Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour with Cruise - Galway One-day tour
Our partner: Spirit of Ireland Executive Travel Ltd
Description
This tour operates from 01 April to 31 October.
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. This amazing, comprehensive tour of the Wild Atlantic Way is certainly not one you’ll regret!
As we head 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!
Turning 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 ‘Doolin 2 Aran Ferries’ ferry for Inisheer, the smallest and nearest of the Aran Islands.
The 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 dolphins that occasionally follow the ferry as it approaches the Island.
Once on Inisheer, you’ll have free-time to yourself to explore the ancient castles and churches, follow narrow lanes between stone walls and deserted white sandy beaches. It’s possible to explore the whole Island by hiring a bicycle or even a local guide with his 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.
What´s Included
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.
What to bring
Weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footware.
Additional information
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Map
Itinerary
Excursion
09:00 - Depart Merchants Road, Galway outside the Kinlay Hostel
09:00 - Depart Merchants Road, Galway outside the Kinlay Hostel
Our locally sourced and fully trained driver / guide will take you from Galway to the picturesque village of Doolin in Co. Clare. En route, you will travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing medieval castles, beautiful little villages, fields of dry stone walls and amazing coastal views. Our driver / guide will entertain you with insights into the geology, history and stories of the landscapes in view.
Excursion
10:45 - Arrive Doolin Pier
10:45 - Arrive Doolin Pier
Upon arrival at the harbour area in Doolin, our driver / guide will present you with your boarding pass for the return 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.
Excursion
11:00 - Ferry departs Doolin
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.
Excursion
11:40 - Arrive Inisheer
11:40 - 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 our 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?
Excursion
13:45 - Depart Inisheer
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.
Excursion
15:00 - Arrive Doolin Pier
15:00 - Arrive Doolin Pier
Once the ferry has docked in Doolin, we re-board the tour vehicle and head straight to the visitors centre at the top of the Cliffs of Moher.
Excursion
15:30 - Arrive Cliffs of Moher
15:30 - Arrive Cliffs of Moher
Once at the Cliffs of Moher, our driver / guide will provide you with your entry ticket to the Cliffs of Moher, 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.
Excursion
16:30 - Depart Cliffs of Moher
16:30 - Depart Cliffs of Moher
After our Cliffs of Moher stop it is time to re-board the tour vehicle, sit back and relax while our 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.
Excursion
19:00 - Arrive Galway
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.