Following the closing of the seasonal tourist ferry in September on the direct Galway City-Aran Islands route, operator Aran Island Ferries continues with winter sailings, as part of the year-route out of Rossaveel, Connemara, writes Jehan Ashmore.
So at this time of year, foot-passengers travelling to Rossaveel port, which is 37kms (23 miles) west of Galway city centre, can take a connecting ‘ferry & shuttle bus’ service to Connemara, however Afloat having consulted their facebook page, noted of a relocation for the bus departure point in the City of the Tribes.
The bus departure point in Galway has relocated to Victoria Place which is around the corner from Queen Street and is signposted. Tickets must be booked by a minimum of 12 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
For passengers intending to drive to Rossaveel, the ferry operator, advises a one hour driving time from the city to the port.
Aran Island Ferries operate throughout the winter to all of the three islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr which form the archipelago off the western seaboard along the Wild Atlantic Way.
All passengers, must check in 30 minutes prior to their sailing departure time.
As for a car (vehicle) ferry service?... this is provided by another company, Lasta Mara Teo whose Chateau-Thierry operates in addition to their Government cargo-contracted service from Galway Docks. This is also operated by the freighter, Saoirse na Mara, which provides an essential islands life-line service in the carraige of vehicles, goods and supplies required by residents, noting Lasta Mara also on occasions run out of Rossaveel.
The car ferry service is not available for accompanied vehicle traffic, as driver’s instead can only take the alternative passenger based ferry services out of Rossaveel. Or also from Doolin, Co. Clare in which rival operator, Doolin Ferry Company, is to resume all services in March, 2024 including cruises off the Cliffs of Moher.
As for the resumption also of next year’s Aran Island Ferries high-season tourist orientated route direct from Galway City, departures will be starting from the shoulder season on March 29th and throughout the summer until September 22nd.
It should be noted during next year's season, all Galway City (Port of Galway) return sailings (i.e. Day Tours and overnight stays) depart Inis Mór and return to the City with cruises along the Cliffs of Moher on the county Clare coastline.
Operating this service is the custom-built Saoirse na Farraige, completed in Hong Kong, which arrived into Galway Bay by heavy-lift ship more than two years ago.
The 400 passenger ferry entered service in June, 2021, catering primarily for the domestic and overseas tourist market.