Ireland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Irish Boat Trips: 15 Worth Getting Out on the Water For

66 tours  ·  from $17

Half of this coastline only makes sense from below. The 15 below run from a twenty-minute Liffey cruise to a full Atlantic crossing to the Aran Islands, each priced and honest about swell cancellations.

Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise - The Liffey as Dublin’s main storybook
Boat Tours in Dublin, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dublin Tours, Tour Reviews

Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

1.River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise

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

Join Dublin Discovered for a 45-minute, all-weather cruise from Custom House Quay. A live English-speaking guide covers Vikings, bridges, canals, Docklands, and Dublin Port, with guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Tony, Peter, and Lucy leading different sailings. The 48-passenger boat is wheelchair accessible and returns to its starting point.

“Lucy the guide was great. She was clear and interesting, gave us plenty of information but didn't overload us. The Captain was really friendly too.”

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Galway to Inisheer Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Boat Trip - Two hours on Inisheer
Aran Islands Tours, Aran Islands Tours in County Clare, Boat Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

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 cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher before viewing them from above. Local guides such as Alan, Phil, Pavel, and Adrian add Irish history, folklore, and practical advice. Expect a full 10-hour day, changing weather, and possibly rough seas.

“I booked this tour in advance, I received confirmation emails as well as a confirmation text message and when I arrived, the tour operator said I did not have a reservation. I infect did have a reservation. I showed the tour operator my reservation and he said no that that had been canceled. I am still waiting for my refund I Viator They said that they would refund me money and it’s been three weeks and I still haven’t received a refund”

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From Galway: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise - The 9 a.m. departure and drive through the Burren
Aran Islands Tours, Aran Islands Tours in County Clare, Boat Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 Inis Oirr, the smallest Aran Island, by bus and ferry. Explore its castle, beach, shipwreck, pubs, and quiet lanes, then cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher before walking above them. Guides such as Dave and Tommy add local stories, practical help, and plenty of Irish humor.

“The experience was 10 times better than I even imagined. I’d recommend for everyone. Comfortable seats, very friendly guide and the islands are just beautiful. So worth it!”

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Exhilarating Rib experience - Dingle sea safari - Slea Head and the cliffs from sea level
Boat Tours in Dingle, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dingle Tours, Tour Reviews

Exhilarating Rib experience – Dingle sea safari

4.Exhilarating Rib experience – Dingle sea safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,349 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Join Dingle Sea Safari for a three-hour RIB ride from the Quay, limited to 12 people. Captains such as Mikey, Colm, Callum, and Connell share local geology and wildlife knowledge while searching for seals, dolphins, whales, puffins, and sea caves. Warm waterproof jackets and trousers are provided.

“We had an amazing experience on this excursion. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Our tour guide Connell was excellent. Highly recommend”

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Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes ) - Oyster farms and the working bay
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Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

5.Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

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

Spend 90 minutes cruising Clew Bay from Westport with live commentary, views of Croagh Patrick, oyster farms, islands, lighthouses, and seals. Guides such as Oscar and Orla combine local history with humor. The boat has a heated lounge, outdoor deck, restroom, Wi-Fi, cafe, and bar. Arrive early for outside seating.

“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 - Dun Aonghasa and the cost of limited time
Aran Islands Tours, Aran Islands Tours in County Clare, Boat Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

6.Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise

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

Sail directly from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest Aran Island, and spend 4.5 hours exploring beaches, stone forts, shops, and island roads. Your return ferry passes the Cliffs of Moher, An Branán Mór sea stack, and a Harry Potter film location. An English audio guide and round-trip ferry are included, but bikes, meals, and island tours cost extra.

“The Horse & Cart tour was amazing! Stephen was a gent & made the experience all the better!”

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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide - Under the Ha’penny Bridge
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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

7.Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide

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

See Dublin from the River Liffey on a 45-minute cruise with live English commentary. You’ll pass the Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, and Docklands while hearing stories about Dublin’s past and changing city center. Guides such as Jerry, Terry, and Dave have been praised for humor and warmth, though weather can affect the view.

“Excellent experience loved Gerry and Terry for our tour. It was our introduction to Dublin and Ireland. So enjoyable.”

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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise - Passing Innisfallen Island and Its Monastery
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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

8.Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

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

Spend an hour cruising Lough Léin from Ross Castle in the heated, glass-covered MV Lily of Killarney. Your English-speaking captain and guide point out Innisfallen Island, ancient oak and yew woods, Red Deer, White Tailed Eagles, and Carrauntoohil. Guides Paul and Frank are known for clear local stories, humor, and useful details about the lake.

“Paul, the captain and tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and very entertaining! Would recommend this very affordable trip to all.”

