Galway to Inisheer & Cliffs of Moher: Ferry, Island Walks & Cruise

Summary

Wild Atlantic Way day trip from Galway with ferry and cliffs

You’ll ride from Galway through wild Burren landscapes to Doolin, then cross by ferry to Inisheer for island wandering before cruising beneath the Cliffs of Moher. There’s free time on Inisheer, stories from your local guide, entry to the Visitor Centre at the cliffs—and plenty of salty air and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We left Galway right on time—Kinlay Hostel, 9am sharp. I grabbed a coffee that was way too hot and nearly missed our driver’s first story about Dunguaire Castle (I caught the part about ghosts). The bus rolled through Kinvara and someone pointed out a red-sailed Galway Hooker bobbing in the harbor. Our guide, Michael, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to let us actually look at things—felt kind of respectful, honestly. The Burren slid past outside: all pale rock and sudden green, sheep cropping close to the stone. It looked cold but wasn’t, not really. Just brisk enough to make you notice your own breath.

Doolin’s pier was busy with chatter and gulls. We boarded the ferry for Inisheer—main keyword here: Aran Islands day trip from Galway—and I swear I could taste salt in the air before we’d even left the dock. The crossing was choppy but not scary; a little kid laughed every time we hit a wave. On Inisheer you get two hours—enough for a slow walk up to the wrecked ship on the shore and back through narrow lanes where a dog followed me for half a mile (no collar, just vibes). I tried saying “go raibh maith agat” at the shop and got a grin; probably mangled it.

The return boat did this detour under the Cliffs of Moher—the main reason I booked this day trip from Galway if I’m honest. They’re less… vertical than I expected up close? But more alive somehow: birds everywhere, spray hitting your face if you stand outside. Michael told us stories about shipwrecks and marriages gone wrong (he said Lisdoonvarna’s festival fixes some of those). We dried off in the Visitor Centre at the top later—good soup there—and wandered along muddy paths above the cliffs until my shoes were basically ruined.

On the way back we passed Fanore beach (surfers out even in April), then Black Head lighthouse blinking against low clouds. Someone fell asleep behind me; I watched fields blur past until Galway showed up again out of nowhere. Still thinking about that salt wind under the cliffs—kind of sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Galway to Inisheer and Cliffs of Moher

• Depart Galway at 09:00
• Pass Dunguaire Castle
• View Galway Hookers at Kinvara harbour
• Drive through Ballyvaughan on Wild Atlantic Way
• See The Burren landscape
• Pass Fanore beach surfers
• View Black Head Lighthouse
• Pass Corcomroe Abbey
• Arrive at Doolin ferry pier
• Ferry to Inisheer island
• Explore Inisheer for 2 hours
• Return ferry detours under Cliffs of Moher
• Visit Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre for 1 hour
• Return to Galway passing Lisdoonvarna

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Galway to Inisheer & Cliffs of Moher?

The tour lasts one full day, departing at 9am from Galway and returning in the evening.

Is ferry crossing to Inisheer included in this Aran Islands tour?

Yes, return ferry tickets between Doolin and Inisheer are included in your booking.

Do you visit both top and bottom of Cliffs of Moher?

Yes, you cruise beneath the cliffs by boat (weather permitting) and also visit the top with entry included.

How much free time do you get on Inisheer?

You have two hours at leisure to explore Inisheer island during your tour.

Is hotel pickup included or where does it start?

The tour departs from Merchants Road outside Kinlay Hostel in Galway city centre; hotel pickup isn’t included.

Are meals or lunch provided during this tour?

No meals are included but there are places to buy food on Inisheer or at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.

What happens if weather cancels the boat cruise under Cliffs of Moher?

The cruise is subject to weather conditions; if cancelled you still visit Cliffs of Moher by land as planned.

What’s included

Your day covers coach transport from central Galway with live commentary by a local driver-guide, return ferry tickets between Doolin and Inisheer, a boat cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher if weather allows, entry fees for Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre—and enough free time on both island and mainland for wandering or grabbing lunch wherever smells best that day.