Aran Islands Ferry Cruise and Cliffs of Moher by Sea from Galway

Inis Mor, the largest Aran Island

Inis Mor, or Inishmore, is the largest of the Aran Islands, a long, low island of limestone fields, stone walls and small villages where Irish is the everyday language. Visitors searching for an Aran Islands day trip from Galway are usually looking for this feeling of stepping into a quieter, older Ireland, and about four and a half hours on the island gives you time to feel it.

The ferry arrives at Kilronan, the island's main village, where you can hire a bike, take a minibus tour or simply walk. Bikes, minibus and food are not included and are paid separately, so bring cash or a card. The island is small, but the lanes and coastal paths are lovely in good weather, and the sea air makes it easy to spend a whole afternoon outdoors.

Dun Aonghasa and the island's ancient sites

The best-known sight on the island is Dun Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort built at the edge of a cliff roughly one hundred metres above the sea. Its semi-circular walls and stone defences stand on the cliff edge, and many people regard the walk up to it as the highlight of any Inis Mor visit. If you want to see it, the walk or ride from the pier takes time, so plan your hours on the island carefully.

Elsewhere on the island you can find early Christian churches, ruined forts and traditional thatched houses. The famous Aran sweaters, knitted in patterns once linked to families, are sold in shops in Kilronan. Entry to sites such as Dun Aonghasa is paid separately, as activities on the island are not included in your ferry ticket.

Cliffs of Moher from the sea

On the return journey the ferry sails along the base of the Cliffs of Moher, which rise more than two hundred metres above the water. Seen from below, the layered rock faces, sea caves and the tall sea stack called An Branan Mor give a better sense of scale than the clifftop path, and the audio guide explains the geology and the bird life.

Sea cliff cruises are what many people mean when they search for Cliffs of Moher boat tours from Galway. In spring and summer, seabirds crowd the ledges, and you may spot puffins, seals or dolphins. The cruise past the cliffs is short but memorable, and the conditions at sea decide how close the boat can go.

The ferry from Galway and practical details

The ferry leaves Galway city docks, a short walk from the city centre, so there is no coach journey. The sailing to Inis Mor takes about one and a half hours, with the return including the cliffs cruise and the sail back to Galway, and the day lasts about eight and a half hours. A departure time of around half past nine is shown in the booking panel.

The sea decides the day: crossings can be rough, and sailings may be changed or cancelled for safety in strong winds. Spring to early autumn is the best season. Parking at the harbour is not included, so arrive by taxi or on foot if you can, and bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes and seasickness tablets if you are sensitive.