A new fast-ferry service to Inishturk Island off Co. Mayo has been launched.

The new Inishturk passenger ferry service writes Connacht Telegraph, has a journey time of 25 minutes that connects the mainland with the island that is 5km long and 2.5km wide.

At just a quarter of an hour's passage time, this is the fastest ever ferry service to Inishturk, which is now part of the subsidy service.

Running the faster service is the O'Grady family who are natives of Clare Island. Their new boat Whispering Hope operates on the route from Roonagh Pier outside Louisburgh to Inishturk.

The Whispering Hope with a 12 passenger capacity joined the route's well-known ferry the Pirate Queen with 96 passengers.

The Arklow Marine Services built ferry takes 48 minutes to travel the Roonagh Pier-Inishturk route where passengers can take in the views or use of a lounge below deck.

Last Thursday the first passengers boarded the Whispering Hope before setting out into the Atlantic to reach the island that has wall-like cliffs to the northwest.

The O'Grady owned Clare Island Ferry Co. service, likewise of Inishturk, is linked to Roonagh as well to using both a fast-ferry and a second ferry which at times is in cargo-only mode and is capable of carrying vehicles.