Doolin Ferry Co.
Doolin Ferry Co.
4.5
07:30 - 21:30
Monday
07:30 - 21:30
Tuesday
07:30 - 21:30
Wednesday
07:30 - 21:30
Thursday
07:30 - 21:30
Friday
07:30 - 21:30
Saturday
07:30 - 21:30
Sunday
07:30 - 21:30
Full view
About
Welcome aboard Doolin Ferry Co. Enjoy an iconic journey on the Wild Atlantic Way to the Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher. Spend a day or two immersing yourself in Irish Island Culture, or just take our magical one hour Cruise along the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Travel on our new fast ferry fleet the 'Aran Islands Express' & 'Doolin Express'. We offer the fastest crossing to Inis Oírr in only 15 minutes, and to Inis Mór in 35 minutes! The Doolin Express also is the only ferry with 'State of the Art' anti sea sickness technology for a smoother crossing! We have several sailing options daily and operate from March to mid November, reservations recommended. Our family and crew look forward to taking you on an unforgettable journey along the Wild Atlantic Way! Fáilte ar bord The Doolin Ferry Co. Celebrating over 54 years in business!
Doolin, County Clare, Ireland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
1,262 reviews
Excellent
777
Very good
251
Average
97
Poor
58
Terrible
79
Kavo85
Dublin, Ireland1,010 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Took a boat trip out to see the Cliffs of Moher earlier this week. For a family of 4 (2 adults/2 kids) the cost was €60 - think our smallest was actually free though as she under 4.
The boat is very modern with plenty of seating on both the upper and lower decks. The team operating the boat are obviously seasoned pros at what they do and this is obvious as you see them load/unload the various boats both to the cliffs and to the islands.
Unfortunately for us, the sea was a bit choppy on our trip and the smallies didn’t feel great. However, we were in safe hands with the crew steering us through choppy waters and getting us to the cliffs. I’ve seen the cliffs several times from atop however this experience offered a new and unique view. The guide offered some interesting facts about the cliff formation and also some of the wildlife in the area - alas we didn’t quite see any puffins. I did appreciate the nod to the cliffs featuring in Harry Potter all the same.
Overall, an enjoyable experience but I would recommend anyone with a sore head/tummy think about it before heading out in choppy conditions. Likewise, I would recommend booking in advance where possible - we didn’t and had to wait an hour which wasn’t awful to be fair however the village of Doolin is a walk away and maybe too far to walk if trying to kill time with kids.
The boat is very modern with plenty of seating on both the upper and lower decks. The team operating the boat are obviously seasoned pros at what they do and this is obvious as you see them load/unload the various boats both to the cliffs and to the islands.
Unfortunately for us, the sea was a bit choppy on our trip and the smallies didn’t feel great. However, we were in safe hands with the crew steering us through choppy waters and getting us to the cliffs. I’ve seen the cliffs several times from atop however this experience offered a new and unique view. The guide offered some interesting facts about the cliff formation and also some of the wildlife in the area - alas we didn’t quite see any puffins. I did appreciate the nod to the cliffs featuring in Harry Potter all the same.
Overall, an enjoyable experience but I would recommend anyone with a sore head/tummy think about it before heading out in choppy conditions. Likewise, I would recommend booking in advance where possible - we didn’t and had to wait an hour which wasn’t awful to be fair however the village of Doolin is a walk away and maybe too far to walk if trying to kill time with kids.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ciarad
Dublin, Ireland73 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We booked a trip to Inis Oirr with this ferry company and I cannot rate them highly enough. They were so very helpful, we got our day wrong and they had no problem updating the booking at zero cost; when we needed change for car park staff helped us out. On the ferry itself, everyone had to wear a mask and hand sanitizer given out to everyone on boarding. Staff really great.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Ciara, delighted you enjoyed yourself and we pride ourselves on being covid compliant and giving a 5 star service always. Stay up to date with us on our social media @doolinferryco!
Written 14 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnieJ85
29 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
We had a great trip to the islands with the Doolin Ferry Co! Really easy booking system, the crossing was punctual and smooth even in slightly choppy conditions. The real stars are the staff though - I got a puncture on the drive to Doolin and asked the girls in the office if they had the name of anyone I could call to fix it when we got back from our trip. Within two minutes they’d made a phone call to organise local man John Sharry to come change the tyre and fix the puncture - all done and dusted by the time we got back! Unbelievable service!
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review! Glad you got sorted with your car.
Stay up to date with us on our socials @doolinferryco!
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zoelynam9
County Meath, Ireland114 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We took the ferry from Doolin to Inish Mór, departing at 10am and returning at 16:00. The cost was 28euro pp and the travel time was approx 45minutes each way.
The ferry was at full capacity, with no spaces between seated passengers and some people even had to stand. This was a slight concern given the pandemic and social distancing regulations. Face masks were mandatory and they did hand sanitizer upon embarkment.
