From Galway: Aran Island-Inisheer, Cliff cruise & Burren tour｜Ireland

Embark on a trailblazing day trip that lets you savour the best of what the west of Ireland has to offer in just a few hours on this luxury small group tour, led by an expert local guide in a luxury midi-coach. This scenic tour route ensures you experience different parts of the West of Ireland each hour, without seeing the same thing twice.

Departing from Galway City, enjoy a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, driving through Salthill and viewing the open Atlantic Ocean, as your local guide keeps you entertained with his local knowledge of the area, before arriving at Doolin Pier.

From Doolin, board the ferry and enjoy an unforgettable sightseeing cruise beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher as we take the scenic route along this dramatic stretch of coastline. Seeing the cliffs rise straight up from the Atlantic Ocean is a truly awe-inspiring experience and offers a whole new perspective on one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Prepare to feel wonderfully small! We then travel on to Inisheer (Inis Oirr in Irish) island.

Upon arrival on the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inisheer, you’ll be welcomed by golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and perhaps even a glimpse of the island’s famous resident dolphin, Dusty. This peaceful island of small fishing villages is steeped in history, from a burial mound dating back to 1500 BC to a medieval church ruin half-buried in sand, and a striking three-storey tower, O'Brien's Castle, built within a Stone Age fort. As you explore the shoreline, you’ll come across a big, rusty old 1960 shipwreck, called the Plassey. Enjoy sweeping views across Connemara and the Burren, and discover one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. No matter which route you choose, the island reveals its stories, traditions, and always the promise of a welcoming cup of tea and some lunch at the many pubs and cafes on the island (not included in costs).

You’ll have approximately 2.5-3 hours to relax and explore the island at your own pace. There is even an option to hire a bicycle (not included in costs) and cycle around exploring this small island, should you choose!

Hop aboard the ferry from Inisheer back to Doolin. On the return leg of your tour, we travel through the heart of this lunar-like landscape region of the Burren, taking in the coastal road with views out over Galway Bay, the Blackhead Lighthouse perched on the edge of the headland, and the quiet village of Ballyvaughan nestled at the foot of the hills.

It’s a dramatic end to a day that has already taken you from sea level at the Cliffs of Moher, to the beaches of the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inisheer, and finally through one of the most beautiful and unique regions of the Irish landscape, the Burren.

Note: Ferry crossings & the Cliffs Cruise are weather-dependent. The tour route may change, & on rare occasions, advertised routes & timings may be altered without notice.