Galway city
Aran Islands from Galway
Galway city is where many visitors base themselves for an Aran Islands day. There is more than one way to make the trip from the city, and the right one depends on the season and how you want to spend the day.
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The short answer
Galway city has its own harbour. Aran Island Ferries lists seasonal sailings from Galway city and year-round sailings from Rossaveel in Connemara, with a shuttle bus from the city to Rossaveel. So a Galway to Aran Islands trip may sail directly from the city or include a transfer. The exact meeting point is listed by the operator.
Viator collection
Aran Islands from Galway
Three ways to reach the islands from Galway
| Route | What the official sources say | Consider if |
|---|---|---|
| Direct from Galway city harbour | Listed as a seasonal service | You are travelling in the operating season and want to sail from the city |
| Transfer to Rossaveel, then ferry | Rossaveel sailings are listed year-round; a city shuttle bus is offered | You are travelling outside the city-sailing season |
| Flight from Connemara Airport, Inverin | Flights listed year-round, subject to weather | You want a short crossing and have checked baggage rules |
Seasons and timetables change. Check the operator's current timetable. We do not list times or prices.
Planning a day from Galway city
Allow for the transfer if your trip goes via Rossaveel, which Aran Island Ferries puts at about an hour's drive from the city. On the islands, Inis Mór is the largest and home to Dún Aonghasa. Bikes, minibus tours and pony and trap tours are available near the pier on Inis Mór, according to the islands' visitor site. Whether any of these is part of a tour depends on the tour.
A useful collection to explore if you are staying in Galway city without a car. For a Rossaveel-focused view, see Aran Islands from Rossaveel.
What to check before booking
- Does the tour sail from Galway city harbour, or include a transfer to Rossaveel?
- Which island does it visit, and how long do you get there?
- Is any on-island transport included, or is it extra?
- What happens if sailings are cancelled for weather?