Aran Islands

Cruises & boat tours

Discover the history and landscapes of Ireland on a day trip from Galway with a local driver and guide. Marvel at centuries-old buildings and striking natural features before taking in one of the best views the country has to offer from the Cliffs of Moher. Stop for plenty of photo opportunities. Meet your trained driver and guide outside the Kinlay Hostel. Climb aboard the bus to head to your first stop, Dunguaire Castle on the outskirts of Kinvara. Looking at the 16th-century medieval tower house castle, discover why it is one of the most photographed castles in the whole of Ireland. Then, drive through the unique glaciokarst landscape of the Burren and past the 12th-century Corcomroe Abbey, a Cistercian monastery noted for its distinguished carvings and rich ornamentation. Then, follow the Wild Atlantic Way as it wends its way along the coast of County Clare. Pass Black Head and Fanore Strand, Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way, from where you can marvel at views of the three Aran Islands, Inishmore (Inis Mor), Inishmann (Inis Meain), and Inisheer (Inis Oirr), locking in Galway Bay, and in the distance the Connemara mountains. Next, stop for photos at Doolin pier. Feel the Atlantic wind in your face and admire the power of the sea as it crashes onto the shore. After you've worked up an appetite on the beach, tuck into lunch at the Doolin Hotel (not included). Try any of the local seafood dishes. You won't be disappointed. Then, head to your main stop of the day, the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy 2 hours at this signature point along the Wild Atlantic Way. Admire one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Rising 214 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher offer one of the most amazing views in Ireland. After the Cliffs of Moher, return to Galway via Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual matchmaking festival.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin for a scenic full-day drive through the counties of Kildare, Limerick and Clare, passing the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and world-class golf and surf resort of Lahinch. Your ultimate destination is the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you will get 2 hours of free time to explore and premium entrance to the new Atlantic Edge, an interpretive visitor experience that gives you a virtual reality birds’ eye view of cliff edge life above and below sea level. Then, you can choose to walk along the cliff face and experience the power of nature at work. Feel the fresh air blowing off the ocean, and the sheer height of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Visit O'Brien's Tower, standing proudly on the headland, with panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Next, drive deep into the Burren, traveling along Europe’s edge! See native flora, ancient monuments, and megalithic tombs in Burren National Park, and look out for the unique Fairy Forts and Celtic Crosses. In the event of road closure on the coastal road we will take the ''Cork Screw'' route from the Cliffs towards Galway. On this route, you will see The Burren's Unique Landscape and views along The Wild Atlantic Way. Continue around Galway Bay to medieval Galway City, passing the Blackhead Lighthouse and fishing village of Kinvara, famed for its Galway Hookers (boats). Upon arrival in Galway, described by W.B. Yeats as “The Venice of the West”. Enjoy a 20-minute guided walk, and learn about the city’s trade connections with Spain. You will have some free time to explore the narrow streets on your own, or relax in boutique stores and quaint cafés. 2 hour stop. Then, sit back on the return drive to Dublin, enjoying the on board entertainment, including extracts from the show “Riverdance” and other examples of Irish culture.

Departing Galway at 9 AM sharp, we will guide you south along the Wild Atlantic Way and Burren region, heading to the picturesque fishing village of Doolin where you’ll board the express ferry to Inisheer, the smallest Aran Island. Inisheer is only a short sailing distance from Doolin and attractions include an ancient castle, a sunken church, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, a shipwreck and several pubs, restaurants and cafes. Hire a pony and trap or a bike just off the pier (for additional cost) or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the boreens. After departing Inis Oírr, the ferry returns to Doolin, followed by a guided cruise along the base of the Cliffs of Moher. This spectacular return journey offers a unique perspective of the cliffs, which rise 214 meters high and stretch for 8 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. If for any reason (such as motion sickness or a medical condition) you prefer not to extend your time on the ferry for the cruise, you are welcome to disembark at Doolin Pier and wait for the group to return. We then have a traditional Irish pub meal. After, we spend 1 hour at the top of the Cliffs. Take a stroll along the cliff edge and consider how tiny everything looks from above. Once we depart the Cliffs we will take the coast road home, following the Wild Atlantic Way, arriving in Galway at approximately 19:30.

Take a day trip to the Aran Islands and see the Cliffs of Moher by cruise on this tour awarded the "Best Irish Experience" award by travel2ireland and the ITTN and 'Boat Tour of the Year in Ireland 2024'. Enjoy exploring Inis Mór with an audio guide. Sail through the sea and take in incredible views of the Cliffs of Moher on your return to Galway. Depart from the Galway city docks which is only a 15-minute walk from Galway City centre, and admire the stunning views of the Connemara and Clare Coast before arriving on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Learn about the history, heritage, and culture of the Aran Islands via an audio guide. Spend 4.5 hours on the island to enjoy sandy beaches, stone forts, and the serenity of island life. Your return journey takes you along the Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago, the cliffs rise to a magnificent height of over 200 meters which you can only truly appreciate from the water. Listen to your audio guide while onboard to learn why the Cliffs of Moher are so iconic. See Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, 'An Branán Mór Sea Stack,' and a sea cave used during a Harry Potter film. Watch out for puffins, dolphins, and seals that call these waters home.

