Aran Island Ferries hosted a Galway Chamber ‘Connect Series’ event last week, giving members of the Chamber an opportunity to network while enjoying a pleasurable cruise on the Bay.
Attendees celebrated 40 Years of Aran Island Ferries and the people who have contributed to its success. Ireland’s longest and largest year-round ferry operator is owned and operated by the O’Brien family of Connemara, who sailed with their first passengers in a traditional Galway Hooker boat An Tonaí in the 1970s and went on to purchase their first passenger ferry, the Dún Aengus, with 48-seats in 1983.
Today, Aran Island Ferries have a fleet of five vessels, with a total passenger capacity of 1,400. Aran Island Ferries welcomed Ireland’s biggest domestic ferry to the fleet, Saoirse na Farraige, with a passenger capacity of 400, in November 2020 and launched a new route from Galway City to Inis Mór in June 2021.
Guests at the event had the opportunity to learn how the business has grown over the years and impacted life on the Islands and the mainland before embarking on a cruise along Galway Bay. Entertainment was provided by islander and acclaimed singer-songwriter, Padraig Jack, with Connemara Brewing Company on board to talk about their beers brewed in Carraroe, Connemara.
Today, Aran Island Ferries provide year-round ferry travel to all three of the Aran Islands from Rossaveel Harbour and seasonal travel to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór from Galway City Docks which takes in a cruise along the Cliffs of Moher on the return journey to Galway City.
This award-winning cruise finishes for the season on Sunday, Sept. 24. For more information on Aran Island Ferries departures please visit aranislandferries.com or contact [email protected] / 091 568 903.
