Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruise Day Tour
Two hours on Inisheer, then under the Cliffs of Moher by boat
You'll board a minibus at 9am from central Galway, drive through The Burren to Doolin, take a ferry to Inisheer island for two hours of free exploration, return by boat beneath the Cliffs of Moher (weather dependent), then spend an hour at the cliffs visitor centre with entry included before driving back to Galway. A local guide narrates the route and handles all logistics.
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Step-by-step itinerary
- The Burrenpass by
- Cliffs of Moher1h · entry included
Galway to Aran Islands and Cliffs
- Depart Galway at 09:00
- Pass Dunguaire Castle
- Pass Kinvara harbour
- Turn at Ballyvaughan village
- Drive along The Burren coast road
- Pass Fanore beach
- Pass Black Head Lighthouse
- Pass Corcomroe Abbey
- Arrive Doolin ferry pier
- Ferry to Inis Oirr island
- Explore Inis Oirr for 2 hours
- Return ferry detours under Cliffs of Moher
- Visit Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre for 1 hour
- Return journey passing Lisdoonvarna
The experience
"How long do we actually get on the island?" That's what you'll be asking yourself at 9am when the minibus pulls away from Kinlay Hostel in Galway, because the ferry from Doolin leaves in about an hour and the drive takes you past Dunguaire Castle, through Kinvara where you can spot the old Galway Hookers sailing boats, and then out onto the Wild Atlantic Way as the limestone landscape of The Burren opens up around you. Your guide will point out the glacio-karst terrain (all those pale stone walls and bare hills), and by the time you reach Doolin, you'll understand why this stretch of coast is called what it is.
The ferry crossing to Inisheer takes about 40 minutes, and then you have two hours to walk around the island on your own. There's a small village, a 14th-century castle ruin, empty beaches, and not much else, which is exactly the point. You can grab lunch at one of the two pubs, sit on the rocks, or just wander. The return sailing is when things shift: the boat detours underneath the Cliffs of Moher (weather permitting), and you're suddenly looking up at 700-foot walls of stone and sea spray. It's a different angle than you'd get from the top, and it's the kind of moment that makes the whole day feel less like a checklist and more like something you'll actually remember.
After the boat ride, you head to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre for about an hour (entry is included), where you can walk the cliff-edge paths, use the facilities, and grab a coffee if you need one. The drive back to Galway takes you through Lisdoonvarna (home to the world-famous Matchmaking Festival, if you're curious about Irish quirks) and past Fanore Beach, where surfers sometimes brave the Atlantic. You'll also pass Corcomroe Abbey, a 12th-century ruin tucked into The Burren and described locally as the jewel of the region. The whole day is about eight hours door-to-door, and the air-conditioned minibus means you're not exhausted by the time you get back.
What’s included
Your day includes hotel or hostel pickup in Galway, return ferry transport from Doolin to Inisheer, two hours of free time on the island, a boat cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher (subject to weather), entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, an hour at the cliffs, and return transport to Galway in an air-conditioned minibus with a local guide providing live commentary throughout.
Before you book
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two of Ireland's major coastal attractions in one day without arranging separate ferries, entry fees, or driving yourself: the fixed schedule and included transport handle all of that, leaving you free to just show up and explore.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.
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.
What time does the tour leave Galway?
The minibus departs at 9am from outside Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
How long do you spend on Inisheer island?
Two hours of free time to explore the island at your own pace.
Is the Cliffs of Moher cruise guaranteed?
The boat ride beneath the cliffs is subject to weather conditions. If conditions don't allow it, you'll still visit the cliffs from the top.
What's included in the tour price?
Return ferry to Inisheer, entry to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, the boat cruise (weather permitting), air-conditioned transport, and live commentary from your guide.
How long is the full day?
Approximately eight hours from pickup in Galway to return.
What's The Burren?
A unique limestone landscape in County Clare known for its pale stone terrain, traditional walls, and sparse vegetation. You'll drive through it on the way to and from Doolin.
Is lunch included?
No, but there are pubs and cafés on Inisheer where you can buy food during your two-hour stop.
Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruise Day Tour
10h · EN
from € 84 per person
4.802,744 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider