Magpie
5.0(2 reviews)

Connemara, Aran Islands Cliffs of Moher & Burren tour from Galway

From$193.71
8 hours
Galway, Ireland

Full description

Immerse yourself in the best of the west of Ireland. Explore South Connemara, the Aran Island of Inisheer and cruise below the iconic Cliffs of Moher, before taking a stunning coastal drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway City. Embark on a trailblazing day trip that lets you savor the best of what the west of Ireland has to offer in just a few hours! What makes this day trip unique is its looped route, ensuring you experience different parts of the West of Ireland each hour without seeing the same thing twice. This luxury small group tour is the most comprehensive day trip available in Ireland. Experience the rugged beauty of Connemara, the wild Aran Islands, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, and the mysterious Burren region-all in one day! Our innovative tour route, led by an expert local guide, features multiple ferry trips and a dedicated tour driver with a luxury midi-coach. Circle all of Galway Bay, earning the tour its nickname, "Galway Bay In A Day."

Included / Excluded

  • Ferry trip over to Inisheer
  • Luxury Midi-Coach
  • Driver & Guide
  • Ferry trip from Inisheer to Doolin including cruise under Cliffs of Moher
  • Lunch
  • Tip or Gratuity

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Departing from Galway City, enjoy a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing through the unique, almost lunar-like landscape of the Burren in County Clare. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming village of Ballyvaughan, the striking Blackhead Lighthouse, the historic Dunguaire Castle, and the picturesque Doonagore Castle Tower in Doolin, before arriving at Doolin Pier.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

From Doolin, aboard the ferry, 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! Duration: Approximately 60 minutes Please note: Ferry crossings and the Cliffs of Moher cruise from Galway are weather-dependent. As a result, tour routes and timings may occasionally change. On rare occasions — usually only once or twice a year — the advertised route or stop durations may need to be adjusted without notice.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Upon arrival on Inis Oírr, 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, 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 and around cycle the island.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Take the ferry from Inis Oirr back to the mainland. From Rossaveal Harbour, we travel along the stunning coastal route of the Wild Atlantic Way through South Connemara.. This beautiful region is rich in history and culture and is one of the few places in Ireland where Irish (Gaeilge) is still spoken as the everyday, primary language.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: We travel along the stunning coastal drive along the Wild Atlantic Way back to Galway City

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

HYDE Hotel, Forster Street, Galway, Ireland

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Please arrive by 08.50 AM at the meeting point: Outside the Hyde Hotel, Forster Street. you will be picked up outside The Hyde Hotel, 10 Foster Street, Galway City, H91 PY7E
  • Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/wGFnTWmj9a7AagM49
  • Featured Landmarks: Cliffs of Moher Cruise Inis Oírr South Connemara
  • You will have plenty of time on the island of Inis Oirr to have some lunch. Have a chat with your guide and they will help you decide on where best suits your tastes. Some of the finest and freshest seafood is available on the island, so be sure not to miss out if thats your thing!
  • *Please note that the ferry crossings and Cliffs Cruise are both weather dependant and as such, the tour route is subject to change. On rare occasions the advertised route and/or timings at stops may have to be altered without notice.*
  • This is a small group tour, on a smaller than usual vehicle so we do not have a restroom on board the bus. However, each of the ferries do have toilets on board and we do make plenty of rest and toilet breaks.

Traveler reviews

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Beautiful scenery and...

Beautiful scenery and relaxing despite the wind and rain. I’ve been to the cliffs 5 times so seeing it from the water was fantastic. Owen was a great guide.

jim_cApr 7, 2026VIATOR

Great Wildlife Boat Tour (but know that the seats may not be typical seats)

Great boat tour - saw all the wildlife we wanted to see EXCEPT for the puffins (apparently they left a few week before our visit, so not the tour's fault LOL) - but still excited to see the minke whales, a pod of short-beaked common dolphins, seals, and various water fowl. Warning though, the seats on our boat were not typical seats. They were semi-standing - a narrow seat between your legs. Imagine resting on a bike (no wheels - just you, the seat below you, and the support under the seat). I share that because there were several times during the tour that I was tired of using my legs to support me and really just wanted to sit in a normal seat.

Lauren_SSep 12, 2025VIATOR
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