The 10 Ireland Boat Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,473 reviews · from $23Our pick

Join Dublin Discovered for a 45-minute cruise from Custom House Quay in an all-weather, 48-passenger boat. An English-speaking guide covers Viking Dublin, the Ha’penny Bridge, Custom House, Docklands, reclaimed land, and Dublin Port. Guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Tony, Peter, and Lucy may lead the trip, with style varying by sailing.

“we had perfect weather for a short boat tour. our guide was entertaining and informative. the boat was clean.”

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2.Galway to Inisheer Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,517 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $101Top rated

Leave Galway at 9 a.m. for Doolin, ferry to Inisheer, and two hours to explore by bike, minibus, or horse and carriage. Then see the Cliffs of Moher from the water and spend an hour at the clifftop visitor centre. Guides including Alan, Phil, and Pavel provide lively local commentary throughout this 10-hour day.

“We we’re so fortunate to have our duo! Our driver and host were amazing and took great care with us during the adventure to the Cliffs of Moher and so much more! Our host was so knowledgeable and shared so much information about the Irish culture and history. We were also fortunate to have a sunny day in Ireland and to be able to see so much of the natural beauty around us!”

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3.From Galway: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,283 reviews · from $91

Travel from Galway to Doolin, ferry to Inis Oirr, then see the Cliffs of Moher from sea level and above. Guides such as Dave and Tommy add local stories, music, and humor while driving the Burren’s narrow roads. Bring a snack, jacket, and comfortable shoes. Lunch and island activities cost extra.

“So impressed with how the guide tells stories and drives those giant bus on a tiny road. Thank you so much Tommy . Amazing Day”

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4.Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,281 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Cruise Clew Bay from Westport for 90 minutes aboard a modern boat with an outdoor deck, heated lounge, bar, café, Wi-Fi, and binocular hire. Guides such as Oscar, Orla, and Orlando mix local history, island tales, wildlife, and Irish humor while you look for seals, view Croagh Patrick, and pass historic sites.

“Well worth the fee The guide is funny and enchantingly Irish A mine of information Seeing the seals is a delight”

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5.From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,261 reviews · from $68

Sail from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest Aran Island, and spend 4.5 hours exploring beaches, stone forts, shops, and island roads. An English audio guide covers the island and Cliffs of Moher. Return by ferry along the coast, with bar service, refreshments, sea caves, bird colonies, and chances to spot dolphins or seals.

“The ferry to Inishmore was very comfortable with great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. On arrival at Inishmore, we caught a minibus driven by Patrick who took us to the highlights of the island. Patrick was very informative and had a great sense of humour. We stopped to climb up the hill to Dún Aonghasa. The views of the cliffs were fantastic. The ferry then went to the Cliffs of Moher. There was plenty of opportunity to take great photos with the ferry doing a 360⁰ so that everyone could see them. Highly recommended.Read more”

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6.Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 778 reviews · from $18Best value

Board the MV Lily of Killarney at Ross Castle for a one-hour cruise on Lough Léin. Your English-speaking captain and guide point out Innisfallen Monastery, Ross Island, ancient oak and yew woods, wildlife, and Carrauntoohil. The heated glass-covered boat has guaranteed seating and returns to the pier.

“I would give this tour a 20/10 if I could. It was so educational and enlightening. The tour guide was very knowledgeable of the area. And the photos we got were breathtaking!! I will definitely do this again with my daughters”

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7.Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 644 reviews · from $28

Set out from Howth’s West Pier on a small boat with a live English-speaking guide. Cruise around Ireland’s Eye, passing sea caves, Howth Cliffs, the Stack, seals, seabirds, and seasonal puffins. Guides such as Harry, Kim, and Maggie add local history and wildlife facts. The trip lasts 50 minutes and returns to the pier.

“The friendliness and professionalism of the two girls was exceptional. Lots of interesting information. I loved it. Well worth the trip. 👍😊💙🇮🇪”

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8.Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 441 reviews · from $28

Meet at the end of Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute coastal cruise with a local English-speaking captain. You’ll see Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, seabirds, and possibly seals, puffins, or dolphins. The ride is wheelchair accessible and returns to the pier.

“Great boat tour with excellent weather conditions and knowledgeable guide. We saw many sea birds - amazing.”

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9.Dublin: Howth Coast and Ireland’s Eye Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 301 reviews · from $27

Meet the crew at Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye. Your English-speaking captain points out the Martello Tower, seals, seabirds, Howth Cliffs, and Balscadden Bay. The route depends on weather, and this option does not include landing on the island.

“We like the trip. It’s worth recommendation. Just do it!”

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10.From Doolin: Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 279 reviews · from $32

Spend about 50 minutes cruising beneath the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin Pier. The boat passes Hag’s Head, Harry Potter’s Cave, Aill na Searrach, O’Brien’s Tower, and An Branán Mór sea stack, with English commentary and a multilingual guide available by QR code. It is a short, family-friendly trip with excellent photo views.

“Gave us what we wanted. Boat ride was fine and time out was just long enough. Very happy with this.”

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