Aran Island Ferries
Aran Island Ferries
4.5
09:00 - 17:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 17:00
Sunday
09:00 - 17:00
About
Prepare for a warm Irish welcome as you board the luxury Aran Island Ferries boat (including a full bar and refreshment service) from the sheltered fishing harbour of Rossaveel (Ros a’ Mhíl) in Connemara or from Galway City Docks. Owned by the O’Briens, this family has an enduring relationship with the Aran Islands since they began to trade turf there in the 1900s. Along the way, feel the clean air against your face while admiring Galway Bay views. Once on the islands, enjoy a way of life including culture, heritage and language that is unlike anywhere in the world. Sail on the biggest passenger ferries to the Aran Islands (year-round) or the Cliffs of Moher (seasonally).
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Aran Island Ferries and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
377 within 5 kms
Attractions
106 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,189 reviews
Excellent
713
Very good
318
Average
91
Poor
29
Terrible
38
JenGGG
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We travelled out around the islands and back along by the cliffs of Moher of the boat Saoirse na Farraige and I have to say what a fantastic experience we had. When we arrived we were boarded quickly and efficiently by friendly staff, the boat was spotlessly clean and we bought a lovely tea and snack to have onboard. The boat seems brand new, there was WiFi onboard and comfy seats both inside the both and up on deck. The crew kept walking through during the journey checking in that people were okay, sharing knowledge about the islands, cliffs and nature and keeping us updated on when we might experience some rocky waters. We got off on Inishmore for the day and had an amazing day on the island doing a tour, walking to the wormhole, chatting to friendly locals before having a lovely lunch in a cafe. We then returned on the boat by the Cliffs of Moher which were awe inducing, and we also got to see some puffins around that area too. All in all we had the most beautiful, fun day and would like to thank the crew of Saoirse na Farraige for making it such a safe and enjoyable trip during a time of anxiety with travel.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarB
Navan, Ireland31 contributions
Aug 2020
Lovely female staff member in office who helped a lot on phone. The bus to Rossaveal at €9 is recommended. Ferry is lovely & spacious with helpful staff. Bus kindly collected us at our hotel as it passed by.
However, I'm only giving 4/5 as the return bus driver was not very helpful & a little rude. I am a carer & have free travel card which was not a problem all day but when it came to the trip back he was adamant that I should have a ticket, when I told him I wasn't supplied with a ticket or asked for one all day he was quite rude and loudly said 'well you're very lucky to get away with that all day'. He told me to go to a hut nearby to get a ticket & when I told him my children were already on the bus (one of whom has autism), he said they would have to get off, which they did. It was embarrassing in front of other passengers, I got off & told him I had an email showing I had free travel, I was fearful to go to the hut as I thought he would leave without us. After showing him the email he eventually let us on the bus but when I asked him to please let us off in Salthill, his reply was 'I don't know if I'm going through Salthill, but I'll let you know.' Two minutes after we got on the bus, he jumped on & told another passenger nearby that he was going through Salthill, overall there were approx 9 passengers who wanted to get off at Salthill. His attitude & manner left a lot to be desired & put a dampener on what had been a lovely day with otherwise very pleasant staff.
However, I'm only giving 4/5 as the return bus driver was not very helpful & a little rude. I am a carer & have free travel card which was not a problem all day but when it came to the trip back he was adamant that I should have a ticket, when I told him I wasn't supplied with a ticket or asked for one all day he was quite rude and loudly said 'well you're very lucky to get away with that all day'. He told me to go to a hut nearby to get a ticket & when I told him my children were already on the bus (one of whom has autism), he said they would have to get off, which they did. It was embarrassing in front of other passengers, I got off & told him I had an email showing I had free travel, I was fearful to go to the hut as I thought he would leave without us. After showing him the email he eventually let us on the bus but when I asked him to please let us off in Salthill, his reply was 'I don't know if I'm going through Salthill, but I'll let you know.' Two minutes after we got on the bus, he jumped on & told another passenger nearby that he was going through Salthill, overall there were approx 9 passengers who wanted to get off at Salthill. His attitude & manner left a lot to be desired & put a dampener on what had been a lovely day with otherwise very pleasant staff.
