Aran Islands Direct
Cruise to the Aran Islands with Aran Direct, "The Islanders's Choice". Aran Direct is owned and operated by islanders, and has daily sailings to all 3 Aran Islands, departing from Rossaveel, outside of Galway. During the summer months Aran Direct offers an "island hop" option, allows easy connection between Inis Mór, Inis Oir, and Inis Meain.
Aran Direct has invested in fine new boats, providing a safe, comfortable cruise. Aran Direct ferries are the only ferries with stabilizers, which ensure a smoother crossing, even in windy weather. The friendly staff will also give you advice on sightseeing, bicycle hire and minibus tours on the islands ... in Irish or in English!
Starting in spring of 2008 Aran Direct is launching an exciting new service. For the first time, visitors to the Aran Islands will be able to travel direct from Galway City Centre to Inis Mór in less than an hour. Aran Direct is introducing a new high speed catamaran service from Galway Harbour this summer. The new service was launched by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Seamus Brennan T.D., at Dublin Holiday World at the weekend.
The 300-seater luxury catamaran has been specially designed to complete the journey in record speed and comfort, cutting out the need to drive or take a bus to Rossaveal harbour in Connemara, the current departure point for ferries to the Aran Islands.
The Aran Islands already attract about 250,000 visitors every year. This new service promises to increase that number by making it more convenient to travel to the islands.
“Many Galway people fondly remember the service from Galway City provided in the past by the Naomh Éanna, the Dún Aengus and many others.” says Karen Smyth from Aran Direct. “While it was convenient to leave from the city, the length and comfort of the journey was challenging. Our new catamaran service will take less than 60 minutes, and passengers will enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort on board.”
“The increased comfort is due to a revolutionary technology called MDS. This technology adjusts the movement of the vessel in response to sea conditions, and enables the catamaran to maintain higher speeds and higher levels of comfort, even in poor weather”.
Of course, part of the experience will be travelling on the catamaran itself. Visitors will enjoy a panoramic view of Galway Bay and the Burren on the journey to the Aran Islands. On board, the catamaran has luxury indoor seating, a bar and café shop serving refreshments, a 1st Class seating area and a VIP section with a separate bar for private groups.
Aran Direct already provides a daily ferry service from Rossaveal to the Aran Islands, but is launching this additional route in response to market demand for a faster, more convenient service. Aran Direct also plans to use the catamaran for lunchtime and evening cruises in Galway Bay.
