Doolin Ferry Co.’s 294-passenger Aran Islands Express this morning departed Killybegs, Co. Donegal, fresh from overhaul in readiness for St. Patrick’s Day and this year's season, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Afloat tracked Aran Islands Express, having left Mooney Boats, the boat-builder, boat repair, and engineering facility, from where the 131-ton former French ferry initially carried out sea-trails in Donegal Bay, before resuming its repositioning passage to Doolin. This will, however, involve an en-route call to Cleggan, Co. Galway, before completing the voyage home to the familiar operating waters between the island archipelago and Doolin Pier in Co. Clare.

This season which began on 1 March, will be exciting as Doolin Ferry Co. the award-winning operator on the Wild Atlantic Way with routes serving all of the Aran Islands and the coastal cruise of the Cliffs of Moher, introduces this summer a new custom-built passenger ferry. In addition, the newbuild, with a capacity for 300, will be the largest to operate from Doolin Pier.

The new multi-million-euro ferry will set new passenger standards when serving the three islands: Inisheer (Inis Oírr), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), and Inishmore (Inis Mór). On board, there will be full Wi-Fi coverage, state-of-the-art sound system, wheelchair accessibility, and on the open upper deck, a retractable canopy to provide passengers with all-weather comfort. On the passenger decks, there will be a lounge, a bar, snack shop and an air-conditioning system.  

With the Aran Islands Express currently underway, the ferry will soon rejoin the existing Doolin Ferry fleet, which comprises The Star of Doolin, Doolin Discovery, and Doolin Express.

#FerryNews - The main Isle of Man Steam Packet Company ferry, Ben-my-Chree departed Douglas for Merseyside where yesterday the ropax entered dry-dock in Birkenhead for its regulatory overhaul.

According to the operator, the ferry will undergo a scheduled three-week dry-docking which Afloat adds is taking place at marine engineering firm Cammell Laird. 

During the overhaul the chartered in freight-only MV Arrow will provide freight services.

As for ferry passenger services, fast craft Manannan will operate according to the schedule published last autumn.

Until May 8, sailings are scheduled to depart Douglas for Heysham at 08.00 and for Liverpool at 15.30, with the return sailings departing Heysham at 12.00 and Liverpool at 19.30. The only exceptions will be today (April 18) and April 25 when Manannan will operate the Belfast route instead of Heysham.

A coach service will be provided at Heysham to transfer foot passengers to and from Lancaster railway station.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘It is a regulatory requirement that Ben-my-Chree undergoes a technical overhaul.

‘This does mean the vessel is unavailable for three weeks, requiring some changes to our sailings during this period. We published Manannan’s revised schedule last autumn to give as much notice as possible and will assist foot passengers travelling onwards, via Heysham, by providing a coach to and from Lancaster station.

‘Freight services will be provided by MV Arrow, once again underlining the value to the Island of the significant investment we are making to retain the vessel.

‘Ben-my-Chree will be back soon, fully serviced and ready for another busy summer season.’