By Boat & Ferry in Western Ireland with Galway

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By Boat & Ferry

A ferry leaves Tarbert for Killimer every hour on the half hour and takes 20 minutes to cross the Shannon Estuary from North County Kerry to West County Clare; this saves you a 137 km (85 mi) drive through Limerick City. The ferry runs every day of the year except Christmas and costs EUR 15 one-way, EUR 25 round-trip. (Ferries return from Killimer every hour on the hour.)

There are several options for traveling to the Oileáin Árainn (Aran Islands). Aran Ferries runs a boat to the islands from Ros an Mhil (Rossaveal), 32 km (20 mi) west of Galway City, which makes the crossing in 20 minutes and costs about EUR 28 round-trip (or, weather permitting, you can opt for a boat that takes an hour, costing about EUR 20), including the shuttle bus from Galway. If you're heading for Inis Oirr (Inisheer), the smallest island, the shortest crossing is from Doolin in County Clare. Aran Ferries offers service from Doolin Pier, with up to 12 sailings daily, from June through the end of September. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and costs EUR 20 round-trip.

Island Ferries, which has a booking office in the TIO (Travel Information Office) in Galway City, has a one-hour crossing from Ros an Mhil (Rossaveal) for EUR 25 round-trip, with up to five sailings a day in summer, weather permitting. Bicycles are transported free off-season, but there may be a charge in July and August: inquire when booking. There's lively competition between the ferry companies, so shop around for the best deal. Discounts are available for families, students, and groups of four or more. If you want to stay a night or two on the islands, ask about accommodations when booking your ferry, as there are some very good deals. Between June and September, O'Brien Shipping (a subsidiary of Doolin Ferries) sails for the Aran Islands from Galway Docks, a five-minute walk from Eyre Square. The ferries run three times a week in June and September (usually Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday), daily in July and August. The crossing takes 90 minutes and costs EUR 20 round-trip.

For travel between the Aran Islands, frequent interisland ferries (run by Aran Ferries, Island Ferries, and O'Brien Ferries) are available in summer, but tickets are nontransferable, so ask the captain of your ferry about the interisland schedule if you plan to visit more than one island; otherwise, your trip can become expensive. You can purchase ferry tickets on the island or at the TIO in Galway.

Boat & Ferry Information

Aran Ferries (Travel Information Office, Forster St., Eyre Sq., Galway City. 091/568-903 or 091/537-700. www.aranislandferries.com). Doolin Ferries (Doolin Pier, Co. Clare. 065/707-4455. www.doolinferries.com). Island Ferries (Kinlay Hostel, Eyre Sq., Galway City. 091/568-903; 091/572-273 evenings. www.aranislandferries.com). O'Brien Shipping (New Docks, Galway City. 091/567-676. www.doolinferries.com). Tarbert-Killimer Ferry (065/905-3124. www.shannonferries.com).