The Easter holiday saw the resumption of the seasonal Galway-Aran Islands fast-ferry route with domestic passengers and tourists alike using the direct service, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In preparation to the opening of the season on Good Friday, Saoirse na Farraige, Aran Island Ferries flagship fast-ferry had the previous day carried out a repositioning run. This involved a coastal passage from Rossaveel in Connemara to Galway.

As the most modern and largest ferry in the operator's fleet, Saoirse na Farraige with an almost 400 passenger capacity serves on Ireland's longest distance coastal ferry route of Galway-Kilronan (Inish Mor). The route from the mid-west city takes 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

In addition Aran Island Ferries operate year-round routes between Rossaveel in Connemara to all three Aran Islands.

As for the Galway-route, Saoire na Farraige as part of its schedule also operates an award-winning Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruise. The scenic views which form part of the Wild Atlantic Way take on a whole new perspective when observed from the sea.

To provide these services is where operator, Aran Island Ferries had the custom-built 40 metre monohull Saoirse na Farraige built in Hong Kong. The 454 gross tonnage passenger ferry was delivered from the Asian shipyard on board a heavy-lift ship the Svenja which arrived to Galway Bay in 2020.

The Saoirse na Farraige entered service the following year and is the largest ferry operating in Irish coastal waters having revived the direct link with the city after an absence of many years. With this service islanders benefit by having more time in Galway before taking the ferry back the same day in addition to offering tourists a day trip excursion.

As alluded the routes from Rossaveel to the three Aran Islands (of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr) are maintained year round with the Rossaveel-Inis Mór been the busiest and taking 40 minutes.

On these Connemara-Aran Islands routes, they are operated by four fast-ferries that are secondhand tonnage and custom-built. 

Rossaveel Harbour is located 37km (23 miles) west of Galway city. From the city-centre, foot-based passengers use the ferry operators shuttle bus service to connect to and from the harbour with sailings linking to the island archipelago.