Getting from Doolin to the Aran Islands couldn’t be easier.
The Aran Islands are three of the most magical places in Galway. These rustic, rugged isles mark the mouth of Galway Bay and are awash with their rich and unique culture.
Breathtakingly beautiful and refreshingly mostly devoid of vehicles, each one offers something different, but each boasts an incredible sense of peace and tranquillity.
On ferry company takes visitors from Doolin to the Aran Islands every day – find everything you need to know below!
Some quick need-to-knows about getting from Doolin to the Aran Islands
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Sailing to the Aran Islands is a romantic and exciting way to travel to these special islands. But before we delve in, let’s run over the basics.
1. Where do the ferries leave from
You’ll find a number of boats sailing to the various Aran Islands from Doolin Pier. There’s a fairly extensive car park at the pier, plus additional roadside parking and an overflow car park for busier periods. Local parking costs €5 for up to 30 hours or €15 for up to a week.
2. There is one ferry company
Two ferry companies used to provide ferry services from Doolin: The Doolin Ferry Co and Doolin2Aran Ferries. In 2023, The Doolin Ferry Co purchased Doolin2Aran Ferries and now operates both companies under their name.
3. There are different tour types
Besides sailing straight from Doolin to the Aran Islands, there are a few other tour types to choose from. You can visit a single island and take a stunning tour alongside the Cliffs of Moher on the return leg (info below) or simply take a ferry tour of the cliffs from below.
4. How long it takes
The ferry times from Doolin to the Aran Islands vary in length depending on the island you’re visiting or the tour you’re on. In general, you can expect journey times between 15 and 35 minutes on the express ferry, or a more leisurely hour and fifteen minutes for a standard crossing to Inis Mór.
5. How much they cost
Once again, the cost of the ferry really depends on which island you’re sailing to and whether you’ll take part in an additional tour. Having said that, if you budget for between €30 and €40 per adult for a standard return ticket, you’ll be about right.
Getting the Ferry From Doolin to Inis Oírr
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Getting the ferry from Doolin to Inis Oírr is nice and handy. Inis Oírr is the smallest of the three Aran Islands, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with a whole host of things to see and do.
From medieval ruins to seal colonies, quirky pubs to shipwrecks, Inis Oírr has it all.
It’s a great place to explore on foot or by rental bike, and there’s even a horse and cart tour to really get you into the swing of things.
How long it takes
As the nearest of the Aran Islands to the mainland, paired with the new express ferries, the ferry from Doolin to Inis Oírr takes just 15 minutes on the fast ferry.
Bear in mind it can sometimes take a little longer, up to 25 minutes, if the conditions aren’t so calm.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices range from €13 – €25 one way/inter island, and €17 – €34 return trip per adult.
Recommend tour
We recommend this fantastic tour (affiliate link) that takes in a ferry to the island, where you can spend three hours enjoying the sights and sounds of Inis Oirr, followed by a spin around the cliffs of Moher on the way back.
You’ll get to see spectacular sights, such as the sea cave from the Harry Potter movies, as well as a wealth of marine life, including puffins and razorbills.
Getting the Ferry From Doolin to Inis Mór
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Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands and perhaps the most well-travelled. It boasts the most accommodation and pubs, as well as a host of attractions to see.
From the ancient Black Fort to the bustling seaside village of Kilronan, it’s a top spot for taking in natural and manmade sights, sinking a few pints, or enjoying some of the freshest seafood in Ireland.
We recommend hiring a bike and taking to the country lanes to make the most of your visit to Inis Mór. It’s the best way to see everything, especially if you’re only on the island for the day.
How long does it take?
As the farthest away from the mainland, the ferry from Doolin to Inis Mór can take up to an hour and a half to sail to the island from Doolin on a standard ferry.
However, express services only take around 35 minutes or so. Some services stop off at Inis Oírr before continuing on to Inis Mór.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices range from €15 – €30 euro one way/inter island, and €22 – €44 return trip.
Recommend tour: The Cliffs of Moher
This is another fabulous tour (affiliate link) to enjoy and offers you the flexibility to stay on Inis Mór for a day or two before sailing back to Doolin via the mighty Cliffs of Moher.
Alternatively, you can do the whole trip in one day. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the sights and attractions on the island before enjoying the scenic boat back, taking in some spectacular scenery and wildlife along the way.
Getting the Ferry From Doolin to Inis Meáin
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Inis Meáin, nestled in the Goldilocks Zone, is the middle island. It’s smaller than Inis Mór yet bigger than Inis Oírr and sits right between the two.
Despite being just right, it’s often overlooked compared to the other two Aran Islands. However, it’s well worth checking out and boasts serene tranquillity and a real escape from the modern world.
Once again, exploring the island on foot or by rented bicycle is a fantastic way to see the sights.
Along the way, you’ll take in spectacular natural beauty, beaches, wildlife, and ancient ring forts. Just remember to save time for a pint at the pub and glimpse into the ways of yesteryear.
How long does it take?
It takes just 20 to 25 minutes to reach Inis Meáin on an express ferry service. Bear in mind though that some services stop off at Inis Oírr before continuing onto Inis Meáin.
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices range from €15 – €30 euro one way/inter island, and €22 – €44 return trip.
FAQs about the Doolin Ferry to Aran Islands
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which of the ferries from the Aran Islands to Doolin is cheapest?’ to ‘How rough is the crossing?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
How long is the ferry ride from Doolin to Aran Islands?
The time it takes to get the ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands varies, depending on which one you’re visiting. However, the express ferry takes between 15 and 35 minutes.
Is it worth going from Doolin to the Aran Islands?
Yes! Although there’s plenty to do around Doolin, the Aran Islands are like stepping back in time. Each is well worth a visit (although we tend to lean towards Inis Oirr!).