Ireland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Boat Trips in Ireland: The 15 Best Days Afloat

37 tours  ·  from $17 a head

The cliffs look different from underneath and the islands only arrive one way. The 15 below range from an hour on the Liffey to a full day out of Doolin, each priced and clear about what the swell can cancel.

Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise - Bridges, Custom House, and the City Center
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Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

1.River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

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

Cruise the River Liffey from Custom House Quay in an all-weather, 48-passenger boat. Your English-speaking guide covers Vikings, bridges, canals, Docklands, and Dublin Port, with guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Tony, Peter, and Lucy among the team. Expect an entertaining, fact-filled 45 minutes for $23.

“From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed, all of the staff were great, super helpful, friendly and funny. Once on the boat Tony settled us in and then Peter conducted the tour - a true story teller with the heart of a poet! My only complaint would be that it was all over too soo icould have listened all day! Highly recommended tour for everyone whether new to Dublin like us or a frequent visitor.”

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Galway to Inisheer Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Boat Trip - Two hours on Inisheer
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Galway to Inisheer Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Boat Trip

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

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

Travel from Galway to Doolin, ferry to Inisheer for two hours, then view the Cliffs of Moher from the water and the clifftop visitor centre. Guides such as Alan, Phil, Pavel, and Adrian provide local stories during the drive. Expect a long, active day with free time, optional island tours, and weather-dependent boat travel.

“Expect a long day but well worth it! Our driver, Adrian, was a local gem and had lovely stories about the history and folklore of the area. Opt for the bike around the island, it’s a workout but great views!”

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From Galway: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise - The road south through the Burren
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From Galway: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise

3.Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise

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

Travel from Galway to Doolin, cross to Inis Oirr, then cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher before visiting their summit. Guides such as Dave and Tommy add Irish history, local stories, and humor along the way. You get ferry tickets, transport, and cliff admission, but lunch and island activities cost extra.

“This tour was amazing! My family (all adults) and I had such a great time. The whole experience was well timed, allowing you got to have time to explore and visit the smallest Aran Islands and Cliffs without excess waiting. We had beautiful weather for the Cliffs cruise and visit to the top of the cliffs which was the gem of the experience. Dave was a great guide, and everything ran smoothly with his guidance and expertly navigated the windy roads on the tour which was amazing to witness since it allowed us to see so much of the beautiful countryside on the tour as well. I'll definitely be recommending…”

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Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes ) - Remembering the Achill Disaster
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Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

4.Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

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

Set out from Westport Harbour for a 90-minute cruise past oyster farms, drumlin islands, Croagh Patrick, Inishgort Lighthouse, Clare Island, and a seal colony. Expect live commentary, Irish humor, indoor and outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, toilets, and a paid bar and cafe. Guides may include Oscar, Orla, or Orlando.

“Excellent experience funny informative Oscar was extremely personable crew friendly would do it again”

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From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise - Inis Mór gives you time, but not unlimited time
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From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

5.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, with an English audio guide and 4.5 hours to explore by bike, minibus, or horse and cart. Return along the Cliffs of Moher, passing sea caves, seabird colonies, and possible dolphins or seals. Ferry crew, bar service, and refreshments are included onboard.

“The ferry was comfortable and the instructions of where to park were clear. Some great views of the Cliffs.”

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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide - The Ha’penny Bridge and old Dublin
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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

6.Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 927 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Join Dublin Discovered Boat Tours at Seán O’Casey Bridge for a 45-minute River Liffey cruise. A local guide explains Dublin’s past and present as you pass the Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, and Docklands. The small boat holds up to 22 people and returns to the starting point.

“Interesting trip . Good guides who explained everything. Goid to get some history of the rivers landscape. Would have liked to have gone a far as the Brewert to see how they used the river as well. But overall and nice experience.”

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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise - Lough Léin from a comfortable boat
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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

7.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, often Paul or Frank, points out Innisfallen Monastery, ancient oak and yew forests, wildlife, and Carrauntoohil. The heated, glass-covered boat runs daily and returns to the castle pier.

“Was wonderful views and boat guide helped fill in some details.”

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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour - Cruising beneath the Howth Cliffs
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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

8.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

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

Board a small boat at Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye. Your English-speaking skipper, including guides such as Harry, Kim, or Maggie, points out seabirds, seals, caves, cliffs, and local history. Puffins appear only seasonally, and dolphins are possible but never promised.

“We had the most wonderful guide, Harry, who gave us a wonderful tour with historical insight, stories, and plenty of time to look for animals on the island. He took us out despite being the only two for the booking and the constant rain. Would recommend!”

