Aboard · IRELAND BOAT TOURS
The 10 best ireland boat tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join Dublin Discovered for a 45-minute cruise from Custom House Quay. An English-speaking guide such as Gerry, Jerry, Lucy, Tony, or Peter may bring the Liffey’s Viking, canal, docklands, and bridge stories to life aboard an all-weather 48-passenger boat.
“Excellent Tour guide! Enjoyed his personality and his educational info”
Travel from Galway to Inisheer and the Cliffs of Moher with a local guide such as Alan, Phil, or Pavel. You get two hours on Inisheer, a ferry ride below the cliffs when weather allows, and one hour at the visitor centre. Expect a scenic, very full 10-hour day.
“This was a great tour! Really well timed out with a good amount of time in both the Arán Islands and Cliff of Moher. Allen was absolutely awesome, really made the tour fun and informative. Thanks so much!!”
Travel from Galway to Doolin, ferry to Inis Oirr, then see the Cliffs of Moher from sea level and the cliff top. Guides such as Dave and Tommy add local stories, music, and practical help. Bring a snack, sturdy shoes, and a jacket for this long, weather-sensitive day.
“Dave our guide and driver was great ! Very knowledgeable and funny !”
Spend 90 minutes cruising Clew Bay from Westport with live English commentary, outdoor deck views, a heated lounge, onboard Wi-Fi, and a cafe-bar. Expect oyster farms, seals, Croagh Patrick, Clare Island, John Lennon’s island, and entertaining guides such as Oscar and Orla.
“Wonderful guide - friendly crew- accommodations were great - Westport beautiful! The guide Oscar was particularly friendly- funny and knowledgeable”
Sail from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest Aran Island, with an English audio guide and 4.5 hours to explore. Rent a bike, join a local horse-and-cart ride, or visit stone forts before cruising beneath the Cliffs of Moher. Ferry crew, onboard refreshments, and dramatic Galway Bay views round out the day.
“Loved the time on the Island. Unfortunately, there was not enough time. Although we had electronic bikes, we still only had time to visit one of the sites. Another hour on the island would have given us time to visit a second site.”
Board the MV Lily of Killarney at Ross Castle for a one-hour cruise on Lough Léin. Your English-speaking captain, often Paul or Frank, points out Innisfallen Island, Carrauntoohil, ancient oak and yew forests, wildlife, and Killarney National Park from a heated glass-covered boat.
“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”
Join Howth Adventures for a 50-minute small-boat cruise from Howth’s West Pier. Guides including Harry, Kim, and Maggie point out Ireland’s Eye, sea caves, seals, seabirds, and The Stack, with local stories and occasional Irish music. Puffins and dolphins are possible, but never guaranteed.
“Fabulous boat tour. Lovely guides with great knowledge of the local history, wildlife and sea life . Fantastic value for money. Don’t worry if the water appears choppy they steer the boat so it’s smoother than you would expect.”
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, fresh air, and fine views, though rough seas can change the route.
“Amazing!!! It was excellent! Spotted seals, dolphins , even a puffin!! The staff was very friendly. Loved every second of it!”
Leave Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye, with views of the Martello Tower, Howth Cliffs, Balscadden Bay, seals, and seabirds. Your captain provides English commentary, though some sailings use recorded audio. Landing on the island is not included.
“This tour was the main highlight of my trip to Ireland. I really enjoyed our time on the island. The views were breathtaking. I'll definitely come here again💚”
From Doolin Pier, take a 50-minute cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll pass Hag’s Head, Harry Potter’s Cave, Aill na Searrach, O’Brien’s Tower, and An Branán Mór. English commentary is provided, with a multilingual guide available by QR code. The boat returns to Doolin Pier.
“It was a lovely trip , great views of the cliffs & a nice commentary on the various aspects of the cliffs. My children loved it.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
