Aran Islands Day Tour from Galway, including Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Highlights
Galway
Group Tour
10 Hours
EASY
English
Description
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!
Itinerary
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09:00 - Depart Galway.
Your locally sourced and fully trained driver / guide will take you from Galway city along the Wild Atlantic Way to the picturesque village of Doolin in County Clare.
Travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing medieval castles, beautiful little villages, fields of dry stone walls and amazing coastal views.
Your driver / guide will entertain you with insights into the geology, history and stories of the landscapes in view.
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10:45 - Arrive Doolin Pier
Upon arrival at the harbour area in Doolin, your driver / guide will present you with your boarding pass for the ferry to Inisheer.
Our ferry partners, Doolin2Aran Ferries have been operating from Doolin for nearly 100 years.
Today, this family run company operate the newest fleet of vessels from Doolin to the Aran Islands.
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11:00 - Ferry departs Doolin
Once we're all on board the ferry, we depart for the 30 minute sailing to Inisheer.
From the ferry you get amazing views of the Clare coastline, Connemara and the Aran Islands along with some marine wildlife from time to time.
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11:30 - Arrive Inisheer
Upon arrival on Inisheer, you have 2 hours of free time to explore and enjoy the smallest of the Aran Islands.
There is an ancient castle and church, famous shipwreck, lighthouse and fabulous beach all within walking distance.
Speak to your driver / guide about hiring a local tour guide or bicycle to enhance your experience.
While you're here, why not visit one of the pubs / cafes and enjoy a homemade lunch?
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13:45 - Depart Inisheer
En route from Inisheer to Doolin, the ferry will detour to sail in beneath the Cliffs of Moher, subject to weather conditions.The view of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea is one of the most spectacular and has to be seen to be believed.
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15:00 - Arrive Doolin Pier
Once the ferry has docked in Doolin, you re-board the tour vehicle and head straight to the visitors centre at the top of the Cliffs of Moher, entry fee included.
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15:30 - Arrive Cliffs of Moher
Once at the Cliffs of Moher, your driver / guide will present you with your entry ticket to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre, ticket included in tour price.
The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland's most visited natural attraction, standing at 214 meters at their highest point and stretching out for 8 km along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Cliffs of Moher offers one the most spectacular views in Ireland.
Your ticket entitles you to admission to the eco-friendly visitor centre, the Atlantic Edge.
The Atlantic Edge exhibition brings the story of the cliffs to life.
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16:30 - Depart Cliffs of Moher
After your Cliffs of Moher stop it is time to re-board the tour vehicle, sit back and relax while your driver / guide returns you to Galway via Lisdoonvarna and the Burren.The County Clare town of Lisdoonvarna is famous for it's Spa well and annual Matchmaking Festival.The Burren is one of the worlds best examples of a Glacio-Karst landscape and from the tour vehicle today you will get amazing views of this lunar-like landscape.Where possible the tour vehicle will stop for photo opportunities.
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19:00 - Arrive Galway
Our Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Tour terminates at our departure point on Merchants Road, Galway.
Time to say a final 'Good Bye' or 'Slan Abhaile' to your driver / guide.
What's Included
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Please Note
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.