Top Galway On the Water

Visit the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher in one day on this full-day tour from Galway. Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way with your guide, through pretty villages including Ballindereen, Clarenbridge and Kilcolgan. Take the ferry from the fishing village of Doolin to Inisheer Island and enjoy free time at your leisure. Then, pass beneath the mighty Cliffs of Moher on the return ferry back to Doolin. Soak up spectacular views from atop the Cliffs of Moher, then take in the Burren and Lisdoonvarna on route back to Galway.

Go sea kayaking along the coastline of Roundstone Bay during this guided group tour. Meet your guide for a safety briefing and kayaking lesson before setting off on a sea kayaking excursion. Admire views of mountains, the colorful fishing village of Roundstone, and the rugged coastline during this kayaking tour near the Wild Atlantic Way. Experienced kayakers can explore across the bay to Inishlacken Island.

Explore the coastline of County Clare from a unique perspective with a small-group sea kayaking tour. Launch from the pier at Liscannor and paddle to see panoramic views of Lahinch and the south coastline of Clare. Admire views of the rugged coast and keep an eye out for wildlife including seabirds and sea otters. See sandy beaches, dark caves, and unspoiled nature during the tour.

Come sunset kayaking on either beautiful Roundstone Bay or the tranquil waters of a nearby Connemara lough/lake, with the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range of Connemara as your backdrop on this evening adventure. For the more experienced kayakers watch the sun slowly setting as you kayak to deserted Inishlacken island in the bay or across the silver waters of a Connemara lough at dusk with your knowledgeable local guide. See abandoned ruins of houses on Inishlacken island, famed for its yearly artist retreat and fascinating local history. Explore the natural environment at dusk of this scenic bay on the Wild Atlantic Way at the foot of Errisbeg mountain at dusk or on one of the many famous loughs close to Roundstone. Take in the beautiful changing colours of the sunset from your kayak on the surrounding rugged land and seascapes before returning to the harbour of the colourful fishing village of Roundstone or to the lake pier.

Come explore the stunning coastal inlets and small islands of Great Man’s Bay as you kayak to an off-shore island with an experienced local guide. The scenic Maamturks and 12 Bens mountain ranges of Connemara are your backdrop on this coastal kayaking adventure. Witness a variety of sea life that include seals and a range of shellfish like limpids, clams, mussels and scallops. More experienced kayakers have the option to continue across Great Man’s bay with their guide to the ruins of an old church and the priest’s residence, which during the old days the priest would make the journey by boat to say mass and then continue on horseback to Lettermullen village, 5 miles away to say mass there, before taking the return journey home. During late spring and into the summer this picturesque coastline is covered with wild flowers and the yellow Gorse is a beautiful sight with its bright yellow flowers and fragrant coconut smell.

Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip to one of Ireland’s most popular attractions from Galway. Accompanied by a professional guide, travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages like Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; immerse yourself in the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon’s surface; and then spend a leisurely two hours walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the perfectly preserved Franciscan friary of Ross Errilly Friary and enjoy some leisurely free time in Cong, a picturesque village. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.

Maximize time spent in Galway with a 48-hour ticket for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. Explore the city at your own pace, hopping off the bus at any of eight tour stops to see popular landmarks including Eyre Square and the Salthill Promenade. Utilize the bus as many times as you wish during a 48-hour period.

Embark on a thrilling road trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on this full-day tour from Galway. Discover the natural wonders of Galway Bay and Connemara as you leave the tourist trail behind and journey along the coast. Admire views of Rosmuc, Derrygimlagh Bog and the Twelve Bens Mountains; visit the former residence of political leader Padraic Pearse; and stop for morning tea in Roundstone (not included). Finally, look out for wild Connemara ponies as you hike through Connemara National Park or pay a visit to the magnificent 19th-century Kylemore Abbey.

Instead of going out to lunch one of the days you’re in Galway, opt for this Galway food walking tour and see a new perspective behind where your food comes from. A guide takes you to meet artisan food producers and you can sample their products. Learn about local dishes and ingredients, and then take home a fun goodie bag afterward.

Enhance your experience of Ireland’s spectacular Cliffs of Moher on a full-day excursion from Galway. With a professional guide, travel to the quaint village of Doolin to enjoy chowder, chocolate and the colorful architecture of the enclave. Continue to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, 200-meter (700-foot) mounds that tower over the crashing Atlantic Sea, and spend some relaxed free time absorbing panoramic vistas. Return to Galway via the Wild Atlantic Way and gaze at scenes of outstanding natural beauty as you travel.

Explore the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher on this County Clare day tour from Galway. Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Burren with your guide and take in top local landmarks including Dunguaire Castle and Corcomroe Abbey. Pass pretty towns and villages such as Ballyvaughan, Doolin, and Lisdoonvarna on route to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, widely considered among Ireland’s most impressive sights. Head along County Clare’s stunning coastline on route back to Galway, and enjoy fine views over Fanore Strand and Black Head.

This Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruise will take you to beautiful areas of Ireland that can only be reached by boat. Your guide will tell you about the history of the villages you encounter and point out highlights such as one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. This tour gives you the freedom to explore independently, hire a bike, or grab some lunch. A highlight is the views from the top of the Cliffs of Moher.

Experience the mighty Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from both land and sea on this full-day tour from Galway. Marvel at the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way; cruise out to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands; then hike along the cliff-tops and enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Explore Ireland’s beautiful Burren region and discover top natural landmarks including the Cliffs of Moher with ease on this day tour from Galway. Travel through the Burren’s rugged landscapes with your guide and discover local attractions such as the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave. Explore walking trails on top of the mighty Cliffs of Moher at your leisure and enjoy panoramic views over the coastal scenery. Watch the skies for sightings of native birdlife, then stop in Doolin on route back to Galway.

Go out deep-sea fishing with an experienced skipper. Fish the Irish sea waters in Galway Bay and off the Aran Islands. The skipper will show you where the best fishing is to be found. Fish for shark, cod, ling, pollock, and ray. All fishing equipment required is supplied on board the boat.

Watch the sunset from a kayak during this guided island-hopping tour in Great Man’s Bay, County Galway. Meet your local guide for a safety lesson and then get in the water for a scenic paddle along the coast and out to an island offshore. See marine life such as seals during this guided kayaking excursion, timed to coincide with sunset. Learn how to kayak in a safe and scenic environment.

The wild brown trout offers excellent sport from the season opener in March through its close at the end of September. The many fisheries in Connemara have networks of interconnected lakes ("loughs") and rivers populated by the native trout of Ireland. This wild brown trout in Connemara's lakes and connecting rivers average in size from one to two pounds. The trout fishing is very dependable, with hatches starting in April and peaking in May and early June. Then, caddis, crane flies and terrestrials keep the trout looking up all summer long. Because Connemara's rivers and lakes are acidic, food is scarce, so the trout rise eagerly to dry flies and take wet flies and nymphs with little hesitation. The "ferox", or large cannibal brown trout, prey on their smaller brethren in larger lakes. Your knowledgeable local French Ghillie will advise you on the best flies to use and take you to the best places to fish on the rivers. Pax: min 1, max 3 fishermen. Available: February to end September.

Pike fishing on the shores of Lough Corrib is ranked very high by fishermen internationally. Anglers go on the trail of the trophy pike on Lough Corrib from the middle of July onwards to the middle of December. Several methods of angling are used to catch pike. Your guide will advise you on which method of angling to use on the day. There are numerous options: Spinning – fishing from a stationary position with baits/lures. Dead-baiting- fishing with a dead natural bait (usually Perch, Roach, Herring Eel) using a float. This method of angling is best when there is enough wind to make the float drift. Dead-baiting and spinning are usually carried out at the same time. Jerk baiting – this is a rather new method of pike fishing on Corrib and the angler will require a special rod & reel and a selection of Jerk Baits. Pax: min 1, max 3. Available all year.

A Wild Brown trout fishing trip to Lough Corrib transports you to the most breath-taking sights and scenery Connemara has on offer. You will fish on one of Europe’s last remaining wild brown trout fisheries – Lough Corrib. The Corrib is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in Ireland. Surrounded to the north west with craggy mountains, sprinkled with wooden islands the wild landscape will stay with you forever. You will have the day to experience wild brown trout fishing on Ireland second largest lough. Pax: min 1, max 2 fishermen per boat. Season: February to end September

Depending on the time of the year, you can spot, see and hear different types of birds. Your local bird watching guide and his knowledge of the local birds is excellent. The bird life varies hugely from April to September and the species available change all the time. These guided trips also include information on popular sites of interest on and around Lough Corrib and include castles, ancient settlements and the many islands in Lough Corrib.

The West of Ireland offers the most wonderful, wild fresh water fly fishing experiences. Connemara bordered by the Atlantic on the West and Lough Corrib on the East it is strewn with some of the best salmon and trout fisheries in the world. Join us on our salmon and trout angling safaris with like-minded people in spectacular scenic Connemara. Most rivers and lake systems see their first run of large spring salmon in early April, with grilse arriving later in June and peaking in July. More salmon will enter the rivers in August and September whenever the rivers receive enough rain. The salmon fishing in Connemara is always best when the rivers are "in spate" following a heavy rain, which brings in fresh salmon and riles up those already in the river. Your guide is an expert on fishing in these rivers and will guide you through your perfect day. Pax: min 1, max 2 fishermen per boat. Available February to end September.

Go fishing on Lough Corrib in Connemara with this private, full-day tour. Join your English- and French-speaking guide for a day of pike fishing on one of Connemara’s most scenic lakes. Learn about how to attract this trophy fish and try your hand at new fishing skills during this private tour. Relax outdoors during a peaceful and informative fishing excursion.

Discover the rugged Connemara coast with its rocky beaches and deserted islands on this private full-day cruise. Set sail from Cleggan to the island of Inishturk; look out for wildlife including dolphins, seals, puffins, and guillemots; and enjoy lunch at a typical Irish pub.