Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher: Ferry, Castle & Cruise

Ten hours from Galway: an island, a shipwreck, and the cliffs from the water

You board a coach in Galway at 9am, ferry across to Inisheer to explore castle ruins and beaches, return to Doolin for a pub lunch (your cost), then cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher before spending an hour at the top. Ferry, entry fees and transport are included. You're back in Galway by 7:30pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Galway to Aran Islands and Cliffs

• Depart Galway at 9:00 AM
• Travel along Wild Atlantic Way
• Stop at Doolin village for lunch
• Take ferry to Inisheer Island
• Explore castle, church, shipwreck, beach
• Walk island boreens or rent bike/pony
• Return ferry to Doolin
• Cruise beneath Cliffs of Moher
• Explore Cliffs of Moher visitor centre
• Return to Galway via coastal route

The experience

You're wondering if you can actually fit the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher into one day without losing your mind. The answer is yes, but it means starting at 9am in Galway and not stopping until the coach pulls back into town around 7:30pm. The route takes you west through the Burren's limestone landscape to Doolin, a small fishing village where the ferry leaves for Inisheer: the smallest and most traditional of the three Aran Islands, a 20-minute sail from the mainland. Once you land, you're free to walk the island's quiet boreens, explore a 10th-century castle ruin, find a sunken church, and see the wreck of a ship half-buried in the sand. Bikes and pony traps are available to rent if you want to cover more ground, though that costs extra.

After a couple of hours on Inisheer, the ferry brings you back to Doolin, and here's where the day shifts. Instead of heading straight to the Cliffs of Moher, you board a boat for a cruise directly beneath them: a view most visitors never get because they only see the cliffs from the top. The boat passes under the towering rock face, and the scale of it hits different from water level. If the sea is rough or you'd rather skip the cruise, you can stay on the pier and wait for the group to return, no judgment. Once everyone's back, there's time for a traditional Irish pub meal in Doolin (you pay for this yourself), and then the coach takes you up to the Cliffs for a full hour on top. The visitor centre has a virtual reality cliff-face experience if the weather turns, but most days you're just standing there looking out at the Atlantic.

The drive back to Galway follows the coastal route, which means you're seeing the landscape you came for the whole way home. The coach is air-conditioned, the driver is a local who knows the roads and speaks English, and the ferry and Cliffs entry are already paid for, so you're not stopping to buy tickets or negotiate with anyone. It's a long day, but it's structured so you're not rushing between things. Dress for wind and rain even if the forecast looks calm. The Atlantic doesn't always cooperate.

What’s included

Air-conditioned coach from Galway, professional local driver speaking English, return ferry to and from Inisheer, entry to the Cliffs of Moher, and an hour to explore the Cliffs' coastal pathways and visitor centre with its virtual reality cliff-face experience. Lunch in Doolin is not included and you arrange it yourself during the stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please check in at our office by 8:40–8:45 AM at the latest. Allow extra travel time, as traffic in Galway City can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Public paid parking is available on Merchants Road.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Galway Tour Company

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Galway who want both the Aran Islands and the Cliffs in one outing without renting a car or booking separate ferries. Expect a full day out. The length is what lets you see three distinct places and still be back by evening.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

2,001 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,840

4 ★110

3 ★27

2 ★16

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

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 24h before the start.

How long is the ferry ride to Inisheer?

About 20 minutes from Doolin.

Is the Cliffs of Moher cruise included if I don't want to do it?

No. You can disembark at Doolin Pier and wait for the group instead. The ferry and Cliffs entry are included either way.

What time does the coach leave Galway?

9:00 AM. Return is around 7:30 PM.

Is lunch included?

No. You eat at a pub in Doolin and pay separately. There's about an hour for this.

Can I rent a bike on Inisheer?

Yes, bikes and pony traps are available, but rental costs extra.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather. Dress warmly and bring waterproof gear. The Visitor Centre at the Cliffs has indoor activities if needed.

Is there a guide on the island?

You have a driver/guide on the coach and ferry, but once on Inisheer you explore independently.

How much time do I have on Inisheer?

A couple of hours to walk, explore the ruins, and visit the beach.