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Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruise Day Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/21

Duration10h

GroupUp to 53

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

10h

Step-by-step itinerary

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

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.