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola H
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Quick, easy and smooth crossing from Rossaveal. Toilets at the pier. Comfortable journey.
€7 to park in the car park for the day. Booked online, Collected our tickets in the office in the car park, then 3 minute walk up to the pier. Very simple, would definitely do again.
On the island, lots of tour busses or taxis waiting at the pier to take you around the island if you don’t want to cycle. We used Tom Dirrane (0877579342) who was very helpful and extremely reasonably priced. Plenty of time to see the main attractions (dun aonghasa, seven churches, seal colony and the sweater shops) if you get the 11.45am boat (return at 5). We could also have visited the black fort if we’d got the earlier boat, or were happy to return after dinner at 7.
€7 to park in the car park for the day. Booked online, Collected our tickets in the office in the car park, then 3 minute walk up to the pier. Very simple, would definitely do again.
On the island, lots of tour busses or taxis waiting at the pier to take you around the island if you don’t want to cycle. We used Tom Dirrane (0877579342) who was very helpful and extremely reasonably priced. Plenty of time to see the main attractions (dun aonghasa, seven churches, seal colony and the sweater shops) if you get the 11.45am boat (return at 5). We could also have visited the black fort if we’d got the earlier boat, or were happy to return after dinner at 7.
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AleutianDash
Anchorage, AK33 contributions
Sept 2022
The ferries are well managed and offer a smooth painless ride to a unique and fairly well-preserved culture, a land of stark beauty. Unavoidably, the Aran Islands are a tourist magnet. Their great mysteries lie largely in the past (though they will come at least partly to life for you if you read J. M. Synge's early 20th C. book about them). Once you're on Inis Mór (Inishmore), largest of the three Aran Islands, you can get a strong sense of their unusual character by renting a bike, which many visitors do. It's not far or difficult to pedal to the visitor center from which you can walk 1 km to the ruins of the great ancient fort at Dùn Aonghasa. I recommend buying (for roughly 10 euros) the site's guidebook.
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith G
Randolph, NJ18 contributions
Sept 2022
We took the Ferry from Rosaveel to Inish More a few days after our planned trip from Doolin was scrapped due to weather (our own decision, I'm sure the Ferry from Doolin still sailed). The boat is bigger than the one from Doolin so the ride was comfortable. I was surprised that there were no concessions on board, would have killed for a coffee that morning as we had some water problems at our Airbnb and could not make any. The arrival on Inish More at 11:20 AM or so and return trip at 5 PM is the perfect length of time to visit the island. The crossing felt safe and secure.
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs_Pud1
Ireland1,845 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Great return trip, departed on time, took approximately 45mins to cross.
Safe secure parking at €7 a day, just a 3 minute walk from the pier in Rossaveel.
Plenty of seating and luggage space onboard. Crew walking around reminding people of mask wearing. You must also sanitise your hands before boarding.
Safe secure parking at €7 a day, just a 3 minute walk from the pier in Rossaveel.
Plenty of seating and luggage space onboard. Crew walking around reminding people of mask wearing. You must also sanitise your hands before boarding.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi @Mrs_Pud1, we're delighted to see you enjoyed your trip! Yes, our crew work hard to maintain a high level of compliance. Hope to see you again soon.
Written 10 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurie Nash
6 contributions
Aug 2019
I was offered a tour to the Aran Islands via the Aran Island Ferries as a supplement from my tour advisor. Since I have years of experience riding ferries ( former 40 year Seattle native) I was missing being out on the water. I had a terrific ride, found the constant reminders of "mind the door" so I wouldn't knock myself silly (I'm very tall, 6'2" ) and found the crew very helpful to passengers on boarding and disembarking, up and down the ramps, etc. Watching the coastlines and islands, seabirds, smelling the salt air, feeling the swells all felt very familiar and I was beyond happy that I had chosen this day trip. The Aran islands and our home to Dun Aengus was the icing on the cake of an enchanting day. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone enjoying sea trips and great historical experiences.
