Ireland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Ireland

61 tours  ·  from $17

The Liffey, the Killarney lakes, the cliffs from underneath and the crossing to Aran. The 15 below range from forty-five minutes on a river to a full day at sea, each priced and clear about what the swell can cancel.

Dublin: River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise - Finding the pontoon beside the Sean O’Casey Footbridge
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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 aboard an all-weather 48-passenger boat, passing the Ha’penny Bridge, Custom House, Jeanie Johnston, Docklands, and Dublin Port. Local guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Lucy, and Peter bring the city’s Viking, canal, and maritime stories to life.

“Informative and enjoyable - despite poor weather! The crew were both terrific, particularly the engaging ‘tour guide’ who was incredibly knowledgeable about Dublin’s history.”

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Galway to Inisheer Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Boat Trip - The road from Galway through Kinvara and the Burren
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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 Inisheer, the smallest Aran Island, then view the Cliffs of Moher from the water and their 700-foot summit. Your local guide, including guides such as Alan, Phil, or Pavel, handles the timing while you explore the island for two hours. Ferry travel depends on weather.

“This trip was the highlight of our entire trip - so well done!!! The tour guide Phil was the best tour guide we ever had, anywhere! And everyone was right....if you want to see the cliffs, you need to see from the water. 100 percent correct!!! We also stopped at the top of the cliffs and if that was my only viewing of them I would have been disappointed. The trip to the island was also wonderful. Highly recommend doing the horse/carriage little tour. It's only 15 euro per person but gives you a little tour around the island and drops you at the pub for a little lunch. Overall…”

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From Galway: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Tour & Cruise - Leaving Galway at 9 AM for Doolin
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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 famous rim. Guides such as Dave and Tommy add local stories and steady driving on narrow roads. Bring a jacket, sturdy shoes, and money for lunch and island activities.

“A great day! Just wish we had more time at the top of the cliffs, one hr is not enough.”

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

Cruise Clew Bay from Westport for 90 minutes with live commentary, views of Croagh Patrick, oyster farms, islands, lighthouses, and seals. Guides such as Oscar and Orla mix local stories with Irish humor. The boat has indoor seating, an outdoor deck, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a paid bar and cafe.

“Great way to appreciate the bay and its history. Crew were extremely friendly and welcoming and some great Irish humour on display. I’m sure Oscar will be on stage at some point in his life, very entertaining.”

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From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise - What you actually pay for at $68
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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, and spend 4.5 hours exploring by bike, minibus, or on foot. An English audio guide adds context, while the return cruise passes beneath the Cliffs of Moher, An Branán Mór sea stack, and a Harry Potter film cave.

“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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Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey with Local Guide - Dublin Docklands and the new city center
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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

Cruise the River Liffey in a comfortable pontoon boat with local guides such as Jerry and Terry. Hear Dublin stories as you pass the Jeanie Johnston, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge, and Docklands. The 45-minute trip is a compact introduction to the city, with live commentary in English.

“This tour lasted a bit over 2 hrs but our guide Dave stopped along the way so even if you're not use to walking alot I would still recommend! He was VERY knowledgeable about the history of Dublin and its buildings. Lucky for us the weather was perfect! I would highly recommend!”

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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise - Why the heated glass boat matters
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Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

7.Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

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

Set out from Ross Castle Pier on the MV Lily of Killarney for a one-hour cruise across Lough Léin. Your English-speaking captain and guide, including popular guides such as Paul and Frank, point out Innisfallen Monastery, ancient forests, wildlife, and Carrauntoohil.

“A beautiful boat cruise around the lake with narration as we went.”

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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour - Ireland’s Eye and its rocky shoreline
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Dublin: Howth Coastal Boat Tour

8.Howth Coastal Boat Tour

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

From Howth’s West Pier, you’ll circle Ireland’s Eye in a small boat with an English-speaking skipper such as Harry, Kim, or Maggie. Expect cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, and views of The Stack, with wildlife sightings shaped by season and weather.

“It was great fun and the weather was great, so it was smooth sailing throughout! Guide was great, would highly reccommend!”

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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise - Balscadden Bay and the First Coastal Views
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Dublin: Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

9.Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Cruise

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

Meet your English-speaking captain at the end of Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute cruise past Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, the cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Expect live local commentary, seabirds, seals, and fresh sea air, with the route adjusted if waves are rough.

“We took the boat at the pier, and I found the trip quite lively and thrilling. Such a beautiful place.”

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Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks - Seeing the Cliffs of Moher from sea level
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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. for Inishmore, the largest Aran Island, with about 4.5 hours to bike, walk, or tour independently. On the return, the ferry passes the Cliffs of Moher, sea stacks, a Harry Potter filming cave, and waters known for puffins, dolphins, seals, and basking sharks.

“Amazing day on the ferry to Inishmore! We were lucky enough to have smooth enough water. We had plenty of time in the island. Half of our party stayed in the port while the other half rented eBikes. Great experience, highly recommend.”

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Small Group - Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands AND Connemara in One Day from Galway - A route around Galway Bay, not just a return trip
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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

Join guides such as Phil, Barry, or Sean for an 8-hour-45-minute circuit from Galway around Galway Bay. Cruise below the Cliffs of Moher, spend 2.5 hours on Inis Oirr, and return through Connemara. Bring warm layers, walking shoes, and lunch money.

“Exceptional full day experience circumventing Galway Bay by coach and boat. Sean was an excellent guide full of great information and insights.”

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Howth Cliffs and Ireland's Eye Ferry Boat Tour - Cruising under the Howth Cliffs
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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

Board the Puffin at Howth Harbour for a 50-minute to one-hour cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and the crew provide commentary on wildlife, rock formations, local history, and the Kirwan murder. Expect an open-air ride, sea wind, and excellent photo angles.

“Nice experience, particularly if you get some good weather. Toilet on board, and minimal drinks/snack bar.”

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Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire - Commentary can make or break the hour
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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

Sail from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Dun Laoghaire in about an hour, passing Dublin Docklands, the Eastlink Bridge, Dublin Port, and Poolbeg Lighthouse. You’ll have indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, WiFi, and time to explore the East Pier before returning by DART.

“We really enjoyed the narrative part of the ride. We appreciate staff adjustments with our requests.”

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County Galway Killary Fjord 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise - Boarding the Connemara Lady
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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

Board the wheelchair-accessible Connemara Lady at Nancy’s Point in Leenane for a 90-minute cruise along Killary Fjord. You’ll hear commentary on the area’s history, geology, and stories while enjoying indoor seating, an outdoor deck, and optional meals and drinks from the galley.

“Very smooth sailing, amazing scenery and informative commentary. Great all round family trip”

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Kilkenny Boat Trip - The stories behind the sights
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Kilkenny Boat Trip

15.Kilkenny Boat Trip

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

Cruise the River Nore from Canal Square for about 40 to 50 minutes. Guides such as Cliff, Elder, and Ann Marie point out Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, bridges, wildlife, and local stories. The open boat carries small groups and returns to the starting point.

“Perfect experience. Family of 3, one teenage… he loved it. 🤩 Our tour guide was interesting and engaging. She offered to take pictures of our family with the castle. We learned history, mythology and ecology. 10/10”

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