Aran Islands Day Tour from Galway, Including Cliffs of Moher Cruise

This tour operates daily from March to October, departing Galway at 09:00 and returning to Galway at 19:00.

Departing from outside the Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road, Galway at 09:00, your fully trained, local driver/guide will take you on an unforgettable Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands Day Tour. The scenic journey along the Wild Atlantic Way leads through the Burren’s lunar-like landscape and onwards to the famous Cliffs of Moher, combining two of Ireland’s West’s most iconic experiences.

This amazing, comprehensive tour of the Wild Atlantic Way is certainly not one you’ll regret!

As you drive out of Galway towards the ferry departure point in the fishing village of Doolin, take in the fresh coastal air, fields edged with dry-stone walls and traditional rural sights.

You will pass through the picturesque villages of Clarenbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballindereen, Kinvara and Ballyvaughan, with guided insights into Ireland’s history.

Along the way you will see: Mediaeval ruins, 16th-century tower house castles, ancient stone forts, churches and graveyards, dry stone walls, quays and harbours, lighthouses, ponies, horses, calves, cows, lambs, sheep and maybe even a leprechaun or two behind the stone walls!

From Ballyvaughan we start the Burren Loop, travelling through the heart of the Burren glacio-karst landscape to the town of Lisdoonvarna, home to world famous matchmaking festival held every September. Where possible, the tour vehicle will stop for photo opportunities.

Arriving at Doolin Pier, your next stop along the Aran Island tours, you will board the 11:00 ferry operated by the Doolin Ferry Company, a family-run ferry company, to Inisheer, the smallest and nearest of the Gaeltacht (/Irish speaking/) Aran Islands.

The 3 Aran Islands, are limestone rocky outcrops that lock in Galway Bay, consisting of Inishmore (/Inis Mor/), Inishmaan (/Inis Meain/) and Inisheer (/Inis Oirr/).

The 30-minute ferry crossing to Inisheer (Inis Oirr) offers views of Galway Bay and the Clear coastline. The fresh sea air is invigorating, with the scent of salt and seaweed. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins that occasionally follow the ferry as it approaches the Island.

Once on Inisheer, you’ll have two hours of free time to yourself to explore the smallest of the Aran Islands. Wander the narrow lanes between dry-stone walls, visit the iconic ‘Plassey’ shipwreck and see the ancient castle and churches, deserted white sand beaches.

For a more immersive experience, hire a bicycle or take a pony and trap ride to see the sandy beaches and authentic island life. Your driver/guide will be happy to make recommendations to you.

Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands Day Tour offers a rich experience of island wildlife – keep and eye out for seals basking on the rocky shores or if you’re lucky, spot a basking shark cruising through the waters near the island.

There are various food outlets on the Island if you wish to have your lunch there, your driver / guide will be happy to make recommendations to you.

Departing Inisheer and subject to weather conditions, the return ferry to Doolin takes you on a guided scenic cruise beneath the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. From here you get an amazing view of the 214m high, 8km-long Cliffs of Moher /(Wild Atlantic Way – Signature Point/).

As they say around here “From the Cliffs you see the sea but from the sea you see the Cliffs.”

This Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands tour from Galway showcases breathtaking perspectives. You may spot puffins, a seabird colony and other wildlife on the cliffs’ rugged face.

Upon returning to Doolin, you re-board the coach and your local, driver/guide will take you to the top of the Cliffs of Moher for a minimum 1-hour stop.

Entry fee to the Cliffs of Moher and the eco-friendly visitors centre, the Atlantic Edge, is included. Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Ieland’s West. On clear days, you can see as far as the Aran Islands and Connemara’s peaks. A stroll along the summit is an experience like no other with seabirds’ cries and the scent of coastal grasses in the air.

Departing the Cliffs of Moher, you return to Galway following the Wild Atlantic Way and the Burren Loop northwards along the coast of County Clare, Banner County. Passing the baby cliffs of Ballyreen, Fanore Strand /(Wild Atlantic Way–Discovery Point), /and BlackHead /(Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point)./

From here you can witness the power of the Atlantic Ocean as it battles the coastline of Ireland, this is the Wild Atlantic Way! Where possible, the tour vehicle will stop for photo opportunities.

Tour returns to Galway between 18:30 and 19:00.

Galway to Aran Islands Day Trip

Join our tour and explore the charm of Inisheer with its sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant island life. Book this trip and secure your spot on this incredible Aran Island day tour!