Inis Meain, the middle and least populated island of the Aran Islands can be accessed by passenger ferry or by airplane. The passenger ferries depart from Rossaveel and Doolin. The airplane to Inis Meain departs from Connemara Regional Airport. You cannot take your car on the ferry to the Island.
Getting to Inis Meain by Sea
Ferry from Rossaveel – Inis Meain
The ferry terminal to Inis Meain is located in Rossaveel, a small town located 37km west of Galway City Center. The ferry terminal is accessed by both shuttle bus from Galway City and by car. Parking is available at Rossaveel port 24 hours a day. You cannot take your car on the ferry to the Island.
Aran Island Ferries sail from Rossaveel to Inis Meain year-round. The ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Meain takes 50mins. Depending on your arrival time visitors have anywhere from 4-7hrs to cycle and explore the islands famous forts, cliffs, and beaches before the ferry departs on its return journey.
Sailing Times
Departing Rossaveel to Inis Meain
October – March: 10:30am, 6:00pm (6:30pm Friday only)
April – September: 10:30am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm (6:30pm Friday only)
Departing: Inis Meain to Rossaveel
October – March: 8:00am (Monday – Saturday), 8:45 am (Sunday) & 4:30 pm
April – September: 8:00am (Monday – Saturday), 8:45am (Sunday) & 4:30pm
Cost
The cost of the ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Meain is as follows:
| Return Ferry Fare | Single Ferry Fare | |
| Adult | €30 | €17 |
| Student (with valid ID) | €25 | €14 |
| Senior (65+) | €25 | €14 |
| Child (5-12 years old) | €15 | €10 |
Shuttle Bus
Aran Island Ferries offer a shuttle bus from Galway City to the ferry terminal in Rossaveel for all of their scheduled departures. The shuttle bus departs from Queen St. located just off Eyre Square and takes approximately one hour to the ferry terminal in Rossaveel. If you are not taking the shuttle bus, you must make your own transport arrangements to the ferry terminal in Rossaveel. See shuttle bus costs below:
| Return Shuttle Bus Fare | Single Shuttle Bus Fare | |
| Adult | €9 | €5 |
| Student (with valid ID) | €8 | €4.50 |
| Senior (65+) | €8 | €4.50 |
| Child (5-12 years old) | €6 | €3.50 |
Reservations
To avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended to book in advance. For information on booking the ferry service from Rossaveel to Inis Meain click here.
Ferry from Doolin – Inis Meain
The passenger ferry from Doolin operates on a seasonal basis (April – October). The ferry terminal to Inis Meain is located at Doolin pier, just outside the village. The sailing time is approximately 20mins. each way to Inis Meain. Depending on your arrival time visitors have anywhere from 4-7hrs to cycle and explore the islands famous forts, cliffs and beaches before the ferry departs on its return journey.
Please note the 13:00 Doolin departure makes a stop on Inis Oirr before continuing on to Inis Meain at 15:00.
Sailing times
| Doolin to Inis Meain | Inis Meain to Doolin |
| 10:00 | 11:00 |
| 11:00 | 16:15 |
| 13:00* | |
| 14:30 |
*The 13:00 sailing from Doolin to Inis Meain may have a stop over on Inis Oirr until 15:00
Cost
The cost of for a round trip from Doolin to Inis Meain is as follows:
| Adult | €39 |
| Student/Senior | €36 |
| Child 5+ | €20 |
| Child under 4 | €0 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | €105 |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) | €120 |
| Family (2 adults, 4 children) | €140 |
Reservations
We recommend booking ahead particularly in the summer months. Ferry seats are limited so it’s best to reserve ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Visit www.doolinferry.com to book your tickets.
Getting to Inis Meain by Air
From Connemara Regional Airport – Inis Meain
The Connemara Regional Airport is located in Inveran, a small village 30km west of Galway City. The airport is accessed by both shuttle bus from Galway City and by car. Parking is available at the airport 24 hours a day.
Aer Arann Islands fly from Connemara Regional Airport to Inis Meain year-round but are weather dependent. The planes to the islands are small and carry 9 passengers. The flight from Connemara Regional Airport to Inis Meain takes less than 10mins.
Aer Arann Departure Times:
Connemara Regional Airport to Inis Meain Summer Timetable
| February – October Timetable | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Bank Holiday |
| 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | |
| 10:30 | 10:30 | 16:30 | |
| 16:30 | 16:30 |
Inis Meain to Connemara Regional Airport Summer Timetable
| February – October Timetable | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Bank Holiday |
| 9:15 | 9:15 | 10:15 | |
| 10:45 | 10:45 | 16:45 | |
| 16:45 | 16:45 |
Connemara Regional Airport to Inis Meain Winter Timetable
| November – January Timetable | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Bank Holiday |
| 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | |
| 10:30 | 10:30 | 15:30 | |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
Inis Meain to Connemara Regional Airport Winter Timetable
| November – January Timetable | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Bank Holiday |
| 9:15 | 9:15 | 10:15 | |
| 10:45 | 10:45 | 15:45 | |
| 15:45 | 15:45 |
Cost
The cost to fly to Inis Meain from Connemara Airport is as follows:
| Return Airfare | Single Airfare | |
| Adult | €63 | €35 |
| Student (18+) | €50 | €30 |
| Senior (65+) | €15 | €15 |
| Under 18 years old* | €36 | €20 |
| Infant (0-2 years old)* | €0 | €0 |
*Must be accompanied by an adult
Shuttle Bus
A shuttle bus service can only be booked with a flight. The shuttle bus pickup/drop-off location is the Victoria hotel located near Eyre Square. The shuttle bus costs €5 each way.
Reservations
To avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended to book in advance. For more information on booking the air service from Connemara Regional Airport to Inis Meain click here.