Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice-award winning operator, Doolin Ferry, comes albeit against the backdrop of a delayed newbuild that was to have entered service in advance of the current peak summer season, writes Jehan Ashmore.
As Afloat reported earlier in the year, the custom-built 300-seater capacity ferry was to join the Doolin Ferry fleet this summer based out of Co. Clare, serving all three Aran Islands and cruises to the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
The company then highlighted to the media, that the new ferry would redefine customer experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, setting new passenger standards never seen before in terms of comfort, efficiency, and eco-friendly travel.
Commenting to Afloat.ie in response to the delayed newbuild, the company said “the ferry had been originally scheduled for July, but unfortunately, due to delays with the build, it is unlikely now to be completed until October.”
The newbuild is under construction in a shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey company, however the company's 'seasonal-only' service is to end in November.
Currently, Doolin Ferry is operating four ferries sailing to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, served by the Aran Islands Express with 245 passengers, is the largest, the Doolin Express and The Star, each of 196, respectively, and the Tranquility with just 96 travellers.
In 2022, its main competitor, Liscannor Ferry Company, trading as Doolin2AranFerries, was acquired by Doolin Ferry, and they now have a total passenger capacity of 733, and with the newbuild, this will exceed 1,000 for the first time.
