Aran Islands Ferries, Ireland’s largest and longest operating year round ferry service to the Aran Islands announce an extension of its brand new seasonal 2021 Aran Islands route from Galway City Docks to Inis Mór inclusive of a cruise along the Cliffs of Moher, to Sunday September 26.
“The new route and service has received a hero’s welcome from Galwegians, visitors to Galway city and the tourism and hospitality sector and such has been the positive reaction and demand for the day out, a daily sailing into autumn is now guaranteed from Galway City Docks at 9.30am”, says Aran Island Ferries marketing manager, Áine Mc Loughlin.
The new service has also supported the hotels, accommodation and hospitality sector of Galway city in giving their guests a very attractive day time activity which shares the unique culture of Aran Island life while also bringing visitors back to enjoy Galway city in the evening.
Offering a 90-minute cruise on Galway Bay, Aran Island Ferries luxury vessels showcase the contrasting beauty and scenery of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way coastline of Connemara and Clare along with all three of the Aran Islands, Inis Oirr and Inis Meáin before docking in Kilronan on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The return journey to Galway city brings passengers on a cruise along the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Galwegians and visitors to the city of the Tribes are set to enjoy a safe, all-weather experience of the jewels in the crown of Galway Bay this summer.
There is onboard audio commentary for guests to learn about the culture and heritage of the Aran Islands, the nature and beauty of Galway Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way and the world renowned Cliffs of Moher, all of which are entertaining and educational to all age groups.
While on Inis Mór for a 4.5 hour stop-over from 11am to 3.30pm visitors can hire bicycles, or explore the stunning beauty of the largest of the three Aran Islands by mini bus tour, pony and trap, Aran Off Road Experience or simply walk. Other attractions include the breath taking Dún Aengus Cliffs, the many historical sites, beaches, Aran Islands Goats Cheese Food Tours, Aran Diving Academy or simply relax with the mouth-watering seafood and a drink in the atmosphere of a Gaeltacht Island culture in a choice of excellent restaurants and bars. A wide range of accommodation options are also available on Inis Mór for those wishing to create a staycation experience.
Saoirse na Farraige, Freedom of the Sea, is Aran Island Ferries latest investment and Ireland’s largest domestic island ferry vessel joined the extensive Aran Island Ferries fleet in winter 2020. Carrying passengers on all routes from Galway city and Rossaveel the fleet also includes, Draíocht na Farraige, Magic of the Sea, Ceol na Farraige, Music of the Sea, Glór na Farraige, Voice of the Sea and Banríon na Farraige Queen of the sea, and combined Aran Island Ferries have a total capacity of 1,420.
“Aran Islands Ferries new route from Galway City Docks has been long in the planning by the O’Brien Family of Aran Island Ferries,” says Áine Mc Loughlin marketing manager. “It is another chapter in the company’s progressive history as it is the first time since 2005 that there’s been a sailing to the Aran Islands from Galway city and the response so far this summer has been indicative of the demand for such tourist attractions and things to do in Galway city.”
