Michelin-starred gem in the West End where chef JP McMahon presents an outstanding tasting menu deeply rooted in west of Ireland produce. Expect pickling, curing, smoking and fermentation techniques across 18 innovative dishes.
💡 Tip: Book well in advance — this is one of the hardest tables in Connacht to get.Visit their website here.
One of Galway’s most enduring and beloved restaurants, tucked beside the Spanish Arch. Known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu with global flair — think Connemara crab tostada or kimchi fried potatoes. Brilliant for breakfast, brunch or a relaxed dinner. Over two decades at the heart of the city’s food scene.
💡 Tip: No booking needed for breakfast or lunch — just pop in! Visit their website here.
Dela Restaurant | Farm-to-Table Brunch & Dinner · Dominick Street
One of Galway’s most beloved all-rounders, celebrated for its ‘seed to feed’ philosophy and Scandinavian-inspired approach. Set in a gorgeous timber-and-stone dining room, Dela delivers from a cosy winter brunch of wild mushrooms on garlicky ciabatta to a spring dinner of slow-braised lamb. Consistently excellent.
💡 Tip: There’s often a queue — it’s worth every minute. Visit their website here.
Cava Bodega | Spanish Tapas · Middle Street
A multi-award-winning tapas restaurant bringing the flavours of Spain to the heart of Galway. Communal tables, soft lighting, over 70 regional tapas using local Irish produce. Perfect for a lively group dinner.
💡 Tip: Share everything — the more tapas you order, the better the experience. Visit their website here.
Brasserie on the Corner | Restaurant & Wine Bar · Eyre Square
A multi-award-winning restaurant just off Eyre Square with a strong farm-to-fork ethos. Known for standout dishes like pan-seared hake with citrus butter and their signature dry-aged Irish ribeye. Polished dining with genuine warmth.
💡 Tip: Reserve in advance — a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike. Visit their website here.
Oscar’s Seafood Bistro | Seafood · Dominick Street, West End
Award-winning seafood bistro on Dominick Street, one of Galway’s most respected dining destinations. Fresh Atlantic catch served simply and brilliantly in relaxed surroundings.
💡 Tip: Head to the West End — it’s where the locals eat. Visit their website here.
Tigh Neachtain’s | Traditional Pub · Cross Street
Founded in 1894 and one of Galway’s most iconic pubs, with its distinctive brightly painted facade and cosy, art-lined interior. Craft beers, rare whiskeys, traditional Irish stew, and live music most evenings. A true slice of old Galway.
💡 Tip: Arrive early in the evening to secure a spot for the live music. Visit their website here.
The Dockside Deli @ Galway Bay Seafoods | Seafood Deli & Shop · Galway Docks
A family business with over 70 years of seafood expertise right at the heart of Galway’s docks. Famous for oak-smoked Galway Bay salmon and smoked mackerel pâté. Also offers cooking classes — a wonderful local gem.
💡 Tip: A brilliant stop for picnic supplies before heading out on tour. Visit their website here.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel — Owenmore Restaurant | Fine Dining · Ballynahinch, Connemara
Set in a romantic 4-star castle hotel north of Roundstone, the Owenmore Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the finest dining experiences in Connemara. Think Cleggan crab, Galway goat’s cheese starters, followed by beef in Bourguignon sauce or black sole on the bone.
💡 Tip: Recommended for a special occasion — the setting alone is worth the journey. Visit their website here.
Moran’s Oyster Cottage | Seafood Restaurant · The Weir, Kilcolgan
A legendary thatched cottage pub and restaurant at The Weir on the edge of the bay, serving world-famous Galway Bay oysters since 1760. Simple, fresh and utterly perfect. A west of Ireland institution.
💡 Tip: Order the oysters with soda bread and a pint of Guinness. Nothing else needed. Visit their website here.
The Clifden Station House | Restaurant & Hotel · Clifden
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian railway station in the capital of Connemara, Clifden. Excellent food in a unique historic setting, popular with locals and visitors alike.
💡 Tip: Clifden has several excellent pubs and restaurants — allow time to wander. Visit their website here.
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