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Piovesan
Province of Treviso, Italy9 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Maybe it was thanks to the previous reviews that the anti Covid guidelines were fully met and everyone on board followed them. And the staff were professional and friendly. Spectacular day out that exceeded my expectations: breathtaking views, smooth sailing, cycling around Inishmore island was fabulous. Great food. It ticked all the boxes. I went there with my husband but I think this cruise is suitable for all ages.
Written 18 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric M
Cork, Ireland30 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The last time I was in Innismore it was alot different experience getting there.This is a very modern ferry with loads of room and for those who like the fresh air plenty of seating on Deck.Tea and coffee with light snacks also available.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to review us @Y4284CGericm. We're delighted to see that you enjoyed your travel experience to the Aran Islands!
Written 23 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gsquare3
Morristown, NJ1 contribution
Aug 2022
Plans to get to the harbor at least 1 hour before departure because this place is impossible to find. Also, for some reason that makes no sense, you have to print the ticket you receive in your confirmation. It's a pain to get to a printer on vacation and given today's technology, how about showing it on your phone?
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do I need to book a reservation to the Aran Islands for March 15,2023
Written 16 January 2023
It is recommended to book in advance. See the Aran Island Ferry homepage for reservations. Remember that the ferry departs from Rossaveel, so if you are in Galway you need to take a bus shuttle to Rossaveel first and then the ferry to Inis Mór.
Written 17 January 2023
Online the ferry says “one way”, is there a day trip from Galway to Aran islands, that also brings you back to Galway in the afternoon?
Written 20 July 2022
siobhan994
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Are the ferry trips accessible for the disabled using a mobility scooter?
Written 10 July 2020
Bonjour. Combien de temps est la durée pour la visite des d'Aran
Written 13 October 2019
you can stay for half a day or all day. The ferry runs several trips per day.
Written 21 October 2019
Buonasera per favore qual'è la mugliore agenzia di tour sul posto a cui rivolgersi per le gite giornaliere e se si trova posto anche prenotando sul posto uno o due giorni prima,grazie
Written 11 September 2019
ciao, secondo me la migliore a Galway è proprio l'agenzia Aran Islands ferries che si trova proprio vicino alla nuova grande stazione di pullman .buon viaggio
Written 26 September 2019
I want to go to Galway where would the ferry take me to to reach Galway from England
Written 10 August 2019
Yes, Dinolady is right. We flew to Dublin from London. Then took a 3-hour bus ride(buy sandwiches at the airport before boarding the bus), to Galway. It’s very easy.
Written 12 August 2019
Can you bring dogs on the ferry from Ros a Mhíl to the islands?
Written 25 July 2019
Aran Island Ferries
Galway, Ireland
Yes, dogs are permitted but they need to be kept outside and on a leash at all times.
Written 26 July 2019
Want to book tickets online but unsure of return time. The website wants me to enter one, is it possible to book a round trip ticket without specifying a return time?
Written 30 June 2019
We chose to come back at 5 but the weather wasn’t great and we still wanted to travel once we got back. We went down to the dock and asked and they told us to get in line and it there was room on the 4 we could get on. So we were in the first 10 or 12 people expecting to be put on a list or something but they just let us get on
Written 8 July 2019
Are the ferries walking distance from Nun's Island in Galway City? If so, approximately how far?
Written 14 February 2019
Maddie S
San Francisco, California
Hi there, if you decide to get our bus shuttle service to the ferry departure base in Connemara, it's a 15 minute walk from Nun's Island. You need to pop into our office first to collect your tickets. The bus ride from Galway city to our departure base in Rossaveal, is approximately 45 minutes. Call us (091) 568 903 or send us an email if you need any assistance.
Written 15 February 2019
Have anyone booked tickets in advance through the website ? (aranislandferries . com) The web seems to be outdated, they haven't answered my emails, and it only shows a link to pay. Do you recommend buying the tickets at the pier ?
Written 6 January 2019
We bought tickets online and had no problems whatsoever. This was back in August. I don’t know why they haven’t answered your emails but our experience booking online was very problem free. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time beforehand. It is a five minute walk from the parking lot to where the ferry leaves. I will add that this is worth the effort as our afternoon on Inishmore was truly exceptional and perhaps our best time in Ireland.
Written 12 January 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 38
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing