Cycling the Island
Cycling is one of the best ways to see the island's townlands, lakes, mountains and beaches, and e-bikes are available for hire.
The Arranmore Ferry
4.8 (809)
About
Island-owned and running since 2006, The Arranmore Ferry is the longest-established ferry company in Ireland's northwest, carrying cars and passengers on a 15-minute crossing from Burtonport Pier to Arranmore Island (Árainn Mhór).
Things to Do
Food and Traditional Music
Eat fresh fish and chips at Caifé an Ghabhann or An Bolgam Beag, pizza and bar food at Early's or Neily's, then catch trad sessions by local band Green Island.
The Crossing
The 15-minute hop from Burtonport Pier to Arranmore is an experience in itself, and dolphins often swim alongside the boat. On board there is heated indoor and outdoor seating, tea and coffee, toilet facilities and free Wi-Fi, with a coffee machine on the Arranmore Blu.
Arranmore Lighthouse Walk
A 5km walk from the ferry pier leads to the lighthouse, surrounded by cliff and Atlantic views with picnic areas en route. Steps near the lighthouse drop down the cliffs; locals call it the island's hidden gem, but they can be slippery, so take care.
Watersports and Sea-Stack Climbing
Cumann na mBád runs kayaking through caves, sailing and paddleboarding along the calm coast. For more adrenaline, Unique Ascent guides sea-stack climbs.
Fishing, Lakes and Beaches
Fish off the rocks for trout, pollock and mackerel, or try the twin lakes and the island's largest lake, one of the few places in Ireland where rainbow trout breed naturally.
Festivals and Events
The ferry adds sailings around island events such as Féile Róise Rua and the Arranmore Country Music Festival, making day trips and weekend music breaks easy.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Year-round sailings between Burtonport and Arranmore, weather permitting, with the fullest schedule from June to August. Mon-Sat departures from Burtonport run 8:45am to 6:30pm in summer, Sundays from 11:30am, plus a Friday-only 8:30pm sailing. Winter (Jan-Apr) ends earlier, around 5:30pm.
- Admission: Return fares: adult €15, child €7, car and driver €30.
- Parking: Free car park and free street parking at Burtonport Pier.
- Food: Tea and coffee (plus a coffee machine on the Arranmore Blu) on board. On the island: fish and chips at Caifé an Ghabhann and An Bolgam Beag, pizza and bar food at Early's Bar, stone-oven pizza at Neily's Bar, snacks at Boathouse Beach Bites.
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