Tourism season reignites in style with new city ferry service to Aran Islands

AS Galway businesses reopen and the hospitality industry resumes after a lengthy lockdown, the domestic tourism market has a fresh attraction in a new ferry route to the Aran Islands from the city docks.

The maiden voyage of the Saoirse na Farraige passenger ferry started when it set sail on Friday morning with an escort of traditional Galway Hookers accompanying the state-of-the-art vessel out into Galway Bay.

A 90-minute crossing to Kilronan takes in all three of the Aran Islands; Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr, with the return journey sailing past the scenic Cliffs of Moher in what is a day-long attraction for tourists and Galway natives alike.

Passengers docking in Kilronan have the option of staying overnight on the island or returning to Galway on a same day afternoon return service.

The ferry, operated by Aran Island Ferries, marks a return of a city departure service to Inis Mór for the first time since 2005.

Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops and online www.tuamherald.ie