Inis Meáin (Aran Islands) Day Trip: Return Ferry from Rossaveel, Galway
3.5
Inis Meáin (Aran Islands) Day Trip: Return Ferry from Rossaveel, Galway
By Aran Island Ferries
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- Return ferry from Rossaveel (Galway) to Inis Meáin.
What's not included- Parking at Rossaveel pier.
- Return shuttle bus transfer from Galway city to Rossaveel Port.
- Start:
- Rossaveel Ferry, IrelandWe depart from Rossaveel Harbour at 10:30 - a port 23 miles west of Galway City centre. Passengers are advised to allow a one hour driving time from the City to the Port. If you want to book a shuttle bus transfer from Galway city, please book in one of our offices.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Service animals allowed
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 188272P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- If trip is cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or may opt to sail on a different date.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 188272P3
From
$41.98
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- geelongexpat0 contributionsGood tripsEasy to find return trips. The shuttle bus is handy. The sea can be rough. I should've followed the staff's advice by sitting at the back of the ferry. It felt like a safe journey.Written January 21, 2025
- lauries6140 contributionsNo complaintsBooking our tickets to the Aran Islands by ferry was easy on line. You can also purchase at several locations in Galway and at the marina. Unfortunately , there was no available ferry out of Galway on the day we planned to go, so we had to drive 45 minutes to Rossaveal. It was an easy drive and did allow us to have dinner in Salthill on the way home. One word of advice, as you approach the marina, you will see signs for parking with a booth. People were parking here and then had a way to walk up the road to get to the marina. If you drive beyond the first lot, there is the main parking lot for the marina ( approx 7euros for the day) and eliminating a walk to the marina. The ferry boarded on time and was efficient. There was both indoor and outdoor seating with comfortable seats. I had read that it could be a rocky ride at times, depending on the weather and it was. We left on the 10:30 ferry and our return was at 5 pm, giving us plenty of time to explore Inis Mor. Interestingly, on the ferry ride back, we noticed a coast guard helicopter hovering over the ferry and they were doing a practice drill of lowering a safety stretcher onto the ferry. It was exciting to watch.Written January 15, 2025
- 607jayb0 contributionsThe Best Way to See The Aran islands & The Cliffs of MoherThis was one of the best days of our entire Ireland vacation. We boarded the ferry, conveniently located in the heart of Galway City, and sailed across the gorgeous Galway Bay to the island of Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. After a visit to Inishmore, we sailed back across Galway Bay, taking in sights of the other two Aran Islands, Inisheer and Inishmaan. Then we viewed the stupendous Cliffs of Moher from the sea, what a spectacular sight! Note: the sea can be a bit rough so plan ahead and take some motion sickness medicine ahead of time if you are prone to motion sickness.Written November 11, 2024
- Beccagillen0 contributionsUnbelievable craic! The friendliest welcomeThis entire trip was unforgettable. In all of my 35 years, I’d never been to Aran and so everything about the island itself was spectacular. Now, I have to mention the enthusiastic journey on Aran island ferries first - the crew, the friendliness, the welcoming attitude. Everything was absolutely A1. We had a few cans on the boat and a few laughs and the entire trip was great. I’d also never been on the ferry so this was also a first. When we go to Aran, we were buzzing to get the electric bikes. Mikes bike hire is to the right as you get off the bikes and he was a very sound man, with very amazing electric bikes for us that we had for 2 days flying around the island. Some of the terrain was not flat nor smooth and the bikes got us from A to B without any issues. The bikes are brilliant craic. We had pints and grub in one of the local pubs and had the best 2 days with our friends (all from Galway). Thank you Aran island ferries, Aine Mac, and Mike for the best weekend in a long timeWritten November 6, 2024
- N2512WMchristopherv0 contributionsAran Island Ferries– An incredible way to experience the Aran Islands!We were in Ireland celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and Inish Mór was one of the highlights of our 10 day tour. Aodán went above and beyond, saved the day and got us aboard at the last minute. He then checked back with us to see if we needed anything and to make sure we had enjoyed our trip. I would highly recommend Aran Island Ferries. The trip over to Inis Mór was smooth, the island was a treasure trove of ancient historical sites and geological wonders, and the breath-taking, up-close views of the Cliffs of Moher, from the water, on the return trip were absolutely stunning.Written September 24, 2024
- 239paigem0 contributionsLoved Inishmore and Aran Islands cruise!A-mazing weather and smooth sailing on our day. Friendly crew. We toured Inishmore via a little touring bus. Fabulous driver - John Hermon - had much to share and reasonably priced at $25pp and roughly 3 hours.Written September 20, 2024
- sharpp20170 contributionsProfessional and interesting boat tripBoat was comfortable with seats inside and out. Bit choppy but staff looked after everyone well. Good view of the cliffs on our way back from Inishmore.Written September 16, 2024
