Things to do in

Doolin

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from beautiful Galway and see some of Ireland’s most attractive landmarks. Start with a stop in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara to see Ireland’s famous Dunguaire Castle. Visit the rolling hills of The Burren. Discover the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Ballyalban Fairy Fort. Pass through Kilfenora, home to the famous Celtic Crosses, and Lisdoonvarna, home to the world’s famous matchmaking festival. Make your way to the coastal village of Doolin for a lunch stop before visiting the 200-meter high, 8km long Cliffs of Moher. Return to Galway via the Coast Road and make a short stop at the lunar-like landscape of the Burren.

Embark on a guided day trip to discover the iconic Cliffs of Moher by bus. Visit Galway and its stunning surrounding landscape and see famous landmarks, including Dunguaire Castle and Kilmacduagh Monastery. Depart Dublin at 6:45 AM and journey through the flat open plain of the Curragh. Pass the Irish National Stud thoroughbred horse breeding facility as your guide shares a wealth of history and information. Head to the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery and its roundhouse—unique for the way it leans over by more than 2 feet. Spend 15-20 minutes here. Then, arrive at the Cliffs of Moher for a view of the Atlantic Ocean and explore on your own for 2 hours. Go to the visitor's center for the interactive Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience with a large multimedia screen displaying a bird's-eye view from the cliffs, and a video from the underwater caves. Next, discover the lunar landscapes of The Burren with a 15–20-minute visit and hear about the many secrets of this atypical landscape, home to the warmest ground temperature in Ireland. Arrive in the city of Galway, where you will have around 1 hour to explore on your own. Discover its old-world charm on cobblestone streets that evoke an authentic Ireland of times gone by. Then drive along the coastal route of the Wild Atlantic Way to Kinvara, passing Dunguaire Castle and the 12 Bens mountain range along the way. Return to Dublin and get dropped off at the meeting point at around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Following pickup, head to Dunguaire Castle on the outskirts of Kinvara. Take some photos at one of the most photographed castles in Ireland before heading through the beautiful, stone landscape of the Burren and past Corcomroe Abbey. This 12th-century Cistercian Abbey is known for its distinguished carvings and rich ornamentation. Then, follow the Wild Atlantic Way along the coast of the County Clare, passing Black Head and seeing Fanore Strand. From here, admire the Aran Islands locking in Galway Bay and, in the distance, the mountains of Connemara. Stop for some pictures before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher for a 2-hour stop. One of the most spectacular sights in Ireland, the cliffs rise 214 meters (about 702 feet) out of the Atlantic Ocean and offer one of the most amazing views in Ireland. Next, return to Galway via Lisdoonvarna, famous for its annual match-making festival. A photo stop at Doolin pier gives you a chance to feel the Atlantic wind in your face and to see the power of the sea as it crashes in on the shore. During the summer months, there is an opportunity to join a cruise to the base of the Cliffs of Moher (cruise not included). After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach it’s onto Doolin Hotel for lunch (lunch not included). Try any of the local sea food dishes, you won’t be disappointed.

The Cliffs of Moher cruise sets out from Doolin Pier and follows the cliffs, allowing you to experience them from below their stunning heights. While boarding, passengers will take in amazing views of the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and The Burren. After sailing for about 20 minutes or so, the ferry will make a stop underneath the famous O'Brien's Tower, perched high atop the Cliffs at their highest point. The Cliffs of Moher rise to a magnificent height of over 214 meters which you can really appreciate by sea. On-board you will enjoy an entertaining and informative expert commentary, allowing you to learn about the local history and wildlife. The Cliffs of Moher base is home to a diverse range of wildlife such as birds, basking sharks, dolphins and seals.  The ferry will circle back passing by An Branán Mór, the great sea stack, which is home to Ireland’s largest mainland nesting bird colony. The great sea stack plays host to thousands of sea birds that make it their summer home. The ferry will get you up close to view birds such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Along the journey back to Doolin Pier, you will pass the sea cave from 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' and the famous surfing spot 'Aill na Searrach' where the 'Aileen' wave is caught.  This one hour journey along the cliffs provides many fantastic photo opportunities and is never the same experience twice.

Get back to nature on an amazing coach trip to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher, and listen to the history of Galway and the surrounding area as you journey through the windswept landscapes of Ireland’s limestone terrain. Visit Dunguaire Castle to see the former residence of the King of Connacht. Explore the underground caves at Aillwee Cave, or get up close with falcons and owls at the Birds of Prey Center. Continue over Corkscrew Hill to arrive at the Cliffs of Moher, where you will have 1.5 hours to explore at leisure and see the colony of seabirds on the cliffs. Stop in Doolin for a bite to eat, and travel back to Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Set sail from Doolin pier and embark on a voyage of discovery as you cruise along the coast to the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy scenic views of the islands of Aran and amazing limestone rocks of The Burren in North Clare. Approach the Cliffs of Moher to get a fantastic view of the headland of Aill na Searrach, popular with surfers for the wave they call the Aileen. Continue to the large sea stack of An Bhreannan Mor, just below the highest point of the cliffs. Marvel at all the tiny people strolling around the Visitors Centre and O'Brien's Tower observatory as you cruise off the coast for about 20 minutes. Benefit from the services of the experienced crew who will point out areas of interest and help you look for sea birds, such as gannets, guillemots, razorbills and Atlantic puffins nesting on the rocks. Return to Doolin and enjoy more amazing views on the 20-minute journey back to the pier.

