Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Trip Ferry Cruise

Summary

From Galway to Inisheer by ferry then up to the wild cliffs

You’ll set out from Galway along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, catch salty breezes on an express ferry to Inisheer, explore ancient ruins and beaches with time to wander or cycle, then cruise beneath — and walk atop — the towering Cliffs of Moher before winding back through coastal villages. It’s a day full of small surprises and big sea air.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Galway just after nine — still a bit foggy in my head, but there was something about watching the city fade behind us that made me perk up. Our driver, Michael, had this way of telling stories that made even the Burren’s stony hills feel alive (he joked he could spot a sheep from a mile away). The bus windows caught little flashes of green fields and gray stone walls as we wound down toward Doolin. I remember thinking: this is what I pictured when I first heard “Wild Atlantic Way.”

Doolin itself felt like it was holding its breath — quiet but not sleepy, with fishermen chatting by their boats and the smell of peat smoke somewhere close. We boarded the ferry for Inisheer; it was only twenty minutes, but the salt spray got everywhere (my hair still felt sticky hours later). On the island, I tried saying “Dia dhuit” to an old man at the pier — he smiled and corrected my pronunciation so gently I almost didn’t notice. Walking along those narrow boreens past stone fences and wildflowers, you really get why people call Inisheer traditional. There’s a shipwreck rusting on one end of the beach and a sunken church half-swallowed by grass. I sat there for a while just listening to nothing but seabirds and distant laughter from kids on bikes.

The ferry back hugged under the Cliffs of Moher — honestly, seeing them from below is something else. You look up and it’s just sheer rock and birds wheeling above you. Someone pointed out a puffin (I squinted; maybe it was just a gull?). Back in Doolin we grabbed lunch at a pub; not included but worth it for the brown bread alone. Then we drove up to walk along the top of the cliffs themselves. The wind nearly took my hat off twice. There’s this moment where you stand right at the edge (well, not too close) and everything goes quiet except for waves smashing far below. I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 ruin, church, shipwreck, beach
• Walk island boreens or rent bike/pony
• Return ferry to Doolin
• Cruise beneath Cliffs of Moher
• Visit Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
• Walk coastal pathways and admire views
• Return to Galway via coastal route

Top questions

How long does the Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher day trip take?

The tour departs Galway at 9:00 AM and returns around 7:30 PM.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is time to eat at a pub in Doolin.

Do you need to book ferry tickets separately?

No, return ferry tickets between Doolin and Inisheer are included in your booking.

Can you skip the Cliffs of Moher cruise?

Yes, if you prefer not to cruise under the cliffs you can wait at Doolin Pier for the group.

What is included in this day tour from Galway?

The tour includes transport by coach, local guide/driver, ferry tickets to/from Inisheer, and entry fee for Cliffs of Moher.

How much time do you get on Inisheer Island?

You have enough time to explore on foot or rent a bike or pony & trap (extra cost).

Are there assigned seats on the coach?

No, seats are not assigned; choose your seat when boarding.

Does this tour run in all weather conditions?

Yes, it operates rain or shine so dress appropriately for Irish weather.

What’s included

Your day includes coach travel from Galway with a knowledgeable local driver-guide sharing stories along the way, return express ferry tickets between Doolin and Inisheer Island so you can feel that Atlantic spray firsthand, plus entrance fees for walking atop the Cliffs of Moher before returning through scenic coastal roads in comfort.