Getting There and Away

Written by Graham Smith, Karen Price
29/08/2025
A stunning aerial view of Dun Aonghasa on the Aran Islands, showcasing rugged cliffs and ancient stone fortifications.
Jonathan Borba, Pexels

The main hubs for reaching the Aran Islands are the ferry terminals in Doolin, Rossaveal, and Galway City, as well as Connemara Regional Airport in Inverin.

By Ferry from Doolin:

Ferries depart from Doolin Pier to Inis Oírr (approximately 15 minutes), Inis Meáin (approximately 20 minutes), and Inis Mór (approximately 35 minutes) . The Doolin Ferry Co. is the primary operator . Return adult tickets range from €17–€34 for Inis Oírr and €23–€45 for Inis Mór and Inis Meáin . Services generally run from March to November . Parking is available at Doolin Pier for €5 for up to 30 hours or €15 for up to a week . Cars are not permitted on the passenger ferries .

By Ferry from Rossaveal:

Aran Island Ferries offers year-round service from Rossaveal Harbour to Inis Mór (approximately 40 minutes), Inis Meáin (approximately 50 minutes), and Inis Oírr (approximately 55 minutes) . A return adult ticket to Inis Mór averages €70, and to Inis Oírr is €30 . A shuttle bus service is available from Galway City to Rossaveal, which should be booked with your ferry ticket, costing around €5 each way and taking about 50 minutes to 1 hour . Parking is available at Rossaveal port 24 hours a day , with rates previously noted at €5 per day . Cars cannot be taken on the ferries .

By Ferry from Galway City:

A seasonal direct ferry service operates from Galway City Docks to Inis Mór from March to September . The journey to Inis Mór takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes . A return adult fare is about €49.00 , with an average of €90 for a return trip . Parking is available at the Harbour Company indoor public car park for €15 for 24 hours . Cars are not allowed on the ferries .

By Flight from Connemara Regional Airport:

Aer Arann Islands operates daily flights to all three islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr) from Connemara Regional Airport in Inverin . Flights are weather-dependent and typically take less than 10 minutes . A return adult airfare to Inis Oírr or Inis Meáin is €63, with a single fare costing €35 . A shuttle bus service connects Galway City (Victoria Hotel near Eyre Square) to Connemara Airport, costing €5 each way and requiring booking with your flight . Free parking is available at Connemara Regional Airport .

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