Q: Where do ferries for the Aran Islands leave from?

All ferries to the Aran Islands leave from Rossaveal Harbour, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Q: How far is it from Galway City to Rossaveal Harbour?
40kms.

Q: I won't have a car, how do I get to Rossaveal Harbour?  Is there a bus?
Aran Islands Direct have an optional private bus service from Galway City to Rossaveal Harbour and back. The bus leaves from Merchants Road in Galway City (outside Kinlay House Youth Hostel) approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before each sailing. For further information on bus transfers to Rossaveal Harbour, click here.

Q: Can the bus pick me up en route?
Yes, once you have requested it in advance. The bus leaves from outside Kinlay House Youth Hostel on Merchants Road in Galway City. Additional pick up points (on request) include Jurys Inn Hotel, Supervalu supermarket on Fr. Griffin Road, the Tourist Information Office in Salthill, Joyces Supermarket in Knocknacarra, and the villages of Barna, Spiddal, and Inverin.

Q: I will be driving our own car -how long will it take to drive to Rossaveal Harbour?
We advise you to allow approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for this journey. The drive is beautiful as you travel along the coastline of Galway Bay, but if you get caught behind a slow moving vehicle it can be difficult to overtake them. It is best to allow plenty of time for the journey - better to be safe than sorry!

Q: How do I drive from Galway City to Rossaveal?  Can you give me directions?
We have prepared detailed directions for all Aran Islands Direct customers - just click on one of the following:

• From Galway City Centre (Eyre Square) to Rossaveal
• From Oranmore (east of Galway City) following the outer ring-road to Rossaveal

Q: Can I take my car to the Aran Islands?
No, all ferries to the Aran Islands are passenger-only ferries. However, once on the islands you can travel by minibus, bicycle, jaunting car or if energy levels allow, on foot!

Q: Can I leave my car at Rossaveal Harbour?
Yes. There is a public car park at the end of the harbour on the left hand side - this normally costs €5 per day, but is free during the off-peak season.

Travelling with Aran Islands Direct

Q: Do I have to pre-book tickets or can I just arrive at Rossaveal?

You can purchase tickets at the Aran Islands Direct ticket office in Rossaveal, but as there is no guarantee that there will be seats available at your preferred departure time without a reservation. We advise passengers to pre-book either online or in one of our Travel Centres in Galway City to avoid disappointment.

Q: I booked my tickets online - where do I collect my tickets?
You can collect them in our Travel Centre in Forster Street in Galway City, or at our ticket office in Rossaveal. Just let us know when you are booking which option you would prefer.

Q: How long is the crossing?
The crossing to Inis Mor (the largest island) takes between 30 and 40 minutes.  The smaller islands of Inis Meain and Inis Oirr are further away and the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Q: What facilities are on board?
We have outdoor and indoor seating areas, DVD viewing, toilets, wheelchair facilities, and a bar / shop for refreshments.

Q: Are your ferries wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our boats are wheelchair accessible and have wheelchair accessible toilets. Most sailings also have a wheelchair accessible lift - just enquire when you are booking.

Q: Do you accept bicycles on board?
Yes, we try to accommodate bicycles, depending on how fully booked the boat is. It is best to enquire in advance, but we promise to do our best for you.

Q: Do you accept pets on board?
Yes, as they are kept under control.

Q: How do I get around the islands?
There are a number of transport options:

• Minibus tour – normally €10 per person for a 2.5 hour guided tour
• Bicycle – normally €10 per day, child and family rates available
• Jaunting car (pony and trap) – negotiate with the driver in advance

Q: Is there a Tourist Information Office on the islands?
Yes, Ireland West Tourism runs a Tourist Information Office at the pier in Kilronan. You can contact them on +353 (0)99 61263.

Q: Is there accommodation available on the islands?
Yes, there is a choice of B&Bs, youth hostels and a hotel on the islands. Check our accommodation section for more details.