We will be taking the Doolin Ferry to Inishmore on a Thursday. Can we wait until we get there, or do we risk it being sold out? We'll be leaving from Kilkee. Afterwards, we don't have a reservation. Can we chance just booking a place in Galway or an inland guest house a few days before, or will we have a hard time? Thanks?
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
470 posts
I took the Doolin Ferry in peak season (July) several years ago. I reserved just the day before and some people were buying tickets on the day of sailing so I doubt they would sell out in October. Also there are 2 competing ferry companies with similar schedules. You could book online before leaving Kilkee if you are concerned. The bigger risk is that it might cancel due to windy weather, but hopefully that won't happen.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2976 posts
The ferry won't sell out. A bigger concern will be the weather and sea state on your proposed day of departure. The boats departing from Doolin are smaller than those that leave from the landing at Rossaveel and thus will be more prone to cancellation of service if things get too rough. Besides, you don't want to be on one of the boats in marginal conditions even if they are running. Best to check the forecast on the day - and maybe call ahead to speak to someone at the landing - before committing to anything to avoid disappointment.
You'll need to get an early start from Kilkee in order to make the first boat and thus maximize your time on any of the islands - the drive up the coast takes about an hour.
Shouldn't be a problem finding a place in or near Galway in October.
The drive from Doolin into Galway takes about 2 hours, so you might be better advised to just stay overnight in Doolin to keep from running yourselves ragged that day.