Do you need to buy Aran Island ferry tickets in advance?

We strongly recommend that you pre-book your tickets, especially from April to October. Our ferries are regularly booked out. Depending on our pre-booking figures we can organise additional timetabled ferry crossings and have extra crew available however this is not possible if people just show up on the day of travel.



While you can technically buy tickets at the pier if space is available, it is strongly recommended to buy Aran Island ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak season from May to September. The ferries to Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr have strictly limited passenger capacities for safety, and popular sailing times—such as the 10:00 AM departures from Rossaveel or Doolin—frequently sell out days in advance. In 2026, booking online not only guarantees your seat but often provides a small discount compared to the "walk-up" price. Furthermore, if you are taking the dedicated shuttle bus from Galway City to the Rossaveel terminal, those bus seats must be booked at least 12 hours in advance to ensure the ferry operator can accommodate the number of passengers arriving from the city. If you are traveling in a group of ten or more, advance booking is mandatory to secure group rates. For travelers on a tight schedule, having a pre-booked QR code on your phone allows for a much faster boarding process and eliminates the stress of being left on the pier during the busy Irish summer.

People Also Ask

The three islands Inis Mór (Inishmore) , Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and, Inis Oírr (Inisheer) are located in within an hour by ferry from each other. There are regular ferries which make it easy to travel from one island to another. Visit the ferries page to check the timetables if you wish to explore this option.

MORE DETAILS

A unique place off the coast of Ireland, ideal for cycling and relaxing! The Aran Islands are found in county Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. Out of the 3 main islands, Inis Mor (also, Inishmore) is the largest and most popular for a day trip among locals and tourists.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend bringing a camera, comfortable shoes, a good rain jacket, sun screen (it's Ireland but you never know!) and a little cash. Some businesses on the island do not accept card or have a minimum-spend policy in place.

MORE DETAILS

The Aran Islands Depending on which island you visit, the ferry journey is approximately 40-minutes from Rossaveel, Connemara and 90-minutes from Galway City.

MORE DETAILS

It now takes only 35 minutes to get to from Doolin to Inis Mor. Doolin Ferry Co. operates the largest and fastest ferry fleet from Doolin. We sail daily from March to early November at 10:00 and 14:30 (9:00am & 11:00am June 3rd to August 27th only).

MORE DETAILS

If one were to do a walked loop of the entire island it would probably take an entire day (roughly 16km ) as the island is 8km long. Walking on the Aran Islands is one of the most popular activities. With miles and miles of small thin roads criss crossing each other most people just venture out and explore.

MORE DETAILS

The Doolin Express Ferry is the fastest crossing to the Aran Islands, reaching Inis Oirr in only 15 minutes!

MORE DETAILS

A little backpack with a warm jumper and a waterproof jacket is always a good idea. Fingers crossed that you won't need it but better to be prepared. A change of socks and a t-shirt for emergencies will see you through! Comfortable footwear.

MORE DETAILS

In town, you can shop around, get a drink at The Bar, or take a bike around the island (they've got seals, puffins and tons of neat homes).

MORE DETAILS

Walking towards the Puffing holes: Walking towards the puffing holes at the complete bottom of the island is a walk of majestic isolation and complete intrigue as the landscape of Inis Mor completely unravels itself. This walk is an adventurous one as there is no path.

MORE DETAILS

Inis Mór has some fabulous, safe, clean beaches. One of the finest of the Aran Island's beaches is the Blue Flag awarded Kilmurvey beach, just to the north-east of Dún Aonghasa. The unspoilt beach is located in a sheltered bay, and the clean blue water is perfect for a dip.

MORE DETAILS

Location of the Aran Islands They are located about 48 km from Galway City, however they are only 8 km from Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare. Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the closest Island to Doolin.

MORE DETAILS