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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise - Setting out across Dublin Bay
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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

9.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

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

Meet at Howth’s West Pier for a 45-minute coastal cruise with an English-speaking captain, live commentary, and close views of Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, seals, seabirds, and Ireland’s Eye. The route can change in rough seas, but you return to the same pier.

“We had so much fun! The captain was very fun and gave us blankets incase we got chilly. Great way to experience the cliffs and Ireland’s eye. We even got to see some seals hanging by the harbor.”

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Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks - The Cliffs of Moher look different from the water
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Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

10.Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 418 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Leave Galway City Docks at 9:30 a.m. on an English-language ferry to Inis Mór, the largest Aran Island. You get several hours ashore for biking, buses, walks, ruins, lunch, and shops, then cruise past the Cliffs of Moher on the return to Galway. The boat carries up to 150 passengers, and sea conditions can be rough.

“It was great, would do again. Be prepared for strong seas. Some people got sick but the crew was ready with bags and wipes for them. Overall it was all so beautiful and easy and crew was nice!”

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Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway - Inis Oirr gives the day its character
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Small Group – Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

11.Small Group – Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 369 reviews · 8 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $151

From Galway, ride through Connemara and along Galway Bay, cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, then spend 2.5 hours on Inis Oirr. Guides such as Phil, Barry, and Sean bring local stories and humor. The $151.23 price includes transport, guide, ferry crossings, and the cruise, but not lunch or optional island rides.

“Boat ride to the Aran isle going by the Cliffs of Moher and horse cart tour of the island.Seafood at restaurant on island was fantastic.”

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Howth Cliffs and Ireland's Eye Ferry Boat Tour - The Howth cliffs from below
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Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

12.Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24

Join Captain Mark and the Howth Cliff Cruises crew for a 50-minute to one-hour boat trip from Howth Harbour. The route passes Baily Lighthouse, the cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye, with commentary on wildlife, rock formations, local history, and the Kirwan murder. The small boat carries up to 11 people, with outdoor seating and a toilet.

“Great views. No frills and bathroom on board. Short hour ride with narration along the coastline. I’d recommend.”

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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire - Comfort, weather, and the group size
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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

13.Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Take a one-way, 60 to 70-minute ferry from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Dun Laoghaire. A guide may point out the Convention Center, Eastlink Bridge, Dublin Port, Docklands, and Poolbeg Lighthouse. Enjoy open or covered seating, an onboard bar, restroom, and WiFi, then walk seven minutes to the DART for Dublin.

“The cruise team was very friendly,and although it was raining,we had a memorable trip.We travelled safely.”

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County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise - The 90-minute route through Killary Fjord
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County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

14.County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 337 reviews · from $31

Sail the full 9-mile length of Killary Fjord for 90 minutes aboard the wheelchair-accessible Connemara Lady. You can sit inside, head to the open top deck, or buy a hot meal, snack, or drink in the galley while the crew explains the fjord’s history, geology, and local stories.

“Interesting, fun, relaxing,educational, good provision of food and drink, clean facilities, punctual.”

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Kilkenny Boat Trip - Kilkenny Castle from the River Nore
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Kilkenny Boat Trip

15.Kilkenny Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $18

Take a gentle 40-minute open-boat ride on Kilkenny’s River Nore with guides such as Cliff, Elder, or Ann Marie. You’ll see Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, bridges, birds, and city views while hearing local stories. The boat returns to Canal Square, and some trips run closer to 50 minutes.

“Elder was a great guide, nice relaxing trip on the river, informative, gave great recommendations as well”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.5Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Boat TourFrom $2843 reviews
★ 4.1Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Boat CruiseFrom $2612 reviews
★ 4.6Grand Canal Cruise with DinnerFrom $79143 reviews
★ 4.3Dublin Bay Cruise from Howth to Dun LaoghaireFrom $2844 reviews
★ 4.3Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail TicketFrom $36101 reviews
★ 5.0History and Wildlife Boat Tour with Live CommentaryFrom $5614 reviews
★ 4.3Dublin Bay: Cruise from the City Centre to Dun LaoghaireFrom $32139 reviews
★ 4.5Dublin Bay Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to HowthFrom $32139 reviews
★ 4.8Sea Safari by RIB BoatFrom $12594 reviews
★ 4.2Baltimore Harbor: Sunset Cruise to Fastnet Rock LighthouseFrom $626 reviews
★ 4.5Slieve League cliffs cruise. Donegal. Guided. 1 ¾ hours.From $6861 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Shore Excursion for cruise ships to Killybegs, DonegalFrom $15554 reviews
★ 4.7Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands & Connemara Day TourFrom $135111 reviews
★ 5.0Boat Tour of Dingle PeninsulaFrom $20155 reviews
★ 4.9Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle ViewsFrom $17161 reviews

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