Galway is a scenic tender port with no dedicated cruise terminal; ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers ashore for exploring the city, Cliffs of Moher excursions, or Aran Islands.
- Scenic Jewel will be visiting on May 5, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Gem will be visiting on May 5, with 126 passenger capacity.
- Spirit of Adventure will be visiting on May 10, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 17:00, with 999 passenger capacity.
- Douglas Mawson will be visiting on May 14, with 180 passenger capacity.
- Vasco da Gama-Nicko will be visiting on May 18, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 17:00, with 1,250 passenger capacity.
- Douglas Mawson will be visiting on May 20, with 180 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jasper will be visiting on May 25, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Gem will be visiting on May 25, with 126 passenger capacity.
- Fred Olsen Balmoral will be visiting on June 15, with 1,350 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jade will be visiting on June 16, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Amadea will be visiting on July 5, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 600 passenger capacity.
- Fred Olsen Borealis will be visiting on July 13, with 1,338 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jade will be visiting on July 14, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Fred Olsen Bolette will be visiting on July 23, with 1,338 passenger capacity.
- Artania will be visiting on August 7, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 1,200 passenger capacity.
- Oceania Insignia will be visiting on August 9, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 19:00, with 684 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jade will be visiting on August 11, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Gem will be visiting on August 11, with 126 passenger capacity.
- Star Legend will be visiting on August 13, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 17:00, with 212 passenger capacity.
- ms Europa will be visiting on August 13, arriving at 07:00 and departing at 13:00, with 408 passenger capacity.
- Seabourn Ovation will be visiting on August 14, arriving at 08:00 and departing at 18:00, with 600 passenger capacity.
- Artania will be visiting on August 16, arriving at 09:00 and departing at 18:00, with 1,200 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Opal will be visiting on August 17, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jasper will be visiting on August 31, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Gem will be visiting on August 31, with 126 passenger capacity.
- Scenic Jade will be visiting on September 8, with 163 passenger capacity.
- Fred Olsen Borealis will be visiting on September 10, with 1,338 passenger capacity.\
Shore options:
These are the most commonly offered and popular options, typically arranged through cruise lines or local operators (such as Paddywagon Tours, Lally Tours, Galway Tour Company, or Viator/GetYourGuide partners) with guaranteed return to the ship.
- Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Tour: A full-day coach excursion along the Wild Atlantic Way to the iconic Cliffs of Moher (breathtaking 700-foot sea cliffs with panoramic views), combined with the unique limestone karst landscape of the Burren (ancient sites, wildflowers, and geology), often including visitor centre entry and coastal stops.
- Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise Combo: A highly popular full-day adventure departing from Galway docks or nearby, featuring a ferry to Inisheer (the smallest Aran Island) for exploration of traditional Irish culture, boreens, and ruins, followed by a scenic boat cruise along the base of the Cliffs of Moher for stunning sea-level views (often with puffin sightings in season).
- Connemara National Park and Scenic Tour: A full-day coach or small-group drive through the rugged Connemara region, showcasing lakes, mountains, Kylemore Abbey (a neo-Gothic castle with Victorian walled gardens), traditional villages, and peat bogs, highlighting the wild beauty and Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) heritage.
- Aran Islands Full-Day Tour (Inisheer or Inis Mór): A focused island-hopping excursion by ferry to one of the Aran Islands (often Inisheer for its accessibility), with time to cycle, walk, or take a pony trap around ancient forts, stone walls, and seal colonies, offering immersion in remote island life and Celtic history.
- Galway City Walking Tour and Highlights: A half-day gentle walking or guided exploration of Galway’s lively medieval city centre, including Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, colourful streets, traditional pubs, the Claddagh area, and the vibrant Latin Quarter, with commentary on history, music, and local culture (ideal for independent or low-activity options).
- Cliffs of Moher Cruise and Coastal Boat Tour: A marine-focused half-day or full-day boat excursion from Galway Bay or nearby, cruising along the coastline to view the Cliffs of Moher from the sea, with wildlife spotting (seals, birds) and dramatic scenery, sometimes combined with Aran Islands elements.
- Private or Small-Group Custom Tour: Flexible full-day private excursions (by minivan or luxury vehicle) tailored to interests, such as combining Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, or Kylemore Abbey with city time, or focusing on hidden gems like Inch Beach or local craft experiences.
- Kylemore Abbey and Connemara Highlights: A scenic half-day or full-day visit to the romantic Kylemore Abbey (a historic castle-turned-monastery with stunning gardens and lake views), often extended through Connemara’s peatlands, mountains, and traditional stops for a peaceful, picturesque experience.
These excursions cater to interests in natural wonders, island culture, scenic drives, and city charm, with many involving coach or boat transfers due to the tender port setup (shuttles are common to city centre or onward sites). Full-day tours are especially popular for accessing distant highlights like the Cliffs or Aran Islands. Independent options like local taxis, buses, or the city’s walkable centre suit those preferring flexibility, but organised tours ensure timely return to the ship. Availability depends on weather, tendering times, and ship schedules.