- W2096ILcraigk0 contributionsBeautiful island/ cliffs of Moher tourEveryone that worked here was nice, and the ferry ride was enjoyable. Indoor or outdoor seating, food and drink available, as well as restrooms. Nice trip to Inishmore where we spent a few hour exploring the island and having a bite to eat. The cliffs of Moher experience was nice too, but the weather was a little tricky. They gave us a little history of the cliffs while there which was nice to hear. Overall, I’d book with them again to check out the two other Aran Islands.Written September 14, 2024
- Travel553548877330 contributionsAran island well worth the day tripAwesome experience. Boat was top notch - everyone was friendly and knew what they were doing. Our first stop on the island was “The Bar” for coffee and a seafood chowder - best I’ve ever had and I’m from New England - lots of fresh fish in chunks - smoked salmon white fish. Then opted for the bus tour which was well worth it - friendly knowledgeable tour guide who lived on the island - better than a bike ride because roads are so narrow. Yes, more narrow than roads on mainland ;) From the water is a great way to see the cliffs of moher.Written September 12, 2024
- Newryoneisback0 contributionsMeans to an endIt’s a ferry. It takes about 35 minutes each way. It’s around €30 return. They have airplane type seats all facing one way. It was quite rocky at sea a few minutes out of the safety of the harbour each way even on a relatively calm day. We sat inside on the way out and outside on the way back. There’s little interaction with crew and guests. They do sell refreshments but apart from tea and cans of soft drinks I’ve no idea as I didn’t get up to look. There’s a good amount of thrash bins to use. I did use the very basic restroom aboard which wasn’t a pleasant experience but not dreadful. Once on Aran our most westerly place the next land due west is North America.Written September 3, 2024
- Lawrence J0 contributionsGood Tour!It was a beautiful day. The bus tour ride was a little uncomfortable. The island was beautiful and the food was great. Over all we had a good time.Written September 2, 2024
- javiertt760 contributionsWE HAD TO BY A NEW DIFFERENT TICKET BACK TO GALWAY WHEN WE GOT SICK INSTEAD OF HAVING THE ORIGINAL TICKET CHANGEDWhen we bought a ticket for the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher tour, no one informed us that we might get sick. We became quite ill during the trip from Galway to the Aran Islands and were advised to use the ferry as little as possible. As a result, we decided to take a different route back to Galway: instead of going to the Cliffs and then returning to Galway, we took a ferry to Rossaveel and from there, a bus to Galway. What it really annoyed me was that, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE SAME COMPANY THAT OPERATED THE ROUTE VIA ROSSAVEEL BACK TO GALWAY, THEY MADE US PAY FOR A NEW TICKET FOR THE FERRY AND THE BUS INSTEAD OF SIMPLY CHANGING THE ORIGINAL TICKET. This is how some large companies work. They try to make as much money as they can.Written August 31, 2024
- silveranicore0 contributionsVery smooth experienceBooking the tickets online was very easy, sufficient parking was available for 7 Euros only a short walk away, boarding and deboarding went smoothly and on time. What more can I ask? The Atlantic Ocean was pretty calm the day I took the ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mor, so I can't speak to their performance on windier days.Written August 30, 2024
- Sarah D0 contributionsUnbelievably kind and helpful staff onboardI took the ferry from Galway City to Inis Mór with my family at the weekend. The crossing was very rough and my little girls were sick and I did not feel well. The staff onboard could not do enough for us. They helped clean everything, gave us as much time as we needed to get everything together when we docked and were just so kind. They went above and beyond to help us on that journey and on our return trip. They were just unbelievable. They were so reassuring and helpful and even gave my eldest a bar of chocolate when we were leaving. Kind hearted souls all of them.Written August 27, 2024
- Getaway523884977540 contributions5 Star Customer ServiceTake a bow Aran Island Ferries ..... I rank your service up there with Ashford Castle. We were a family group of 7 who took a day trip to Inis Mor and Cliffs of Moher. Both getting on and off the boat the crew welcomed us on and thanked us as we left. It was a windy day and there was a lot of nausea and vomiting going on around us - the crew could not have been kinder or more courteous and despite all of that the boat remained spotless! 10/10Written August 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
8 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
3
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Paula T
Chelsea, Canada46 contributions
Jul 2022
Having lived on ferry-serviced islands earlier in my life, I found this to be simply a basic ferry service like any other area.
The ferry “terminal” (boarding dock on a breakwater) on Innis Meann has moved to a newer location. Neither the former location nor the new one have any amenities. The bicycles can be rented from a private individual near the old, former dock (so some internet write ups state), but his location is not well-indicated unless you walk a very long way from the new dock or airstrip.
Be prepared to see no heritage structures on Innis Meann (all the former cottages were replaced by modern homes 30 years ago when electricity was installed).
A nice way to spend some time on the water in Galway Bay.
The ferry “terminal” (boarding dock on a breakwater) on Innis Meann has moved to a newer location. Neither the former location nor the new one have any amenities. The bicycles can be rented from a private individual near the old, former dock (so some internet write ups state), but his location is not well-indicated unless you walk a very long way from the new dock or airstrip.
Be prepared to see no heritage structures on Innis Meann (all the former cottages were replaced by modern homes 30 years ago when electricity was installed).
