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County Galway Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended County Galway Cruises & boat tours

From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

1. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

Take a day trip to the Aran Islands and see the Cliffs of Moher by cruise on this tour awarded the "Best Irish Experience 2021" award by travel2ireland and the ITTN. Enjoy exploring Inis Mór with an audio guide. Sail through the sea and take in incredible views of the Cliffs of Moher on your return to Galway. Depart from the Galway city docks and admire the stunning views of the Connemara and Clare Coast before arriving on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Learn about the history, heritage, and culture of the Aran Islands via an audio guide. Spend 4.5 hours on the island to enjoy sandy beaches, stone forts, and the serenity of island life. Your return journey takes you along the Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago, the cliffs rise to a magnificent height of over 200 meters which you can only truly appreciate from the water. Listen to your audio guide while onboard to learn why the Cliffs of Moher are so iconic. See Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, 'An Branán Mór Sea Stack,' and a sea cave used during a Harry Potter film. Watch out for puffins, dolphins, seals, and basking sharks that call these waters home.

From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Tour with Cruise

2. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Tour with Cruise

Discover the beauty of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Galway. Take a bus through the karst landscape 'The Burren' and search for dolphins on the ferry to Inisheer Island. Spend free time exploring and admire the Cliffs of Moher on the return ferry.  Depart Galway and journey through the lunar landscape of The Burren as your make your way to the Cliffs of Moher. Pass pretty villages like Kilcolgan and Ballyvaughan on the way to Doolin. Board the ferry for a 30-minute crossing to Inisheer, and keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins on the way to the smallest of the Aran Islands. Get some free time to explore the ancient sites at your own pace. Use the time to hire a bike or explore by pony and trap. Cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher on the return ferry crossing. Then, travel to the eco-friendly visitors center, where you can stroll along the cliff top before the return trip to Galway via the famous "matchmaking" town of Lisdoonvarna.

From Killybegs: Coast Boat Tour to Sliabh Liag Cliffs

3. From Killybegs: Coast Boat Tour to Sliabh Liag Cliffs

Board a well-outfitted vessel with capacity for 96 people at the new Killybegs Marina. Marvel at the passing super trawlers as you sail out through Killybegs Harbor. Check out the two lighthouses stationed at the harbor's mouth which are over 170 years old. Pass Drumanoo Head, once the loading point for passengers boarding the Lusitania before making the long journey to the USA. From there, head by Fintra's blue flag beach, the island of Inisduff, and Muckross Head, a popular spot for rock climbing with its dramatic rocky overhangs. Hug the coastline until you reach Carrigan Head with its characteristic Napoleonic tower. As circle the tower, catch your first glimpse of the amazing Sliabh Liag Cliffs, standing at 601 meters above sea level. Travel along the cliffs before turning back. Take in views of the vast Donegal Bay, which affords views of four different counties at once. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including various species of birds, dolphins, tuna, and whales.

County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

4. County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy the unspoiled splendor of Connemara’s Killary Fjord on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise, and discover Ireland’s only fjord. The all-weather, purpose-built Connemara Lady can accommodate up to 150 passengers, and offers maximum comfort and safety to all passengers. Once on board, enjoy uninterrupted views as you gently cruise the 9-mile (15-kilometer) inlet of Killary Fjord. Head for the top deck to experience Ireland’s great outdoors and feel the cool air on your face. Alternatively, the Connemara Lady has full bar facilities, and the galley serves a wide variety of hot and cold meals allowing you to enjoy a meal, snack or beverage as the natural beauty of Killary floats by.

Galway: Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands & Connemara Day Tour

5. Galway: Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands & Connemara Day Tour

Taste the best of the west of Ireland in just a few hours on this groundbreaking day trip. Start the tour by leaving Galway City behind and sampling south Connemara. Then, explore Inis Oirr (the smallest of the 3 Arran Islands). After this, take a cruise under the Cliffs of Moher. Coming back onto the mainland, take arguably the finest coastal drive in Ireland as you make your way back to Galway through the infamous Burren region. Enjoy a looped route to ensure that you experience a completely different region of the west of Ireland in every hour that passes. Be assured that you won't see the same thing twice.

Baltimore Harbor: Sunset Cruise to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse

6. Baltimore Harbor: Sunset Cruise to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse

Embark on a cruise to the Fastnet Rock lighthouse from Baltimore Harbor. Pass by Sherkin island and circumnavigate the Fastnet Rock. Look for local marine life as you venture into the open ocean aboard the Wave Chieftain, a fully licensed vessel.  Meet at Baltimore pier for a short safety briefing prior to your departure. Venture out of the harbor and snap pictures of the white-painted Baltimore Beacon. Journey along the southwest coast passing Sherkin island and the remains of the Franciscan Friary of Sherkin Abbey.  Sail by Gascanane Sound and Cape Clear as you keep a lookout for whales, dolphins, seals, and aquatic birds. Go around Fastnet Lighthouse and get pictures from every angle. Return to your starting point at Baltimore pier. 

Galway: Guided Walking Tour and Lake Cruise

7. Galway: Guided Walking Tour and Lake Cruise

Galway is a quaint medieval city with a big heart, as you’ll soon discover. We will visit the key sites on this walking tour before taking to the wonderfully scenic Loch Corrib and guided lake cruise. The tour includes insights into modern Galway along the way, as well as a journey through 800 years of history. In the medieval quarter, you’ll hear about events both surprising and some gruesome. Then we’ll visit some of the famous and lesser known sites as we make our way through the centre of Galway from John F Kennedy Park to the banks of the river Corrib. Some of the highlights include: • Saint Nicholas Church and its 1651 map of Galway • The Spanish Arch and the City Walls • Wild swans on the Claddagh shore • Learn where the word “lynched” comes from • Discover who the Tribes of Galway were • Hear how Richard Martin founded the R.S.P.C.A and delve into the darker side to his character • Tips on how to spot the famous Claddagh ring I’ll take you to places you’d never find on your own. If you only take one tour while in Ireland, choose this one!

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What people are saying about County Galway

This was an incredible excursion! Perfect way to see the cliffs and more if you’re not traveling with a car. The Aran islands were cool, with stunning views and lovely locals offering tours. Seeing the cliffs from the bottom was an incredible perspective! And the top was just as impressive! Alan was a great tour guide, he was knowledgeable, and kept things interesting! Highly suggest this tour!

Amazing your our guide John was exceptional full of history and humour would highly recommend this to travellers wanting to see the real Ireland BUT do not be put off with the man collecting the tickets, no sense of humour and grumpy, obviously not a happy Chappy

Fantastic tour. John the guide was excellent and very entertaining. We couldn't see the bottom of the Cliffs due to rough seas but we got extra time at the top. Truly exceptional!

The ferry ride to the Aran Islands was fantastic. Perfect weather, great views of the Cliffs of Moher. This was best part of our visit to Ireland. dcl

A great day, with stunning views and moody Irish weather, which only enhanced the photographs...