Doolin Ferry

Doolin Ferry operates passenger sailings from Doolin Pier in County Clare, on Ireland’s west coast. The service is best known as a gateway to the three Aran Islands, which lie a short distance offshore. Because Doolin is one of the closest mainland departure points to the islands, crossings are relatively short: around 15 minutes to Inis Oírr (Inisheer), about 25 minutes to Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and roughly 35 minutes to Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three.

Each island has its own character, from the prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór to the Plassey shipwreck on Inis Oírr, and visitors can spend a few hours ashore or stay overnight before returning. Alongside the island routes, the company runs cruises beneath the Cliffs of Moher, offering a view of the cliffs from sea level. The cliff cruise can be taken on its own or combined with an island trip using a combination ticket.

The ferry runs along this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, with Doolin village lying roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter’s drive from Shannon Airport. Sailings are seasonal rather than year-round, so it is worth checking current timetables and booking ahead before travelling.