Doolin Ferry, the award-winning sailing service from Doolin to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, has confirmed the upcoming launch of its custom-built ferry, scheduled to set sail in Summer 2024.
This groundbreaking addition to the company’s fleet will redefine the passenger ferry experience on Ireland’s west coast, setting new standards for comfort, efficiency, and eco-friendly travel.
Doolin Ferry’s newest addition, designed to carry 300 passengers, marks a significant milestone as it is the largest vessel ever to operate from Doolin.
Drawing from over fifty years of experience navigating the waters off the Clare coast, the O’Brien family provided valuable insights to the design process. Hence, it comes as no surprise that this custom-built ship is carefully designed for top performance on the Atlantic, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and efficiency.
A standout feature is the state-of-the-art stabilisation system, a game-changer in passenger ferry travel. The system combats the rolling and pitching motion that often causes motion sickness, providing optimal comfort to passengers. Upon its launch, Doolin Ferry will be the first and only passenger ferry company in Ireland with a fully-stabilised fleet built to serve the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.
In recent years, Doolin Ferry has invested significantly in upgrading its fleet, and this latest multi-million euro investment establishes it as the newest fleet along the Wild Atlantic Way, promising passengers a unique and unrivalled travel experience.
Environmental responsibility is at the forefront of the new build, with the inclusion of solar panels for eco-friendly sailing and an emissions reduction system, aligning with Doolin Ferry’s commitment to sustainable practices. The paint used on the vessel boasts a 10-year lifespan, eliminating the need for frequent repaints and minimising the environmental impact.
The vessel also prioritises passenger comfort with features such as a retractable canopy on the upper deck for all-weather comfort, wheelchair accessibility, full Wi-Fi coverage, climate control system, and amenities including toilets, bar and snack shop. The state-of-the-art sound system enhances the overall onboard experience.
Speaking about the new ship, Liam O’Brien, owner of Doolin Ferry, said: “I am thrilled to share that our new custom-made ship, currently under construction, is set to redefine passenger travel to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, when it is launched in Summer 2024. We’ve poured passion and innovation into every detail, ensuring a vessel that embodies the essence of Doolin Ferry’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.”
He added: “We are immensely proud that Doolin Ferry is making history as the first passenger ferry along the Wild Atlantic Way with a fully stabilised fleet. This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to passenger comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for those onboard.”
As a proud member of the Burren Ecotourism Network, Doolin Ferry is conscious of its environmental responsibility. According to Liam, “It was important for us that the new boat design incorporated eco-friendly features such as solar panels and an emissions reduction system, to reflect Doolin Ferry’s commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that our passengers can enjoy the beauty of the sea while we strive to minimise our environmental impact.”
Doolin Ferry’s new boat sets a benchmark for passenger ferry travel in Ireland, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in providing memorable journeys to the world-renowned Aran Islands and iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Plan ahead and book online with Doolin Ferry.
