Doolin, County Clare
Aran Islands from Doolin
Doolin is a small village on the Clare coast, south of the islands. It is the natural departure point if you are staying in Clare or pairing the Aran Islands with the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
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The short answer
The Aran Islands visitor site lists Doolin sailings as seasonal and subject to weather. Sailing from Doolin keeps you in County Clare rather than travelling up to Galway, but the season is narrower than Rossaveel's year-round service. Check current dates with the operator.
Viator collection
Aran Islands from Doolin
Why choose Doolin
- You are staying in north Clare, around Doolin, Lisdoonvarna or the Burren.
- You want to combine the islands with the Cliffs of Moher, which are a short distance south along the coast.
- You are travelling in the sailing season and want to avoid a trip north.
Islands and cliffs: keep the two separate in your head
Some visitors like to see the Cliffs of Moher from the sea as well as from the top. A boat that passes below the cliffs is a different experience from visiting the cliff-top visitor area, and an island trip is different again. A collection name alone does not tell you which of these a tour includes, so read the tour's page carefully.
Out of season
If you are travelling outside the Doolin sailing season, the listed year-round options are the ferry from Rossaveel in Connemara or flights from Connemara Airport at Inverin. Both are some distance from Clare, so plan the extra travel.
What to check before booking
- Operating dates and what happens if the sea is too rough.
- Which island the tour visits, and time ashore.
- Whether a Cliffs of Moher sea view or cliff-top visit is included.
- Meeting point at Doolin pier and parking.