Discover the Cliffs of Moher, the number 1 attraction in Ireland on a full-day sightseeing tour. Depart Dublin in the morning by luxury bus, and drive across Ireland to the Atlantic coast, arriving at this natural wonder in the early afternoon. Stop en route at Liscannor or Doolin to experience Ireland's traditional village life. Pull over for a hearty Irish lunch and pint of Guinness on the lovely western shore, at your own expense. Drive along the dramatic limestone coast and lunar landscape of the Burren to see the only place on earth where the Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean flora grow together. Look out for 28 different types of orchids in season. Arrive at the cliffs to enjoy a short hike among the staggering rock formations. Soak up the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands before entering the interpretive Atlantic Edge Exhibition and award-winning Visitor Center. Visit the set of the movies “Princess Bride” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Capture photos of the scenic spots along the way, including the traditional fishing village of Kinvara and the 15th-century Bunratty Castle.

Your tour on Ireland’s west coast begins in the morning with a check-in at the Bridge Street tourist office in Cork city. Head off on a drive to Limerick, the capital of the mid-western region, with a brief stop (15 minutes approx) on the banks of the River Shannon. Enjoy spectacular views of King John’s Castle an imposing medieval fortress and iconic photo opportunity! Continue on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying a panoramic road trip through part of the Wild Atlantic Way’s Burren Region, with stunning views of the countryside - sit back and enjoy the view. At world famous Cliffs of Moher, you’ll enjoy 90 minutes to explore this site of incredible natural beauty. Receive a complimentary ticket (worth €10.00) to see the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibit, which examines the mighty Cliffs of Moher from a variety of perspectives. Depending on how busy the locality is, you’ll stop for lunch at either Liscannor or Doolin, tiny villages with delicious local food options. You’ll have approximately 60 minutes for lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we’ll make a refreshment stop at Bunratty Castle on the return leg of the trip. Enjoy a short stroll around the grounds, grab coffee, water or sodas and some awesome photos of this wonderful castle. The pleasant drive to Cork city takes you through the rolling hills of the Golden Vale. Arrive back in Cork in good time for dinner arrangements and evening entertainment!

Discover the beauty of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Galway. Take a bus through the karst landscape 'The Burren' and search for dolphins on the ferry to Inisheer Island. Spend free time exploring and admire the Cliffs of Moher on the return ferry.  Depart Galway and journey through the lunar landscape of The Burren as your make your way to the Cliffs of Moher. Pass pretty villages like Kilcolgan and Ballyvaughan on the way to Doolin. Board the ferry for a 30-minute crossing to Inisheer, and keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins on the way to the smallest of the Aran Islands. Get some free time to explore the ancient sites at your own pace. Use the time to hire a bike or explore by pony and trap. Cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher on the return ferry crossing. Then, travel to the eco-friendly visitors center, where you can stroll along the cliff top before the return trip to Galway via the famous "matchmaking" town of Lisdoonvarna.

Set Sail on an Award-Winning Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Doolin Pier: Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Cliffs of Moher with the award-winning Doolin Ferry, voted Ireland's Cruise Company of the Year 2024. Experience the Cliffs from a Unique Perspective: Departing from Doolin Pier, set sail on a journey beneath the towering heights of the Cliffs of Moher, where crashing waves meet rugged rock faces, and the narrow ledges become nesting sites for the thousands of seabirds that return here every year. After sailing for about 20 minutes, the tour commences at Hag’s Head. Circle back, passing by the sea cave that featured in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", an impressive sea arch and the famous surfing spot ‘Aill na Searrach,’ where the legendary "Aileen’s" wave is caught. Cruise past iconic landmarks such as O'Brien's Tower, perched high above, at the cliffs’ highest point, and the dramatic An Branán Mór sea stack, home to Ireland’s largest mainland bird colony. Keep an eye out for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills diving in the waters below or nesting on the cliffs. You might even spot basking sharks, dolphins, and seals, adding to the adventure. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the cruise offers fantastic photo opportunities against the backdrop of these stunning natural wonders. During the tour, enjoy the entertaining and informative onboard commentary, or access our multilingual guide via QR code to learn about the local history, wildlife, and folklore in your preferred language. Whether you choose to enjoy this 50-minute boat tour on its own or as part of a broader Aran Islands itinerary, it’s a memorable experience, perfect for all ages. Come aboard and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty, history, and legends of the Cliffs of Moher.

Prepare for a warm Irish welcome as you board the luxury vessel, which includes a full bar and refreshment service. The ferry departs daily at 10:30 AM from the sheltered fishing harbor of Rossaveel in Connemara, Galway. Sail for about 40 minutes to Inis Mór (Inishmore), located just off the coast of County Galway in the heart of Galway Bay. The largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór offers visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the world. Upon arrival at the island choose from a variety of activities. Rent a bike or hop on a bus tour with a local guide. Explore ecclesiastical ruins and prehistoric stone forts such as the world-renowned Dún Aonghasa. Enjoy live music, taste seasonal local foods, or visit the Aran Island Sweater Market. Hop back on the ferry at 5:00 PM at Kilronan Pier on Inis Mór for your journey back to Rossaveel Harbor in Connemara.

Taste the best of the west of Ireland in just a few hours on this groundbreaking small group full day tour. Start the tour by leaving Galway City behind and sampling south Connemara. Then, explore the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oirr, with your guide. Do a walking tour of the island, hire a bike (price not included) or take a pony and trap ride (not included in price) along the quiet roads of Inis Oirr. After this, take a cruise under the Cliffs of Moher. Coming back onto the mainland, take arguably the finest coastal drive in Ireland as you make your way back to Galway through the infamous Burren region. Enjoy a looped route to ensure that you experience a completely different region of the west of Ireland in every hour that passes. Be assured that you won't see the same thing twice.