Getting from Galway City to The Aran Islands
Visitors to Galway city and the surrounding areas will no doubt realize just how close they are to the famous Aran Islands and head off for a day of exploring. Pick your appropriate method of transport and you are basically set to experience the life of an islander on Inis Mór, Inis Meáin or Inis Oirr. So let the adventure begin…
Direct ferry from Galway City ⛴
There are a few ways of getting to the Aran Islands. Probably the most popular at the moment is by taking the new ferry service operating from Galway City direct to the Aran Islands with Aran Island Ferries. The return journey of this route from Inis Mor sails by the Cliffs of Moher, where you can get spectacular views on your way back to Galway City. Note: This is a seasonal ferry service from March to September.
Depart from Rossaveal
The other most common way to get to the Aran Islands is via car or bus transfer from Galway city to Rossaveal Harbour. This journey will take approximately 45 minutes, please allow a little extra for local traffic and road conditions.
At Rossaveal Harbour, you will board the passenger only Aran ferry for your journey across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands. The closest island to the mainland is Inis Mór, which is only 30 to 40 minutes away. The journey time to Inis Meáin and to Inis Oirr is a little longer, as the islands are a little further away. It will take you approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to these islands. See Aran Island Ferries for up to date information on timetables, fares and bus transfers to the ferry from Galway City.
Doolin to the Aran Islands Ferries
A longer journey by road (1.30mins) but a slightly shorter ferry boat trip (25 mins) departs from Doolin in county Clare (1 hr south of Galway City). The ferries from Doolin are operated by Doolin Ferry Co and Doolin 2 Aran Ferries.
Flights to the Aran Islands 🛩
If you simply can’t wait to see the Aran Islands and want to get there as soon as possible? How about flying there! Flights are on a daily basis from Connemara Regional Airport and it only takes 10 minutes to get to your destination. Where will I find Connemara Regional Airport, I hear you ask. Well, heading West, it is only 19 miles from Galway city. If you don’t have a car, no need to worry, as Aer Arann Islands provide a shuttle service from Galway city to Connemara Regional Airport.
Aran Islands Transport Map 🗺️
Bus, ferry and flight departure and arrival points for your journey to each of the three Aran Islands. Bus transfers depart from Merchants Road in Galway city to both Connemara Airport and Rossaveal ferryport. Bus transfer tickets must be booked with your ferry or flight ticket.
Tours & day trips to the Aran Islands
Alternatively, if you don’t have a car, you can also jump aboard a privately run tour bus services from Galway city to Rossaveal, and then on to the Aran Islands. It is advisable to allow extra time if you are using this method of transport, as there may be pre-booked request stops along the route. Private tours are run by Galway Tour Company and other operators. Below are the excursions available.
What to see and do on the Aran islands
There is so much to see and do, before you know it you will be on your return journey back to Galway, and no doubt planning another visit to these marvellous islands.
For example at Kilronan pier on Inis Mór, you can hire out a bicycle or take the more traditional mode of transport, the pony and trap and mini-bus tours are also available from here.
Keep an eye out for the round tower, which dates back to the 9th century, a stone roofed beehive, a black fort and Dún Aonghasa.
Why not bring the fishing rod along and enjoy a spot of fishing. The thoughts of lovely fresh fish for tea is overwhelming! Pollack, monkfish, cod and whiting, you can almost smell them cooking and you haven’t even caught them yet!
Or you could be adventurous and call in to the Dive Academy for Scuba Diving lessons and equipment rental beside Kilronan Pier. Students from 8 years of age and upwards are accepted.
Inis Oirr is home to Áras Éanna, an arts and heritage centre with a difference. Here artists can take up residency and display their works for about 4 months. The centre also has a theatre where there is a regular programme of plays, concerts and cinema.
As you can see, all three of the islands has something different to offer, but common to all has to be some fantastic beaches, including Kilmurvey Beach on Inis Mór, which has attained the much-coveted Blue Flag status.
Hopefully these are a few convincing facts to entice you to exchange the hustle and bustle of city life for the simple and straightforward life of the islands, even if it is just for 1 day.
FAQs about getting to the Aran Islands
What is the easiest way to travel to the Aran Islands from Galway?
The most convenient way to get to the Aran Islands from Galway involves a scenic drive of up to one hour to the ferryport at Rossaveel, where a passenger ferry awaits. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Galway Bay and the distant Burren hills along road R336. The ferry ride to Inis Mór, Inis Oírr, or Inis Meáin takes about 40 minutes, offering both cabin and open deck options for a memorable voyage.
Is it possible to get a bus transfer to the ferry?
Yes, a bus shuttle from Galway’s city centre to Rossaveel is provided by the Aran Island Ferries. The entire journey, including both the bus and ferry trips, takes a little less than two hours, providing a hassle-free option for visitors.
What is the fastest way to get to the Aran Islands?
For a quick hop to the islands, Aer Arann Islands offers flights departing from Connemara Airport, a 30-minute drive from Galway. The 10-minute flight to Inis Mór provides a scenic aerial perspective of the three islands. Be mindful of weather conditions that may impact flight schedules at fairly short notice. Check with Aer Arann Islands if you have any concerns.
How long before ferry departure should I arrive?
Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ferry’s departure, and pre-reserved tickets must be collected at a cabin near the dock.
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