A nice way to spend some time on the water in Galway Bay.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad A
8 contributions
Mar 2022
Logistically, the tour went very well. Bus was pleasant, and upon arrival at the dock, we boarded and promptly left. When we arrived back on the mainland, buses were waiting for us to board, and they promptly left for the return trip.
While on the island, it's up to you to decide what to do. Just about everyone rents a bike and tours the island that way. We rented e-bikes given the windy weather. If you plan to rent a bike, I'd sit near the door on the ferry so you are one of the first to exit. Note, when you disembark on the island, it's via the upper deck, so sit near the back or outside on top of the ferry.
If you don't do well on boats, I'd recommend sitting as far rearward as possible. The water in between was really rough and choppy. A lot of up and down, as well as side-to-side movement.
While on the island, it's up to you to decide what to do. Just about everyone rents a bike and tours the island that way. We rented e-bikes given the windy weather. If you plan to rent a bike, I'd sit near the door on the ferry so you are one of the first to exit. Note, when you disembark on the island, it's via the upper deck, so sit near the back or outside on top of the ferry.
If you don't do well on boats, I'd recommend sitting as far rearward as possible. The water in between was really rough and choppy. A lot of up and down, as well as side-to-side movement.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConnaughtRambler
Connemara, Ireland24 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
By far the best Island of the three Aran Islands, it has not be over run by tourists, and is like stepping back in time. One great wee pub, 1 small shop and that's the height of of modern retail on the Island...The rest is a heaven of tranquillity, history, culture and tradition.. I was on Inis Oirr a few years back, and swore I would never go back... It is overrun during the summer, and Inis Mór is simply to big for my liking and to commercial.. Inis Meáin is a totally different concept.. Its quite a walk to the village , pub and shop etc, but that's what keeps the mad ferry day tripping crowds away. There's no tourist shops, pony and trap rides, chip shops or rip off merchants looking to take advantage of you... Take you time, walk around the many historic monuments and sites, have a beer, have lunch, walk, fish, or just watch life go by..
Written January 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill K
14 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Had an amazing day trip to Inis Meain. The ferry is modern and clean and there were clear guidelines around social distancing, so it felt very safe. Crew were all very helpful too. Can't wait to go back and see more of the Aran islands!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria G
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Recently went to Inishmore on aran ferries from rossaveal, we had a lovely day out. Booked over phone was cheaper. Ferry fine and not too packed. Toilet on board but advised not to use while moving, dunno why. Sanitiser given on entry. We stood up outside, the day was warm and felt safer too. Lots of bikes to hire but we decided on bus tour on the island . Great idea as it was but hot for cycling.50 euro for 2 ad 2 ch. Bus driver was nice and told us lots about the island. He drives for about forty mins. Leaves u off at Fort for 1.45 hrs. You can eat and walk to Fort. Few shops there also. He collects you then and drives back around other side of the island, stops at locations along the way so you can take pictures. Big spat shop, with deli, atm and takeaway.. Bar and restaurant also near the pier. Public toilets at pier, very clean. Ferry left 20 mins early so I would advise get there early at both Rossaveal and Inishmore. Was well worth the visit.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila W
5 contributions
Apr 2022
Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had. Took train from Dublin to catch Ferry missed it by 4 minutes despite having confirmed reservations{ girl said it happens all the time}they need to get up to speed and email tickets instead of having to physically go to some random building...refused to give us refund and or managers number. Then we were sent to another office where 2 workers, Laura and Anna ignorant and rude were unwilling to help us at all.... said 'not their problem' refused to change the day to another whereas we would have been able to cancel because it would have allowed us to get a refund because of the 24hour notice.... their behavior was unacceptable , Claire[?]manager sent an email offering no help and or solution. Would rather swim to the Aran Islands than deal with these morons.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bastien B
1 contribution
May 2024 • Solo
they steal from you! Run away! They rob you are only there for your money!! And then they don't give you the right address so you pay extra to actually go on the excursion!! I advise against !!

Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience. We take these matters seriously. I was informed that you contacted our office looking for directions to the shuttle bus departure point after the bus had departed. Please note that we provide clear instructions to our shuttle bus departure point in our booking confirmation email, including a postcode and a map so that our customers can familiarize themselves with our bus departure location prior to travel. We also encourage customers to arrive at the bus 30 minutes before it departs.
Written May 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bastien b
2 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Be careful this agency steals from tourists. They don't refund you even though they give the wrong address to tourists. And if you want to take the bus they charge you 22 euros. Do not go!
Be careful, this agency steals tourists. They won't refund your money even though they give tourists the wrong address. And if you want to take the next bus, they charge you 22 euros. Don't go there!
Be careful, this agency steals tourists. They won't refund your money even though they give tourists the wrong address. And if you want to take the next bus, they charge you 22 euros. Don't go there!

Written May 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience. We take these matters seriously. I was informed that you contacted our office looking for directions to the shuttle bus departure point after the bus had departed. Please note that we provide clear instructions to our shuttle bus departure point in our booking confirmation email, including a postcode and a map so that our customers can familiarize themselves with our bus departure location prior to travel. We also encourage customers to arrive at the bus 30 minutes before it departs.
Written May 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.