Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands tour: Ferry beneath cliffs

Inisheer ferry tour, sightseeing, Cliffs of Moher views from the water before the cliffs.

A 10-hour guided tour from Galway through the Burren to Doolin, where you board a ferry for a 30-minute crossing to Inisheer, the smallest Aran Island, with two hours to explore ancient castles, churches and beaches. The return ferry sails beneath the Cliffs of Moher (weather permitting), then you walk the clifftop and visit the visitor centre before returning to Galway. Entry to the cliffs and a live English-speaking guide are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands tour

• Travel from Galway to Doolin
• Receive boarding pass at Doolin harbour
• Ferry sail to Inisheer island
• Explore Inisheer for two hours
• Ferry cruise beneath Cliffs of Moher
• Return to Doolin and visit Cliffs visitor centre
• Explore Cliffs of Moher and visitor centre
• Drive back to Galway via Lisdoonvarna and Burren
• Tour ends at Merchants Road, Galway

The experience

The tour starts in Galway and heads south along the Wild Atlantic Way toward Doolin, passing medieval castles, drystone walls and coastal views while your driver-guide talks through the geology and history of the landscape. The route cuts through the Burren, a limestone plateau that looks lunar from the road, and stops for photos where the terrain opens up. Once in Doolin, you board a Doolin2Aran ferry (a family-run company operating for nearly a century), for the 30-minute sail to Inisheer.

Inisheer is the nearest and smallest of the Aran Islands, and you get two hours to walk it on your own. An ancient castle, a church, a famous shipwreck, a lighthouse and a white sand beach are all within walking distance of the harbour. Your guide can point you toward a local tour operator or bicycle rental if you want more structure, or you can sit in a pub with a homemade lunch. The ferry back to Doolin takes a detour beneath the Cliffs of Moher (if weather allows), giving you a view from the sea that most visitors never see: the cliffs rise 214 meters and stretch 8 kilometers along the coast, and the perspective from the water is the one the operator calls most spectacular.

Once back in Doolin, you drive to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre at the top. Your entry ticket is included in the tour price, and it covers admission to the Atlantic Edge exhibition, an eco-friendly space that tells the story of the cliffs. After time to walk the clifftop and explore the centre, the drive back to Galway takes you through Lisdoonvarna (a town known for its spa well and matchmaking festival), and across more of the Burren's strange, open landscape. You return to Merchants Road in Galway around 7 p.m.

What’s included

• Entry to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre and Atlantic Edge exhibition.
• a guided driver who speaks English and provides commentary on the geology, history and landscape throughout the day.
• ferry passage to and from Inisheer with a detour beneath the cliffs on the return crossing (weather permitting).
• and hotel or central pickup in Galway.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Infant (under 8)

GroupUp to 50 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ireland Wild Escapes

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout the day, so you follow the commentary on the drive and can ask questions about the Burren, the islands and the cliffs. The fixed itinerary means all three major stops fit into one day, but the two hours on Inisheer are unscheduled, so you set your own pace there.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years); Infant (under 8).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the ferry ride from Doolin to Inisheer?

The crossing takes 30 minutes each way. On the return, the ferry detours to sail beneath the Cliffs of Moher if weather permits, adding time to that leg but giving you the view from the water.

What can I do during the two hours on Inisheer?

Inisheer has an ancient castle, a church, a shipwreck site, a lighthouse and a beach all within walking distance of the harbour. You can hire a local guide or bicycle through your driver-guide, visit one of the island pubs or cafes for lunch, or simply walk the narrow lanes and stone walls at your own pace.

Is entry to the Cliffs of Moher included in the tour price?

Yes, your entry ticket to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre is included. The ticket covers admission to the Atlantic Edge exhibition and access to walk the clifftop.

What time does the tour return to Galway?

The tour returns to the departure point on Merchants Road in Galway at approximately 7 p.m., making it a full day from early morning until early evening.

Will I see dolphins on the ferry?

Local bottlenose dolphins occasionally follow the ferry between Doolin and Inisheer, though sightings are not guaranteed. Keep an eye out during both crossings.