Aran Island,Cliffs of Moher & Cliff Cruise From Galway City.

Exploring the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Aran Islands and the iconic Cliffs of Moher is a must-do for any visitor to the Emerald Isle. This captivating 10-hour tour from Galway City offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of these remarkable destinations. From the scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to the thrilling cliff cruise, travelers will be immersed in a world of natural wonders and gain valuable insights from a knowledgeable local guide. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to discover more of Ireland’s hidden gems.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Galway.

Key Points

• This 10-hour tour offers an immersive exploration of the Aran Islands and the iconic Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way.
• The tour includes a 30-minute ferry ride to Inisheer, the smallest Aran Island, where visitors can explore historical sites, sandy beaches, and rent bicycles or pony traps.
• The Cliffs of Moher experience features a scenic cruise beneath the towering cliffs, providing a unique perspective, as well as entry to the eco-friendly visitor center.
• A local driver/guide provides insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders encountered along the journey, including medieval ruins and diverse local wildlife.
• The tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options, with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers an immersive exploration of the Aran Islands and the renowned Cliffs of Moher, providing visitors with a comprehensive 10-hour experience along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Priced from €114 per person, the tour runs from March to October and can accommodate between 1 to 50 participants. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The day begins with a 9 AM departure from Galway City and includes a scenic drive along the coastline, a ferry crossing to Inisheer, and a return cruise beneath the majestic Cliffs of Moher, offering unparalleled views of this natural wonder.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs from Merchants Road in Galway City outside Kinlay Hostel at 9:00 AM, commencing the journey along the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way. Passing through charming villages like Clarenbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballindereen, Kinvara, and Ballyvaughan, the route offers stunning coastal views. Highlights along the way include the Black Head, Fanore Strand, and the baby cliffs of Ballyreen. After a 30-minute ferry ride to Inisheer, travelers can explore the island’s ancient castles, churches, narrow lanes, and sandy beaches, with options to rent bicycles or take a pony and trap ride.

Departure	Route	Scenic Points	Inisheer Exploration
Merchants Road, Galway	Wild Atlantic Way	Black Head, Fanore Strand, Baby Cliffs	Ancient castles, churches, sandy beaches
9:00 AM	Picturesque villages	Coastal views	Bicycle or pony and trap rental

Ferry to Inisheer

After exploring the highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way, the tour then takes visitors on a 30-minute ferry crossing to the island of Inisheer. During this picturesque boat ride, there’s a chance of spotting dolphins frolicking in the waters. The ferry provides a seamless transition from the mainland to the smallest of the three Aran Islands.

Inisheer boasts a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, from ancient castles and churches to narrow lanes and sandy beaches. Visitors have the option to explore the island on foot, by bicycle, or even in a traditional pony and trap, seeing the unique Gaelic heritage and traditions of this enchanting island.

Exploration on Inisheer

Once visitors arrive on Inisheer, they can explore the island’s wealth of historical and cultural attractions. From ancient castles and churches to narrow lanes and sandy beaches, the smallest of the Aran Islands offers a unique Gaelic heritage and tradition for visitors to enjoy.

Visitors can hire bicycles or take a pony and trap ride to discover the island’s highlights. They’ll find the remnants of O’Brien’s Castle, dating back to the 15th century, as well as the ruins of Teampall Chaomhain, an early Christian church.

The island’s sandy beaches provide a serene setting, while its narrow streets offer a glimpse into the traditional Aran Island lifestyle.

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Cliffs of Moher Experience

Following the exploration of Inisheer, the cruise then takes visitors on a scenic journey beneath the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising up to 214 meters high and stretching for 8 kilometers along the Wild Atlantic Way.

This signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way offers a unique perspective of these iconic cliffs, as the tour boat provides a ‘view from the sea‘ in contrast to the traditional ‘view from the cliffs.’

Guests can admire the sheer scale and grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher during this relaxing cruise, which lasts for a minimum of one hour.

The tour also includes entry to the eco-friendly visitor center, providing an educational and immersive experience.

Local Insights

A fully trained local driver/guide accompanies the tour, providing guests with in-depth insights into the rich history, culture, and natural wonders encountered along the journey.

Travelers will be captivated by the medieval ruins, 16th-century tower houses, and charming churches and graveyards that dot the landscape.

The tour also offers a glimpse into the region’s traditional dry stone walls and the diverse local wildlife, including ponies, horses, calves, cows, lambs, and sheep.

Plus, the town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual matchmaking festival held every September, adds a unique cultural dimension to the experience.

• Medieval ruins

• 16th-century tower houses

• Lisdoonvarna’s matchmaking festival

Preparation Tips

To make the most of the Aran Island and Cliffs of Moher Cruise, travelers should come prepared with essential gear and supplies.

Packing rain gear, food and drinks, sunglasses (if the weather permits), and a reliable camera will ensure a comfortable and memorable experience while capturing the scenic views along the way.

The tour covers a significant distance, so having the right attire and sustenance on hand is crucial.

Plus, visitors should be mindful of the weather conditions, as the exposed coastal areas can be subject to sudden changes.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers have the option to reserve their spot on the Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cliff Cruise from Galway City with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ booking arrangement.

On top of that, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund for those unable to attend. This flexible booking policy makes it easy to plan and adjust your travel itinerary:

• The tour can be booked directly through the operator’s website, allowing you to secure your spot in advance.

• Payment isn’t required until the day of the tour, so you can finalize your plans closer to the departure date.

• If unexpected circumstances arise, you can cancel your reservation up to a day beforehand and receive a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Pets on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator’s policy clearly states that only registered service animals are permitted to accompany participants. All other pets must be left at home for the duration of the excursion.

What Languages Do the Guides Speak?

The tour guides on this excursion are fully trained local drivers who speak English. They provide insights and information about the sights along the route in a clear and engaging manner for all participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for seniors and students, typically ranging from 10-15% off the regular adult price. Travelers must provide valid ID to receive the discount when booking or upon arrival.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Day?

Yes, participants can leave the tour group at any point during the day. However, they would be responsible for arranging their own transportation back to the starting location or their desired destination. The tour operator does not provide individual transportation.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there is an option to extend the duration of the tour. Customers can request an extension, which may incur additional fees. The tour operator can accommodate requests for longer tours subject to availability and scheduling.

Recap

This captivating 10-hour tour from Galway City provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.

Visitors will embark on a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, take a ferry to the island of Inisheer, and witness the majestic Cliffs of Moher from a unique cliff cruise perspective.

All of this is complemented by insights from a knowledgeable local guide.

You can check if your dates are available here: