NEW DEPARTURE FROM
GALWAY CITY THIS SUMMER

Aran Island Ferries are launching a brand new route from Galway city centre to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, this summer.

But final details of this exciting route, including a surprise addition to the return leg of the journey which takes in one of Ireland's most celebrated attractions, hasn't been revealed yet. Those looking for more information can sign up to Aran Island Ferries’ newsletter and be first to hear the news..

The new route is sure to get Galwegians and visitors to the city excited for a summer of getaways to the iconic Inis Mór. Setting off from The Docks in Galway’s city centre, passengers can enjoy an audio guide during their 90-minute trip to Inis Mór.

Speaking on this, Marketing Manager Aine McLoughlin says; “Overseas travel restrictions have encouraged people to embrace and explore local tourism experiences. Our new route offers Galwegians and visitors to the city a fresh perspective and an exciting new way to celebrate and learn about two of the most iconic attractions in Ireland.”

The largest and longest established passenger ferry service sailing to the Aran Islands, Aran Island Ferries is a long-standing family tradition and legacy for the O’Brien clan. Inspired by days spent transporting passengers with his father Michael back in the early 1970s, Paddy O’Brien and his wife Sally took the plunge and bought a 48-seater in 1983 and they haven’t looked back since. Still building on that same foundation today with the help of their family - Susan, Sharon, Cian and Niall - they’ll be making history yet again this summer.

General Manager, Susan O’Brien said, “The new route signifies our confidence in growing the business as well as our belief in the high-level of quality tourism experiences here in Galway and on the Aran Islands that serve the domestic market so well. The warm and memorable welcome visitors receive is attributed to the sum of efforts from the local business community, which we hope will benefit from the investment.”

The launch of the new route comes alongside a new addition to their fleet; Saoirse na Farraige. One of the five vessels carrying passengers from Galway city to Inis Mór, Saoirse na Farraige is Ireland’s largest domestic passenger ferry with a capcity of 400, generating a whole lot of excitement and a welcome anticipation for better days ahead.

 Be first to hear the final details of this new route including departure dates, times, prices and additional facilities by signing up to our newsletter.

Be the first to know about the launch of this exciting new product and our latest promotions by signing up to our mailing list here.

Aran Island Ferries to depart from Galway city next year

Aran Island Ferries welcomed Ireland's largest and most environmentally friendly domestic passenger ferry, 'Saoirse na Farraige', to the fleet earlier this month. The eagerly anticipated heavy-lift vessel, 'Svenja', arrived in Galway Bay from Hong Kong bringing huge excitement to the area as 'Saoirse na Farraige' was gently lifted from inside the hold of the cargo vessel and lowered by crane onto water.

Ireland's largest domestic passenger ferry has arrived in Galway from Hong Kong. Saoirse na Farraige has been commissioned by Aran Island Ferries and will commence service next year ¦ Read more: https://t.co/Z2U4SYL6wN pic.twitter.com/idFOAZm5Is

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 6, 2020

The family-owned business further contributed to the excitement by announcing a new route which will depart from Galway Docks to Inis Mór next spring; the journey will take approximately 90-minutes.

Tá an bád farantóireachta is mó in Éirinn tagtha an bealach ar fad as Hong Kong go Cuan na Gaillimhe chun paisinéirí a thabhairt go hÁrainn. Is leis an gcomhlacht Aran Island Ferries 'Saoirse na Farraige' bád atá in ann 400 paisinéir a iompar. Tá an scéal @SineadNiN pic.twitter.com/6yLlkjXY1E

— NuachtTG4 (@NuachtTG4) November 6, 2020

Sales and Marketing Manger, Aine McLoughlin said, "From an economic standpoint, our new vessel didn't arrive in the environment we anticipated, but the fantastic weather, positive atmosphere and team spirit on the day of the arrival outweighed all obstacles. Despite the challenges imposed on our business and other tourism businesses across the country, our new vessel and route symbolize hope and opportunity, not just for us but for our partners on the Aran Islands, in Connemara and Galway. We are looking forward to the official launch next year and hope to see the investment positively impact other businesses."

{img:83{"class":"img","style":"width: 1280px; height: 724px;","width":"1366","_id":"1339"}}

{img:83{"class":"img","style":"width: 1280px; height: 717px;","width":"1366","_id":"1349"}}

Aran Island Ferries last operated their Galway city to Inis Mór departure in 2005 and believe the new route and vessel will greatly enhance passengers travel experience to the islands.

"Our main goal is to ensure our passengers experience a safe, comfortable journey to the Aran Islands. 'Saoirse na Farraige' was designed to provide maximum comfort in all weather conditions and additional space for our crew and passengers. An alternative route offers choice and convenience for many Galwegians and visitors staying in the city," said McLoughlin.

More information on the new route will be announced early next year.

Don't forget to sign up to our mailing list here for the latest news on our Galway city departure and the launch of our new vessel.