Aran Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Doolin

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands situated just off the coast of Doolin, which are renowned for their wild and rugged beauty. On top of their striking scenery, the islands are also full of history and traditional Irish culture.

A day trip to the Aran Islands from Doolin is not to be missed. With coastal walks and ancient ruins aplenty, you'll want to add the Aran Islands to your itinerary.

You will find below everything you need to know about visiting the Aran Islands, one of the best day trips from Doolin.

How to get to the Aran Islands from Doolin?

The Aran Islands are located just off the west coast of Ireland. There are three islands in total — Inis Oírr, Inis Mór and Inis Meálin — the closest of which is situated just under 10 kilometers from the mainland.

From Doolin to the Aran Islands by ferry

The only way to get to make the journey to the Aran Islands is by sea. You can take a direct ferry from Doolin to any of the three islands, including the most popular — Inis Oírr. Ferries depart up to five times a day and it takes between 15, and 35 minutes to reach the islands, depending on your destination.

Guided tour to the Aran Islands from Doolin

Generally, Aran Islands excursions meet at the Doolin pier between 9 AM and 10 AM. You'll travel by ferry across to Inis Oírr, and you'll return to Doolin after approximately five hours.

You will travel by minibus and discover the islands with the helpful knowledge of your tour guide.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Aran Islands by ferry from Doolin?

Once you've met your tour provider at Doolin Pier, you'll set off on your day tour. It is a quick 15-minute jaunt to the Aran Islands by sea, and once you arrive, you'll generally have free time to explore its historic sites. These include St. Caomhán's Church, Plassey Shipwreck and O'Brien's Castle.

You can partake in a horse-drawn carriage ride of the island, or alternatively, rent a bike and cover Inis Oírr on two wheels.

Although Inis Oírr is the smallest of the Aran Islands, it is the most interesting and the one that all Aran Islands day tours travel to. Once you've finished exploring the tiny, 3-kilometer landmass that sits in the Atlantic Ocean, you'll return to Doolin.

On the return journey, some day trips take a cruise of the Cliffs of Moher, which is one of Ireland's most famous natural landmarks.

What kinds of ferry tours are available to go to the Aran Islands?

There are several different day tours to the Aran Islands to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.

Ferry transfer without guide to the Aran Islands from Doolin

If you like to explore a place alone, choose a ferry transfer to the Aran Islands. Your transportation needs are covered and you'll be free to discover the delights of Inis Oírr at your own pace.

You can wander to O'Brien's Castle or the Plassey shipwreck and delve into their history without worrying about the time. When you're done, simply hop on a ferry back to the mainland.

Day trip to the Aran Islands from Doolin

Day tours to the Aran Islands travel across from Doolin by ferry. You'll watch the mainland grow smaller as you travel towards Inis Oírr — the smallest of the three islands — and see Ireland's striking landscape from afar.

When you reach the island, you'll be guided to the most popular spots, as well as some hidden gems. You'll have the opportunity to ride on a tractor-drawn carriage or tour the island by bicycle, and you'll stop for lunch in a local restaurant.

Ferry tours to the Aran Islands plus Cliffs of Moher and Connemara from Doolin

This Aran Islands day tour starts in the picturesque region of Connemara. As you travel through the area, you'll be astounded by its coves, mountains and fishing villages. Moving on to the Aran Islands, you'll explore the island of Inis Oírr, before boarding a ferry and taking a boat tour under the Cliffs of Moher.

Back on dry land, you'll take a scenic drive along the coast for a traditional lunch in the coastal village of Ballyvaughan.

How much does a day tour to the Aran Islands from Doolin by ferry cost?

The most budget-friendly way to see the Aran Islands is with a return ferry transfer, which starts at €20.

You can expect to pay around €80 for Aran Islands day tours that include Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher. This includes all transportation and a guided walking tour of Inis Oírr.

If you'd rather have everything taken care of for you, you can choose an organized Aran Islands day trip, which costs approximately €110. This tour includes a bicycle rental or a ride on a tractor-drawn carriage.

What will you see and do on an Aran Islands day trip from Doolin?

Plassey Shipwreck

The Plassey shipwreck is the site of an unfortunate boat collision with Inis Oírr, which is now the most popular tourist attraction on the island. The Plassey was a cargo ship that ran aground in a storm in 1960 and has been slowly deteriorating ever since.

Although the ship is now little more than a rusty skeleton, it is still possible to see some of its original features. These include the mast and cargo hold. Visitors to Inis Oírr can explore the wreck on foot via a walking trail on the island.

St. Caomhán’s Church

St. Caomháns Church is a 10th-century religious landmark that is affectionately known as the "sunken church." It gained this nickname as over the centuries, the drifting sands caused the church to slowly disappear under the island. The site has been fully excavated and is incredibly well preserved, however, it now sits below ground level.

The church is named after St. Caomhán, who is the patron saint of Inis Oírr, and there is a holiday dedicated to him on June 14th every year. On this day, residents of the island pray at the saint's grave, which is located next to the church.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

A horse-drawn carriage ride on Inis Oírr is the ideal way to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty on your Aran Islands day tour. The island is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot, but a carriage ride provides a unique perspective.

As you clip-clop down the island's lanes, you'll be able to take in unbeatable views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. You'll also have a chance to spot some of the island's wildlife, including seals and seabirds, from afar.

When are the Aran Islands open over the year?

While the Aran Islands themselves are open to visitors year-round, the ferry service that transports you to them closes during the winter months. The ferry runs from March to November, so bear this in mind when you book your trip.

When is the best time to visit the Aran Islands?

The best time to plan your day trip to the Aran Islands is during the summer months when the weather is at its warmest and the seas are calm. During the hottest month — August — temperatures reach a mild 18 degrees Celsius, and you should be prepared for the islands to be breezy throughout the year.

Are there any tours to the Aran Islands from other cities in Ireland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Ireland:

• Day trips to the Aran Islands from Dublin
• Day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway

Travel tips

• In order to experience more of the island than you would cover on foot, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Inis Oírr.
• Take travel sickness tablets with you on your day trip to the Aran Islands if ferries make you feel queasy.
• Wear layered clothing when traveling to the Aran Islands as the climate is often windy and chilly.