Sail on the Largest Passenger Ferries to the Aran Islands

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.

From the Far East to the Far West.. 'Saoirse na Farraige' is on her way

Aran Island Ferries will make history this year, when Ireland’s largest domestic ferry, ‘Saoirse na Farraige,’ becomes the sixth member of the fleet.

Partnering with Cheoy Lee Shipyards, a world-leading ship building company in Hong Kong, the 40-metre vessel with a capacity of 400 was first commissioned in January 2019.

The vessel is embarking on a 15-thousand mile journey towards Galway Bay and is traveling inside the hold of a heavy lift ship called ‘Svenja’, belonging to 'Sal Heavy Lift'.

{img:83{"class":"img","style":"width: 1280px; height: 720px;","width":"1366","_id":"1229"}}

'Saoirse na Farraige' has at least three more stops to make before arriving in Galway Bay at the end of October. The ferry will not enter service until April 2021.

Marketing Manager, Aine McLoughlin said “We are really looking forward to officially launching ‘Saoirse na Farraige’ next year and seeing visitors enjoy their journey to the Aran Islands onboard our new ferry."

Owned by the O’Briens of Connemara, this family has an enduring relationship with the Aran Islands since they began to trade turf there in the early 1900s.

Aran Island Ferries co-founder, Paddy O’Brien, worked on the deck of his father Michael’s Galway Hooker, ‘An Tónaí,’ and when the turf trade started to decline, they began carrying passengers to the Aran Islands.

Inspired by his father’s work and committed to improving their passengers travel experience, Paddy and his wife Sally, bought the ‘Dún Aengus,’ a 48-seater in 1983, and the first domestic ferry with a passenger licence on the west coast.

Today, Paddy and Sally’s family: Susan, Sharon, Cian and Niall, continue to deliver on their parent’s commitment, by introducing ferries with advanced technology to the fleet, ensuring a safe, comfortable journey for passengers.

"Resilience, tenacity and an enduring optimism has enabled the business to grow from carrying passengers on a Galway Hooker to Ireland’s largest domestic ferry this year," said General Manager, Susan O’Brien. "We will continue to exercise these qualities regardless of the environment we operate in and are looking forward to welcoming ‘Saoirse na Farraige’.”

The longest running passenger ferry business from Galway to the Aran Islands view the investment as a vote of confidence in Island tourism and would like to see their new ferry postively impact businesses in the west of Ireland.