Exploring Doolin: The Best Boat Trips

Doolin, a seaside village in County Clare, Ireland, is known for its breathtaking scenery and proximity to popular tourist attractions such as the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. With a range of tour options available, here is a guide to help you choose the best boat trip from Doolin.

Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Doolin

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most breathtaking natural attractions, and there is no better way to experience them than by taking a cruise from Doolin. The cliffs, named after the ancient Gaelic word "Mhothair" (meaning ruined fort), rise to an impressive 214 meters (700 feet). A Cliffs of Moher boat tour offers a unique perspective that you won't get from land, and you can even sail right beneath this majestic sight.

Doolin Ferry

Doolin Ferry offers a seamless blend of comfort and stunning views on their exclusive Cliffs Cruise. Their experienced crew provides live commentary, which can also be downloaded in a choice of languages, as you take in the wildlife, nature, and history of the stunning West of Ireland coastline. On this tour, you will see Ireland's largest seabird colony at An Branán Mór (Sea Stack), the 1st-century fort, Moher Tower, and the sea cave used in filming 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. You might even spot some puffins, dolphins, seals, or basking sharks! The tour lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour, and ferries depart from Doolin Pier 7 days a week from March to October.

Cliffs of Moher Cruises

Cliffs of Moher Cruises also provide an unforgettable experience with their Cliffs of Moher Seafari. This private tour can be customised with refreshments, beverages, and picnics, and is recommended for small groups who love adventure. Their high-speed RIB will whisk you away from Doolin Pier to the base of the cliffs, where you can sit back and enjoy the views.

Doolin2Aran Ferries

Doolin2Aran Ferries is another option for those looking to combine a trip to the Aran Islands with a cruise along the Cliffs of Moher. They offer a range of ticket options, including round-trip and one-way tickets, and provide multiple sailing times to the islands.

So, whether you choose Doolin Ferry, Cliffs of Moher Cruises, or Doolin2Aran Ferries, you are sure to have a memorable experience and breathtaking views on a Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Doolin.

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Doolin, a seaside village in County Clare, is a great place to visit for a day trip, an overnight stay, or an extended holiday. It is close to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, making it an ideal spot to explore these attractions.

The Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise is an award-winning boat tour that departs daily from Doolin Pier between March and November. This cruise offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and a chance to visit the Aran Islands, including Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Oírr (Inisheer), and Inis Meáin (Inishmaan).

The cruise has a range of ticket options, including day trips and overnight stays on the islands. You can also choose from different combinations of island visits and cruises. For example, you can visit any Aran Island and then stay on board for a Cliffs of Moher cruise upon your return. This is their most popular ticket option.

The cruise company also offers private tours, such as the 'Doolin Odyssey' Seafari Tour, which can be customised to your preferences. This private tour is ideal for small groups seeking a unique and adventurous experience.

Doolin2Aran Ferries, operated by Doolin Ferry Co., provides an excellent service to the Aran Islands. They have been in business for over 50 years and are a second-generation family-run company. Their fleet includes state-of-the-art boats, and they pride themselves on their high customer satisfaction ratings.

So, if you're looking for a memorable boat trip from Doolin, the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise is a fantastic choice, offering stunning scenery, convenience, and a range of customisable options.

Doolin Ferry Co

The fleet of state-of-the-art boats includes the 'Aran Islands Express' and the 'Doolin Express', the latter of which is equipped with 'state-of-the-art' anti-sea sickness technology for a smoother crossing. The company prioritises customer satisfaction and has received praise for its friendly and helpful staff, punctuality, and smooth journeys.

In addition to its ferry services, Doolin Ferry Co. provides transportation services and guided tours to other attractions in the area, such as the Doolin Cave, Dunguaire Castle, and Aillwee Cave. The company also offers gift vouchers, souvenirs, and special offers on its website.

North Clare Sea Kayaking Tour

The North Clare Sea Kayaking Tour Company is the number one outdoor activity in Doolin, according to Tripadvisor. The company is based in Doolin, just minutes from the Cliffs of Moher, and offers guided sea kayaking tours along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline and lakes within County Clare.

The North Clare Sea Kayaking Tour Company provides all the necessary equipment for its tours, including top-of-the-range kayaks, boots, wetsuits, paddling jackets, and expedition gear. Before each tour, the company spends 15-20 minutes going over safety protocols and paddle strokes. All guides are trained in kayak rescue, CPR/first aid, and carry the necessary safety equipment on their kayaks.

The company offers tours for families, teams, stags, hens, and family groups, and can put together packages for team-building activities. Sea kayaking in the west of Ireland is a great way to learn about the history and wildlife of the region.

The Wild Burren – Ballyvaughan/Galway Bay tour is the company's most popular offering. The tour takes place on the water around the village of Ballyvaughan, with views of Galway City and the limestone mountains of the Burren.

The company's tour of Liscannor Bay explores the coastline along this stretch of Clare, starting at Liscannor pier, with panoramic views of Lahinch and the south coastline of Clare.

The Enchanted Lake & River – Inchiquin Lake tour takes place on Inchiquin Lake, which is nestled in the lush Irish countryside on the edge of the Burren. The lake offers a scenic spot to observe the wildlife in the surrounding areas.

The North Clare Sea Kayaking Tour Company caters to all skill levels, and participants do not need prior kayaking experience. The company's guides are knowledgeable about the local area, wildlife, and kayaking, and provide clear and concise instructions.

The company has received numerous positive reviews on Tripadvisor, with many praising the guides, the equipment provided, and the beautiful scenery.

Cliffs of Moher Hiking Tour

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a trail that links the villages of Doolin and Liscannor. The trail is 20km long and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. It takes about two hours each way and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara.

The trail is of medium to high difficulty and is suitable for a wide range of people. It is important to note that the trail is exposed to dangerous cliff edges and overhangs, and sudden changes in weather conditions. Appropriate clothing, footwear, and basic fitness levels are required for this hike.

The Cliffs of Moher Trail is currently partially closed for maintenance. The Northern Section, from Doolin to Surfers Path, is open, but walkers must turn back at Surfers Path as walking on the road can be hazardous.

The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They rise up to 214 meters (702 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean and are one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland, with around 1.5 million visits per annum.

The cliffs are home to unique flora and fauna, including endangered bird species such as the chough, kittiwake, and fulmar, as well as beautiful wildflowers and grasses. You may even spot a pod of dolphins in the waves below!

The Doolin Ferry Company offers a range of tour options, including combination trips, and has received excellent reviews for its cruise experiences, staff, and conditions. They provide a seasonal passenger ferry service to the Aran Islands and cruises beneath the Cliffs of Moher.

For those looking for a guided experience, Doolin local Pat Sweeney offers guided tours along the trail, sharing fun facts and stories about the area.

Frequently asked questions