Day trips to Aran Islands from Galway offer scenic ferry rides across Galway Bay. You can look up at the tall Cliffs of Moher on a cruise to Inisheer Island and spot sea creatures, including dolphins and basking sharks on the water.

Aran Islands jaunts also visit essential locations along the way, such as the Cliffs of Moher visitors’ center and the Connemara district. Enjoy a memorable ferry journey to Aran Islands with a professional guide and explore the Irish coastline on one of the many available day tours.

Here is all you need to know about visiting the Aran Islands, one of the best natural destinations for day trips from Galway.

How to get to Aran Islands from Galway?

You can find the Aran Islands off of Ireland’s west coast, about 50 kilometers across from the mouth of Galway Bay.

From Galway to Aran Islands by ferry

You can take a ferry from Rossaveal Harbor to Aran Islands and sail southwest over the North Atlantic Ocean. The journey takes roughly one hour, depending on which of the islands you want to visit.

Guided tour to Aran Islands from Galway

Guided tours are a great way to visit the Aran Islands. Your tour guide will pick you up at your accommodation and handle all the travel arrangements. Guided tours also cover the cost of your ferry, so you don’t have to organize anything yourself.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Aran Islands from Galway?

Aran Islands tours from Galway usually offer pickup at your accommodation in Galway or specific points at hotels or restaurants in the area. You will be picked up by your professional tour guide in a coach, minibus or private car. Then, you will drive to Rossaveal Harbor to catch the Aran Islands ferry.

Some tours make stops en route to the ferry, while others head straight for the harbor. You can enjoy the views of Galway Bay as you cruise toward the Aran Islands. Depending on the tour you have booked, you may also make stops on the way there or en route back to the harbor.

You will stop on the islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer or a combination of the islands, depending on your guide's itinerary. Finally, once you return via ferry, your guide will drop you off at the same point where you were initially picked up.

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

Group tour to Aran Islands plus Cliffs of Moher and Connemara from Galway

Explore Connemara and Inisheer island on this fun day tour. You will also see dramatic views of the Cliffs of Moher and stop in the charming village of Ballyvaughan for lunch at your own expense. There are small-group and group tours available.

Deep-sea fishing tour to Aran Islands from Galway

Enjoy deep-sea fishing off the coast of Inisheer Island with an experienced skipper as your guide. All fishing gear will be supplied, as well as tea and coffee while you’re on the boat. This private tour is suitable for up to 12 people.

Private pub tour to Aran Islands from Galway

This luxurious private tour will take you on a scenic flight across Galway Bay to Inisheer, for a complete beer tasting tour. Your guide will take you to three hostelries for tea and scones, seafood lunch and a craft beer-making experience. You will also tour Inisheer with your guide before returning to Connemara for one last pub stop.

Small-group tour to Aran Islands plus Cliffs of Moher from Galway

On this tour, you will drive past several landmarks, including Black Head Lighthouse and Dunguaire Castle, en route to the ferry in Doolin fishing village. Then, enjoy a 2-hour excursion in Inisheer before your guide takes you on a tour of the Cliffs of Moher.

Ferry transfer without guide to Aran Islands from Galway

You can take an unguided ferry to the Aran Islands from Galway. The ferry will take you to the Aran Islands and back to Rossaveal Harbor on the return trip.

How much does a tour to Aran Islands from Galway cost?

Ferry transfers to Aran Islands without a guide cost roughly €30 per person for a return trip.

Small-group tours to Aran Islands plus Cliffs of Moher from Galway cost around €60 per person and are suitable for groups of up to 15 people. Infants 4 years and under may take the tour for free.

Group tours to Aran Islands plus Cliffs of Moher and Connemara cost roughly €90 for adults (18 - 64), €80 for seniors (65+), €80 for children (5 - 17) and €70 for infants (up to 5 years). Small-group tours of up to 15 people charge the same.

Deep-sea fishing tours cost about €1,000 per group of 12 people.

Private pub tours cost €2,600 per group of 5 to 8 people.

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

Inisheer Island

Inisheer is the smallest of the Aran Islands but is loaded with charm. People love to cycle there because of the island’s rolling hills, fresh air and sea views. Inisheer is also home to ancient buildings like the Inisheer Signal Tower, which is over 200 years old.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher stretch across the Burren region of Ireland and stand over 200 meters tall. Aran Islands jaunts offer breathtaking views of the high cliffs from your ferry, and some tours also make stops at the visitors’ center, where you can walk along the cliffs, take photographs and marvel at the ocean from above.

Connemara

Explore the south Connemara district on a fun day tour to Aran Islands. Connemara offers several places to hear traditional Irish music and stunning views of the coastal bays, coves, lakes and mountains. You can also visit quaint fishing villages like Roundstone, Clifden and more in Connemara.

When is the best time to visit Aran Islands?

The best time to visit Aran Islands is in the off-season between April and June, when the tourist crowds have subsided. The Aran Islands can get crowded around July and August, so be sure to avoid these months if you want more privacy.

Keep in mind that Ireland is usually cold and wet in the winter months, so it’s best to avoid the Aran Islands from December to February if you don’t like low temperatures.

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

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

Travel tips

Book your day trip to Aran Islands in advance to secure your spot.
Bring a jacket or windbreaker for the ferry ride.
Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
Bring drinking water so you can stay hydrated.
Bring your cell phone or camera with you to take photographs.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Plan which island you want to visit in advance.

Aran Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Galway