aran island tour from galway

Tour the Aran Islands

Discover two highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way in one tour

Take in the stunning scenery of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands in this one-day tour. Experience the magic of the Aran Islands with friendly tour guides to learn about the history, culture, people and their natural wonders. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll visit either Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, the 3 islands which make up the Aran Islands archipelago, while also taking in a stop at the Cliffs of Moher.

A place like no other

Experience a place like no other at one of the Aran Islands, with their abundance of natural beauty, where the limestone walls, golden sandy beaches, crystal clear water and jagged sea cliffs are waiting to be explored. The islands have a special character all unto their own and there’s nowhere else on our beautiful planet quite like Inishmore (Inis Mór), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) and Inisheer (Inis Oírr).

Aran Islands & the Cliffs of Moher Tour Highlights

Take a day excursion from Galway to see the stunning Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands. Bus through the karst region known as “The Burren,” and then search for dolphins while crossing to Inis Oirr Island. Take your time on the return ferry and have some spare time while admiring the Cliffs of Moher.

Your trip from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher will take you past the lunar like scenery of The Burren. Stop in picturesque towns on the way to Doolin, like Kilcolgan and Ballyvaughan.

Hop on the ferry for the 30-minute ride to the Aran Islands, and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins along the way to the Aran Islands. Rent bikes or go wandering with a pony and trap with plenty of stop to give you a chance to explore interesting old sites at your leisure.

On the way back, while on the ferry, you can cruise under the Cliffs of Moher to get the most awe-inspiring views.

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Please see our flexible refund policy . All customers will receive a full refund when cancelling a booking 24 hours prior to travel time. Be first to know what's happening on the Aran Islands by signing up to our newsletter.

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

• This is the only Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour departing directly from Galway City
• Ferry departure point is 15-minute walk from city centre
• Awarded 'Best Boat Tour in Ireland 2024'
• Times and Prices
• Additional Information

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Return Tour

Please book this trip if you would like to visit Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) and see the Cliffs of Moher on a Day Trip.

Experience traditional Irish culture on the Aran Islands before viewing the iconic Cliffs of Moher from sea-level on a Day Tour from Galway City Docks.

Our first stop will be Inis Mór (see map of island ). Passengers can enjoy the sandy beaches, stone forts and serenity of island life during their 4.5-hour visit. Check out what to do Inis Mór  and how you can get around Inis Mór .

We will then make our way to the Cliffs of Moher on the return journey. Formed 300 million years ago, the Cliffs rise to a magnificent height of over 200 meters which you can truly appreciate from the water. See Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, 'An Branán Mór Sea Stack' and a Sea Cave used in filming 'Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince'. Watch out for Puffins, dolphins, seals and basking sharks that call these waters home. Check out some fun facts about the Cliffs of Moher here .

Take this opportunity to breathe the fresh sea air and learn about the wildlife, nature and history of Ireland's West coast on this memorable journey. See the Frequently asked Questions page for this journey.

Parking at the Docks:  Parking is available beside our departure point at https://theportofgalway.clr.events/event/135623:ferry-parking-2024. You will receive a separate email confirmation upon booking.

Daily departures: April 4th - Sept. 28th

Depart Galway City Docks: 9.30am

Arrive at Inis Mór (Kilronan Pier): 11am

Depart Inis Mór (Kilronan Pier): 3.30pm

Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher: 4.15pm

Depart Cliffs of Moher: 4.30pm

Arrive at Galway City Docks: 6pm

Tour Prices

Adult: €55.00

Student: €50.00

Senior: €50.00

Child: €30.00

Family rates are available and can be booked directly via the office.

Contact 091 568 903 or email info@aranislandferries.com for more information.

Audio Guide

Download your Audio Guide for this tour on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify prior to boarding . Please see more options here .  Audio from Galway City to Inis Mór will not be played aloud on board.

Please note that any one of our five vessels will carry you on your journey. No ferry is guaranteed to travel on a specific route at any time.

Please see a map of Inis Mór here .

Have you got a question?

Please see our FAQ's and flexible Refund Policy HERE.

Please note: you only need to select one departure date/time to book a return ferry Day Trip.

Details below:

Depart at 9.30am

Arrive back in Galway city at 6pm

The Aran Islands & The Cliffs Cruise

Tour availability, visit the aran islands & see the cliffs of moher like never before – our most comprehensive tour yet.

On this coach tour, Galway Tour Company will guide you south along the Wild Atlantic Way and into the lunar-like Burren region. From there we’ll head to the picturesque fishing village of Doolin where you’ll board the express ferry* to Inisheer (Inis Oirr) – the smallest and most vibrant of the Aran Islands.

Departing Doolin you will remain in the capable hands of The Doolin Ferry Company and your guide for the day.

Inisheer is only a short sailing from Doolin and attractions include ancient churches and castles, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, a modern playground and several pubs and cafes, lighthouses and shipwrecks. Hire a pony and trap, or a bike or stroll the peaceful boreens. The return journey, a guided cruise alongside the foot of the Cliffs of Moher, is a spectacular journey which puts the 214m high, 8 km long cliffs into perspective.

We will stop for a hearty meal in one of the traditional local pubs before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher. As a guest of Galway Tour Company, you will receive free entry to the cliffs and the eco-sensitive visitor centre. Take a stroll along the cliff edge and consider how tiny everything looks from above.

Once we depart the Cliffs we will travel alongside the edge of Galway Bay which is perhaps the most beautiful coastline in Ireland and is part of the larger, world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way.

Return time in Galway is approx. 7:30 pm

Rates: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour including Cliffs Cruise Adult €75, Senior/Student/Child €70, running from 1st March to 31st October

This tour operates from 1st March till 31st October

* Sailings are weather dependent. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will receive a full refund/reschedule or you will have the option to take our 10:00 am Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour instead. ** All times are approximate if you have connections to make please inform us in advance. Ferry tickets and admission to the Cliffs of Moher are Included. Activities on the island and lunch are not included.

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• Let's Talk: +353(0)91 566 566
• Email Us: [email protected]
• Address: Ground Floor, Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Galway, H91 F2KT

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

Our fully guided tour visits two of the highlights of the wild atlantic way; the aran islands and the cliffs of moher, in a single day.

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 !

What's included?

• Entry or admission fee

Guided coach tour

Return ferry, including Cliffs of Moher cruise - subject to weather conditions

Entry fee to the eco-friendly visitors centre at the Cliffs of Moher, The Atlantic Edge, is included.

Luggage storage on tour vehicle.

• Tip or gratuity
• Food & drinks

Please note

• Infants must sit on your lap
• Stroller / pram accessible

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What to bring

Weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footware.

CONTACT INFO

+35391778778, [email protected], barravilla, county galway, h91 hyk8 h91 hyk8, ie, useful links.