Over all a good experience and well worth the trip.
The ferry was at full capacity, with no spaces between seated passengers and some people even had to stand. This was a slight concern given the pandemic and social distancing regulations. Face masks were mandatory and they did hand sanitizer upon embarkment.
Over all a good experience and well worth the trip.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norm2020
United States34 contributions
Jun 2023
What do you get when you combine a stunning natural, UNESCO world heritage site with a monopoly tourist operator? You get the Doolin Ferry company.
The Cliffs of Moher cruise is not worth it and you are far better off appreciating the cliffs from above on the walking path than via this boat ride.
The boats are modern and smooth but they pack you in. They drive you out to the end of the cliffs as fast as they can and race you back so the whole experience including boarding and disembarking is all done in 45-50 minutes. They don't provide a personal guide and instead, just play a recorded message. The message tells you about the wildlife you might see but the boat is going so fast that it is scaring every bird away. Forget about the captain telling you to look a certain direction for a puffin. If there is one there, it has probably been drowned in the significant wake from the boat. And the captain certainly won't be slowing down or turning the boat for you to get a better view because they have to race back for the next load of tourists.
Even though there is interesting wildlife here, the main attraction here are the cliffs. Surely they must deliver on that? Not really... They don't drive very close to the cliffs, and they don't take you around Hags Head, which is the dramatic looking end point of the cliffs. Instead, when the boat was about 800-1000 meters from the Hags Head, it did a rapid turnaround to start the return, spinning so quickly that it was nearly impossible to take a well-framed picture.
All this said, the cliffs are beautiful and if you don't have the time or fortitude to walk the path then the boat is a very overpriced but suitable option to allow you to see this magnificant natural wonder.
The Cliffs of Moher cruise is not worth it and you are far better off appreciating the cliffs from above on the walking path than via this boat ride.
The boats are modern and smooth but they pack you in. They drive you out to the end of the cliffs as fast as they can and race you back so the whole experience including boarding and disembarking is all done in 45-50 minutes. They don't provide a personal guide and instead, just play a recorded message. The message tells you about the wildlife you might see but the boat is going so fast that it is scaring every bird away. Forget about the captain telling you to look a certain direction for a puffin. If there is one there, it has probably been drowned in the significant wake from the boat. And the captain certainly won't be slowing down or turning the boat for you to get a better view because they have to race back for the next load of tourists.
Even though there is interesting wildlife here, the main attraction here are the cliffs. Surely they must deliver on that? Not really... They don't drive very close to the cliffs, and they don't take you around Hags Head, which is the dramatic looking end point of the cliffs. Instead, when the boat was about 800-1000 meters from the Hags Head, it did a rapid turnaround to start the return, spinning so quickly that it was nearly impossible to take a well-framed picture.
All this said, the cliffs are beautiful and if you don't have the time or fortitude to walk the path then the boat is a very overpriced but suitable option to allow you to see this magnificant natural wonder.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tripmember0615201623
cork25 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a complete rush job from the lads in the car park getting people to abandon cars to get them on the ferry to the 1 hr trip
That lasts 40 minutes . To be honest disgraceful behaviour from the red shirt staff as I was blocked in for over a hour and plenty of time to observe how they operate . After advising there customers to Abandon cars then for the council
To come along and issue fines . When I challenged the behaviour I was told we have nothing to do with the parking but that is not the case . Obviously on commission . All in all a rush job for what could be a pleasant trip .
That lasts 40 minutes . To be honest disgraceful behaviour from the red shirt staff as I was blocked in for over a hour and plenty of time to observe how they operate . After advising there customers to Abandon cars then for the council
To come along and issue fines . When I challenged the behaviour I was told we have nothing to do with the parking but that is not the case . Obviously on commission . All in all a rush job for what could be a pleasant trip .
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MorganF
Columbia, SC26 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We booked the night before after reading about this in the Ireland Orange Travel Guide (Rick Steve’s Book, I believe). We booked for 1:00 pm and they emailed us that the 1:00 pm tour for the 1 hour Cliffs of Moher via boat was not going yet there was a tour at 2:00 pm. That worked perfect because it gave us time to look in the smaller shops you drive by on the way in. I was able to find a couple of nice sweaters in the Village Crafts Doolin Shop which I was excited about it because it was something I’d budgeted for to purchase when going to Ireland. I thought the pricing was very fair as well!!! We were able to get a quick meal at the pub before the tour. The weather was great. Be sure to get in line early to get on the boat so you can get a seat up top outside (if the weather is good). We were able to get seats on the left side of the boat. It was great on the way but we probably would have seen a little more up close if we would have gotten on the right side of the boat (when facing forward). It was still a great experience to see the cliffs from the water prior to driving to go see the cliffs from above. It was awesome and I would definitely recommend. The drive from Doolin to the cliffs parking was about 20 minutes max. The drive is cute as well!!! Everyone working there at Doolin Express was nice!!!
