Galway Day Trip Planner: Ferries and Roads

November 5, 2026

Sorting day trips by how you travel

The question that decides a day trip from Galway is the transport, not the sight. Boats leave on a timetable, buses run few services, and cars give the most freedom. Prices are in euro.

By ferry: the Aran Islands

Rossaveel is the year-round port, roughly 37 km west of Galway. Aran Island Ferries runs a shuttle bus from Victoria Place; plan about 50 minutes for it and arrive 20 minutes before departure. The sea crossing to Inis Mór takes about 40 minutes. Fares are €34 adult return, €29 student or senior return and €17 for children aged 5 to 12.

A second route leaves from Doolin in County Clare, with a crossing of about 35 minutes, from roughly March to early November. Ask the operator for current fares.

Flights are an alternative. Aer Arann Islands flies from Connemara Airport at Inverin, about 30 km west of Galway, in a hop of 7 minutes, and a bus runs from the city.

On Inis Mór, Dún Aonghasa charges €5 for adults and sits about 1 km above the visitor centre. The cliff is about 87 m high and unfenced. Heritage Ireland lists seasonal hours .

By bus: Connemara

Citylink route 923 links Galway with Clifden via Letterfrack, and Bus Éireann route 419 runs to Clifden through Oughterard. The last services depart early, so check the return before you go. Connemara National Park, at Letterfrack, is free; its visitor centre opens Wednesday to Sunday. For a walk, the upper Diamond Hill loop covers about 6.2 km and 400 m of climbing in around 2 hours.

By car or coach tour: the Cliffs of Moher and Burren

The cliffs lie about 75 km south, a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours. The 2026 gate price is €15, with cheaper online tickets. The trail from Hag’s Head is closed, and the path from Doolin ends at Surfers Path. On the way, the free Poulnabrone portal tomb stands on the limestone of the Burren.

By boat: Killary Fjord

Cruises leave Nancy’s Point near Leenane from April to October and last about 90 minutes. Listings show adult tickets around €26.

Choosing

Short on time: the Aran ferry gives the most for the least driving.
No car: ferry or Connemara bus.
Wet day: the cliffs and fjord are poor in fog, so keep a flexible plan.

Tours: Browse Galway day trips on Viator