Spend a Perfect West of Ireland Day with Doolin Ferry
There are some journeys in the west that feel like part of the holiday before you’ve even reached the destination. The drive from Galway towards Doolin is one of them. Take the coastal route through Kinvara and the landscape quickly begins to shift: Dunguaire Castle rising on the shores of Galway Bay, the Burren’s limestone sweep on one side and the Atlantic opening up on the other.
For Liam O’Brien, owner of Doolin Ferry, that approach is all part of the magic. “The drive to Doolin is part of the experience itself,” he says. “As you approach Kinvara, the 16th century Dunguaire Castle on the shores of Galway Bay is a favourite pitstop, said to be the most photographed castle in Ireland! Just nearby, there are fine examples of traditional thatched roof cottages which conjure up images of old Ireland.”
The road west
After Kinvara, the Wild Atlantic Way does what it does best. The scenery becomes wilder, wider and more dramatic, before the road turns left at Ballyvaughan and climbs Corkscrew Hill.
It is, Liam adds, “well worth a quick photo stop to appreciate the wide panoramic views of the Burren with its unique limestone rock formations and a beautiful Galway Bay backdrop.”
From there, Doolin is within reach, and the ferry experience has been designed to keep things simple once you arrive. There is a large car park, QR codes on phones and passengers can go straight to the boarding gate.
“We designed the experience so guests can park easily, scan their QR code, and head straight to boarding without stress,” Liam explains. “It means the day starts in a relaxed way, allowing people to enjoy the journey rather than worrying about logistics or long queues.”
A smooth crossing
The crossing to Inis Mór takes just 35 sail on the new Cliffs of Moher Express, Doolin Ferry’s custom-built €4 million vessel.
“The Cliffs of Moher Express was a very special project for us and really marked a new era for Doolin Ferry,” says Liam. “It had always been a dream of mine to build a custom vessel specifically designed for Atlantic waters, drawing on over 50 years of family experience sailing from Doolin to the Aran Islands.”
The vessel was built around comfort, with stabilisers for smoother crossings, indoor seating, outdoor decks, Wi-Fi, a snack bar, accessible areas and a retractable canopy on the upper deck. Sustainability was central too, with solar panels, LED lighting and an engine system that reduces exhaust emissions by up to 90 per cent.
As Doolin pier slips behind you, the views open out towards the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren coastline and the Aran Islands ahead. “Sitting on the outer deck, you’ll feel the sea breeze, spot seabirds overhead and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see some dolphins as they love to swim alongside our ferry!”
Perfect island time
Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, makes for a perfect day spent away. Liam recommends heading along the island’s stone-wall lined roads towards Dún Aonghasa, the cliff-top fort the island is famous for, which now has a newly redesigned Visitor Centre for summer 2026.
If the weather is kind (say a prayer!), Kilmurvey Beach offers gorgeous white sand and crystal-clear water, while the Seal Sanctuary alone is worth a stop on the way back to the harbour.
For those with energy to spare, there is the Wormhole, the Seven Churches, or a well-deserved final pint at The Bar or Joe Watty’s before catching the ferry back.
A scenic ride home
The Cliffs of Moher Cruise on the return journey means you won’t fall asleep on your way back.
“You’re right beneath the cliffs looking up at one of Ireland’s most famous natural landmarks towering 700 feet above you,” says Liam. “Many visitors never realise they can cruise beneath the cliffs, so it often becomes the unexpected highlight of their trip.”
A coastal drive, an Atlantic crossing, a day on Inis Mór and the Cliffs from the water: it is a West of Ireland summer day with all the best bits included.
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