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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour - What the 50-Minute Route Actually Includes
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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

9.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

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

Take a 50-minute boat trip from Howth’s West Pier around Ireland’s Eye. Your English-speaking skipper, including guides such as Harry, Kim, Maggie, and others, points out cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, and the Stack while sharing local history. Small groups make this a personal way to see Dublin Bay.

“This was such a wonderful tour! Beautiful views, relaxing boat ride, even saw some seals! a must-do when visiting Howth!”

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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise - A 50-Minute View of the Howth Coast
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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

10.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

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

Meet at Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute coastal cruise with an English-speaking captain and live commentary. You’ll see Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, seabirds, and possibly seals, puffins, or dolphins. The route may change in rough seas, and the cruise returns to the pier.

“the guide was super friendly and gave a lot of good information throughout the ride. he even let us drive the boat for a minute! getting to the meeting spot was very easy and the staff was incredibly helpful. 10/10 recommend!”

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Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks - Seeing the Cliffs of Moher from the Atlantic
Aran Islands Tours, Aran Islands Tours in County Clare, Boat Tours in County Clare, Cliffs of Moher Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

Sail from Galway City Docks to Inishmore for several hours of independent exploring by bike, bus, foot, or horse-drawn cart. On the return, the ferry passes the Cliffs of Moher, sea stacks, a Harry Potter filming cave, and seabird colonies. Expect an open-ocean crossing that can be rough.

“Aran Island is beautiful. We went on a tour bus when we arrived and it was well worth it. The cliffs were spectacular from the cruise, although it was difficult to get pictures with so many people. It was a windy day so the waves were rolling and quite a few people were sick. If you get sea sick, choose wisely.”

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Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway - Doolin Pier and the Cliffs cruise
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Small Group – Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway

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

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

Spend about 8 hours and 45 minutes circling Galway Bay by coach and boat. You’ll cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, spend 2.5 hours on Inis Oirr, and return through Connemara. Guides such as Phil, Barry, and Sean are known for Irish history, local stories, and good humor. Lunch and optional island rides cost extra.

“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 - What the boat ride feels like
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Howth Cliffs and Ireland’s Eye Ferry Boat Tour

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

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

Board the Puffin at Howth Harbour for a small-group cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and his crew provide commentary on birds, rock formations, seals, island history, and the Kirwan murder. The boat has a toilet but no indoor cabin, so bring a warm, waterproof layer.

“Great boat tour around the Howth Harbour and Ireland's Eye. The wildlife was breathtaking, and the scenery was just incredible!”

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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire - Arrival at Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier
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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

14.Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire

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

Sail from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay through Dublin Port and Docklands to Dun Laoghaire in about 60 to 70 minutes. See the Convention Center, EastLink Bridge, Poolbeg Lighthouse, and the East Pier. An onboard bar, restroom, WiFi, open deck, and covered seating make this a pleasant one-way outing, weather permitting.

“It was great to have a guide on the boat to share information about what we were seeing. Being on the water and seeing the coastline was a great way to start our trip to Dun Laoghaire The young guide was interesting, fun and well informed. We would do this again, so we highly recommend this activity n”

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County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise - Entering Ireland’s only fjord
Boat Tours in Connemara, Connemara Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

15.County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

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

Spend 90 minutes aboard the wheelchair-accessible Connemara Lady, sailing the full 9-mile length of Killary Fjord from Nancy’s Point near Leenane. Choose an outdoor deck for cool sea air or a warm indoor seat with commentary, drinks, and optional meals from the galley. The cruise runs in most weather and returns to its starting point.

“3rd time taking the tour. It is a wonderful way to experience the Fjord. I always bring family when home on holidays and friends when visiting.”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 5.0Digby Lock Cruise – Explore Ireland’s Historic Grand Canal.From $4866 reviews
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★ 4.5Boat Trip from Howth to Dun LaoghaireFrom $3019 reviews
★ 4.0Boat Trip from Dun Laoghaire to HowthFrom $3315 reviews
★ 5.0Private 1-Hour Guided Boat Tour in Dingle Peninsula39 reviews
★ 5.0Dingle Boat Tours RIB Adventure Private8 reviews
★ 5.0Funky Pink Self Drive Boats6 reviews
★ 4.5Dingle to Blasket Island FerryFrom $10214 reviews
★ 5.0Boat Tour of Kinsale Harbour and Bandon River66 reviews
★ 5.0Skellig Michael: Skellig Sightseeing Cruise with AquaTerraFrom $9617 reviews
★ 4.8Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with TransferFrom $688 reviews
★ 4.4Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat TourFrom $6872 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen IslandFrom $2442 reviews
★ 4.6Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat TourFrom $6272 reviews
★ 4.1Gap of Dunloe: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour and Scenic WalkFrom $4011 reviews

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