Aran Princess high speed Aran Islands catamaran


COMING SOON Travel direct from Galway City Centre to the Aran Islands aboard Galway's only high-speed catamaran, the "Aran Princess"! Aran Direct is awaiting delivery of the luxury catamaran, the "Aran Princess". Once a start date for the service is confirmed, it will be announced on this website and passengers will be able to book their tickets online. Check back here for details!

CONVENIENT Direct from Galway City Centre to the Islands COMFORTABLE Luxury catamaran with excellent on-board bar and catering facilities SAVES TIME Galway City to the Aran Islands in less than 60 minutes SCENIC Take in the sights of Galway Bay and The Burren on the way




For the first time, visitors to the Aran Islands will be able to travel direct from Galway City Centre to Inis Mór in less than an hour. Aran Direct is introducing a new high speed catamaran service from Galway Harbour this summer. The new service was launched by the late Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Seamus Brennan T.D., at Dublin Holiday World on Thursday, 24th of January 2008. The 300-seater luxury catamaran has been specially designed to complete the journey in record speed and comfort, cutting out the need to drive or take a bus to Rossaveal harbour in Connemara, the current departure point for ferries to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands already attract about 250,000 visitors every year. This new service promises to increase that number by making it more convenient to travel to the islands. “Many Galway people fondly remember the service from Galway City provided in the past by the Naomh Éanna, the Dún Aengus and many others.” says Karen Smyth from Aran Direct. “While it was convenient to leave from the city, the length and comfort of the journey was challenging. Our new catamaran service will take less than 60 minutes, and passengers will enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort on board.” “The increased comfort is due to a revolutionary technology called MDS. This technology adjusts the movement of the vessel in response to sea conditions, and enables the catamaran to maintain higher speeds and higher levels of comfort, even in poor weather”.

Of course, part of the experience will be travelling on the catamaran itself. Visitors will enjoy a panoramic view of Galway Bay and the Burren on the journey to the Aran Islands. On board, the catamaran has luxury indoor seating, a bar and café shop serving refreshments, a 1st Class seating area and a VIP section with a separate bar for private groups.

Aran Direct already provides a daily ferry service from Rossaveal to the Aran Islands, but is launching this additional route in response to market demand for a faster, more convenient service. Aran Direct also plans to use the catamaran for lunchtime and evening cruises in Galway Bay.


Seol go hÁrainn le "Rogha na nOileánach" Cruise to the Aran Islands with "The Islanders' Choice"