Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  1
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  2
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  3
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  4
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  5
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  6
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  7
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  8
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  9
Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.  10
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Aran Island (Inisheer), Cliffs of Moher & Cliff cruise departing from Galway City. Guided.

(3)
Galway, Ireland
Bus & Minivan ToursBoat ToursAttractionsSightseeing ToursWater Activities
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About this activity

Combine two of Ireland's most dramatic coastal landmarks—the rugged Aran Islands and the towering Cliffs of Moher—in a single 10-hour guided day trip from Galway. This full-day experience blends scenic coach travel through the Burren's stark limestone landscape, a ferry crossing to remote Inisheer island, and a boat-based clifftop cruise that reveals the raw power of the Atlantic.

Departing from the Kinlay Hostel on Merchants Road, Galway at 09:00, your fully trained, local driver / guide will take you on a unique journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren and on to the Cliffs of Moher. Heading towards the ferry departure point at the fishing village of Doolin you will pass through the picturesque villages of Clarenbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballindereen, Kinvara and Ballyvaughan.

Along the way you will see Medieval ruins, 16th century tower house castles, churches and graveyards, dry stone walls, quays and harbours, ponies, horses, calves, cows, lambs, sheep and maybe even a leprechaun or two.

Turing right at Ballyvaughan, your local, driver / guide will take you south following the Wild Atlantic Way along the coast of Clare, via BlackHead (Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point), Fanore Strand (Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point) and the baby cliffs of Ballyreen.
From here you can witness the power of the Atlantic Ocean as it battles the coastline of Ireland, this is the Wild Atlantic Way.

Arriving in Doolin, you board the ferry for Inisheer, the smallest and nearest of the Gaeltacht Aran Islands. The 3 Aran Islands, are three limestone rocky outcrops that lock in Galway Bay, consisting of Inishmore (Inis Mor), Inishmaan (Inis Meain) and Inisheer (Inis Oirr).
During the 30 minute ferry crossing, keep an eye out for a local bottlenose dolphin that occasionally follows the ferry as it approaches the Island. Once on Inisheer, you’ll have time to yourself to explore the ancient castles and churches, follow narrow lanes between stone walls and deserted white sand beaches. It’s perfectly possible to explore the whole Island by hiring a bicycle or even a pony and trap.
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.”

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 and the eco-friendly visitors centre, the Atlantic Edge, is included. Have a stroll along the summit of the Cliffs and take in the amazing views of the huge ocean and sky.

Departing the Cliffs, you return to Galway via Lisdoonvarna, home to the world famous matchmaking festival held every September and once again through the limestone, glacio-karst landscape that makes up the Burren.  Pax: Min 1, Max 50. Available March to 31 October.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the Burren's distinctive karst terrain and historic villages (Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Clarenbridge)
  • Ferry crossing to Inisheer, the smallest and most accessible Aran Island, with potential dolphin sightings
  • Exploration of Inisheer's Gaeltacht culture, traditional stone cottages, and archaeological sites
  • Boat cruise along the Cliffs of Moher for close-up Atlantic Ocean views and sheer coastal drama
  • Local expert guide narrating history, geology, and wildlife throughout the journey

Insider tips

  • Watch for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins during the 30-minute ferry crossing to Inisheer—they occasionally follow the boat as it approaches the island.
  • The Burren villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara offer quick photo stops and are dotted with medieval castle ruins and stone walls worth noticing from the coach.
  • Bring layers: sea breezes around the cliffs and islands are often cooler than expected, and weather on the Atlantic can change rapidly.

Good to know

  • Meeting point: Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway at 09:00; departure is punctual.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for Inisheer village and coastal paths; the island has uneven terrain.
  • Bring a windproof jacket, sunscreen, and camera; seawater spray is common on the cliff cruise.
  • Ferry crossing is approximately 30 minutes; those prone to seasickness may consider medication beforehand.
  • Total duration is 10 hours including transport, ferry, island time, and cliff cruise.

Who it's for

Nature and geology enthusiasts seeking dramatic coastal landscapes and limestone formationsPhotographers looking for iconic Irish seascapes and authentic island cultureCultural travellers interested in Gaeltacht heritage and traditional island lifeVisitors with 1–2 days in Galway wanting to cover multiple must-see attractions efficiently

Best time to visit

May to September offers the warmest weather and most stable sea conditions for ferries and cliff cruises. Early morning departure (09:00) maximizes daylight on the islands and cliffs; summer months extend daylight significantly. Avoid winter months when Atlantic swells can disrupt ferry schedules.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€129
per person