My wife and I will be in Ireland for about a week over New Year’s. We’d like to find a boat tour from Galway area to see the Arran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. All I’ve found are companies that stop service around the end of October. Do any companies run year round?
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
Boats also run out of the harbor at Doolin. Check there.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7831 posts
Aran Island ferries run from Rosaveel in Connemara year round. They have to, not all island supplies can be flown in.
However these sailings are direct out and back sailings to the isles, not sightseeing trips, thus the Cliffs are not on the itinerary.
These are lifeline sailings, so will sail if at all safe to do so.
That does not mean that they will necessarily be pleasant sailings. There may be substantial movement of the ship.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Rather than risk a potentially unpleasant ferry ride if sea states are running high - or outright cancellation if the weather really turns sour - you might want to consider flying. This company runs a winter schedule which includes bus transportation from Galway town to the airport. Am sure they'll do a flyby of the cliffs if you request it.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1043 posts
You are talking about the North Atlantic in winter!!! And the waters of Doolin is not somewhere you want to be at that time of the year. You can get the direct ferries to Arran, but it could be rough or possibly cancelled depending on conditions so perhaps consider flying.
Posted by
74 posts
I took a ride out to the island this past August and I had second thoughts about going because it was so rough. No way I'm going in January. LOL