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bergenfamily2013
Ridgewood, NJ319 contributions
Aug 2023
The ferry to the island was fine but we paid extra to add on the views of the Cliffs for the return and it was WAY too crowded and impossible to get good photos unless you were sitting in the right spot. We were sitting in the middle and could not see anything and people were crammed on the edges. It was not worth the extra money. Why not sell assigned seats? Or don't oversell seats so that everyone on board can sit on the edge rather than the middle?
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aisling b
Dublin, Ireland87 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We had a brilliant trip out to Inisheer! The ferry was great and let exactly on time. All Covid guidelines were followed and it was a fantastic way to see the island. I would highly recommend booking both the trip to the island as well as booking the Cliffs of Moher ferry!
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinead
County Kerry, Ireland47 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Went to Inis Mór with The Doolin Ferry company. Purchased the tickets from a young guy in the ticket office on the pier for a full day on the island, leaving at ten and leaving the island again at 5ish, and finishing with a trip to the cliffs of moher. He was very nice and gave us plenty of info on where to be on the morning and maps of the island etc. On arrival in the morning, staff were checking tickets and directing you to which boat you should be on. Crew member dispensing hand sanitizer on embarking and masks are compulsory for all passengers over 13. Sat on top deck and had a great trip over, 2 children were enthralled. Boat ran bang on time. All the crew were polite and professional but two were very friendly, a lovely girl and an older man, they were lovely and chatty. Return journey also bang on time. We were told to return to Doolin and change boats for trip to cliffs and as we were wrecked we debated seeing if we could change it. We decided to go ahead with it and we were so glad we did. The trip out was brilliant and the view of the cliffs is amazing. I would highly reccomend it. We were so impressed that we decided to go to Inis Oirr the following day and used the same company.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it comfortable to arrive here from Doolin centre by feet (and with baggages) or do we have to find a taxi or something else?
Thank tou!!
Written 12 July 2024
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
It's about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Doolin. It's possible to walk it as long as your bags are not too heavy.
Written 18 July 2024
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Hi there,
Thanks very much for the message. Yes you may, bikes are welcome on board with us free of charge.
Kind Regards, Liam
Written 30 June 2020
Can I use my free travel pass on your ferry to Inis Oirr in 2019
Written 12 April 2019
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Yes, please call in to our ticket office at the pier
Written 18 July 2024
Is there parking at the ferry terminal?
Written 29 January 2019
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Yes there is parking which is operated by Clare County Council.
Written 18 July 2024
Michael H
Kansas City, Missouri
Hello, we're not sure which times to book on a Thursday in a few weeks and wonder if we could book on short notice up to a day before online. Is there ever any danger of it being over booked?
Written 17 June 2018
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Hi there,
Thank you for your questions and apologies for the delay. It is indeed best to reserve ahead to secure your spaces on the ferry. The 10:00 am sailing in particular does indeed book up at this time of year in July and August. If you must make any adjustments to your reservation after the fact that is no problem, we can accommodate you for that as well.
Hope that helps you out and you can email info at doolinferry com also should you need anything further.
Kind Regards,
Liam O'Brien
Written 7 July 2018
Hi, we would like to take the ferry to Inishmore on monday 23rd Julty2018 and take ours bikes.
Is this possible? If so, is there any extra payment or reservation/booking to make?
Thank you for your answer.
Written 5 June 2018
Hi Niek, yes you can take your bike for free on all boats.
Written 6 June 2018
Good day my friend! We will be staying in Spiddal on a birthday trip (a BIG one!) and I was wondering if it was possible to see all 3 islands in one day? Or if not, can you recommend best use of a day from your first ride to last back? Many thanks!
Written 26 March 2018
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Hi there! Many apologies for the delay! Congratulations on the upcoming milestone. Hope it’s a good one!
You can not see all three in one day unfortunately. There’s just too much to see on each, and the distances in between them make that impossible. If you could stay a night on one- then you could.
Are you planning on taking the ferry from the Doolin side? If so, we absolutely recommend taking the 10am ferry to any island. If you want a shorter day, go to Inis Oírr. And then stay on board for a Cliffs cruise upon your return at 1:45pm.
If you want a full long day, go to Inis Mór. Spend all day touring, and in the way back then at 4pm, you can stay on board with us for a Cliffs of Moher Cruise then also. Finishing back in Doolin for about 6:30pm. A good long day out.
Hope that helps you some? Please feel free to email info at doolinferry and we’ll get straight back to you there.
Kind Regards, Liam O’Brien
Written 14 April 2018
Are there any ferries in early March? Specifically March 3?
Written 6 January 2017
Doolinferryco
Doolin, Ireland
Our season normally runs from 1st March to mid November
Written 18 July 2024
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.