You will be guided south along the Wild Atlantic Way and into the lunar-like Burren region. From there you'll head to the picturesque fishing village of Doolin where you’ll board the ferry to Inisheer (Inis Oirr) – the smallest and most vibrant of the Aran Islands. Explore Inisheer, home to ancient churches and castles, one of the Irelands most beautiful beaches, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and several cafes and pubs. You can take a pony and carriage, hire a bicycle or stroll the country roads. On your guided return journey, cruise alongside the foot of the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular journey which puts the 214m high, 8km long cliffs into perspective. Stop for a hearty meal at a traditional local pub before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher. You will receive free entry to the cliffs and the eco-sensitive visitor center. Take a stroll along the cliff edge and consider how tiny everything looks from above! Once you depart the cliffs you will take the coast road home, following the Wild Atlantic Way before one last stop at the stunning Baby Cliffs in Ballyreen where you can walk atop the Burren. Return time in Galway is approx. 7:30 PM.

Inis Oírr, also known as Inisheer, is the smallest of the three Aran Islands. It is the closest island to the Doolin Pier with a population of about 300 people. The new express ferry provides the fastest crossing to the Aran Islands with only a 15 minute journey from Doolin to Inis Oírr. Inis Oírr is a charming island with a lot to offer. Visitors to this island can enjoy medieval ruins, seal colonies, a shipwreck, a lighthouse, fantastic walks and much more.  Upon your arrival, you can choose to walk, rent a bicycle, hire a horse and cart or take a mini bus tour to see the best parts of the Island.   After enjoying about 3 hours on Inis Oirr, the ferry will depart the island at 1:45 PM. With this option you will take the ferry back to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher. This ferry journey brings you to the Cliffs of Moher's highest point beneath the famous O'Brien's Tower. From here, there is an expert on-board commentary which is both informative and entertaining.  The ferry will circle back passing by An Branán Mór, the great sea stack, which is home to Ireland’s largest mainland nesting bird colony. The great sea stack plays host to thousands of sea birds that make it their summer home. The ferry will get you up close to view birds such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Along the journey back to Doolin Pier, you will pass the sea cave from 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' and the famous surfing spot 'Aill na Searrach' where the 'Aileen' wave is caught.  This one hour journey along the cliffs provides many fantastic photo opportunities and is never the same experience twice.

Inis Mór, also known as Inishmore, is the largest and most traveled of the Aran Islands. Its very name, which means big island, suggests its size compared to the other islands. The population of Inis Mór is about 900 people. This day trip departs Doolin Pier at 10:00 AM and then departs the island at 4:00 PM to return to Doolin Pier. The ferry journey from Doolin Pier to Kilronan Harbor on Inis Mór takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  The Aran Islands are believed to be an extension of the Burren Region in County Clare. The famous rocky landscape has helped to create its iconic image of an island divided by fields separated by winding stone walls. The stunning views from this Island reveal an Atlantic gateway from Connemara to Clare.  You won’t be short of things to do and wonders to see on the island of Inis Mór. A full day is needed to see the sights of this beautiful island.  The ferry will arrive at Kilronan harbor on Inis Mor. From this port, you can choose from several different options to explore the island. You may choose to hire a bicycle, take a mini bus tour or experience a horse and cart tour. More information on the tour options is available at the Kilronan Harbor area upon your arrival. The most popular attraction on this island is the famous ring fort, Dun Aengus. The magnificent fort is a semi-circular structure that rests on the edge of a high cliff rising 100 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest of the prehistoric ruins on the Aran Islands. It is a short 900 meter hike from the Visitor Center to the base of the fort. On arrival, it takes about 10 minutes to climb to the top of the fort. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across, and is surrounded by a wall 6 meters high and 5.5 meters thick at the base. Dún Aonghasa’s superb position and its structural perfection have prompted many experts to declare it one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Check in with us at Dublin Heuston Station at 06:40 to take the InterCity train service to Limerick. Upon arrival, we will join our coach bus and have a short tour of the treaty city, the setting for "Angela's Ashes". From there, we will head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for our traditional Irish lunch stop. Then, it's on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the country's wild Atlantic coast, one of Ireland's most famous and beautiful attractions. After that, we'll enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway, the city of the tribes. After taking some time to take in this beautiful city, we will board our Dublin-bound train, arriving at Heuston Station at 21:00.