Doolin and the Aran Islands

The dramatic Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic's edge

My regular Blogistas are well aware that my favourite and “adopted” Irish county is right on the west coast of Ireland facing the broad Atlantic Ocean, the lovely County Clare. Set on the Atlantic seaboard it is one the most evocative places in Ireland with the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and the wild Atlantic seascape which is at its most impressive on a stormy winter’s day rather than in the calm of summer. County Clare contains great variety within its boundaries. It contains the Burren, a unique karst region, which contains rare flowers and fauna from both the Mediterranean and the Arctic growing side by side.

Doolin2Aran Ferries "Jack B" under the Cliffs of Moher

So I was delighted to get a video from Joan Reilly, Marketing Manager, of Doolin2Aran Ferries who I met at a Clare Tourism exhibition in London in 2011. The very fact they are based in Doolin on the edge both of the Burren and the Atlantic facing the Aran Islands is enough to get my nostalgia gland going – for years ago I used to go caving in these parts (Yes, Dáithaí C was an amateur Speleologist!)  and we would hit the famous folk music venue in Doolin (indeed then the only venue in Doolin) Gussie O’Connors until very late and afterwards in our sleeping bags crash free of charge in Gussie’s barn next door. 

Gus O'Connor's Pub in Doolin

Dáithaí C with Irish Rugby Captain Keith Wood and 

Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Pat Hayes

These days Doolin is a bit more touristy, the barn is now an excellent hostel where you pay to crash but Gussie’s is still going strong. This is a dramatic and wild coastline and the three Gaelic speaking Aran Islands are still places apart steeped in history and the bodhrán beat of a different age. Doolin to Aran Ferries is a family-owned business, run by some of the Garrihy brothers (Donie, Eugene, Joe and PJ) from Doolin, Co Clare. They have over 50 years sea-going experience in these waters, and the safety of their passengers is our top priority. They operate a fleet of four ships with a capacity for 332 passengers and sail from March to November.

Dáithaí C with Jackie Whelan and Richard L. Gair on the 

West Clare Railway

They operate between Doolin and the Aran Islands, providing daily, fast, efficient and reliable ferry services to the Aran Islands and sight-seeing cruises along the Cliffs of Moher from March. I have happy memories many years ago of going on the predecessor and namesake of their of one of their ships “The Happy Hooker” to Inis Oírr (The Eastern Island) the nearest of the Aran Islands and spending some chilled days there. To avoid misunderstanding I should explain the Galway hooker is a traditional small fishing boat used in Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland distinguished by its sharp bow, single mast,  black pitch covered hull and red sails. If you have seen the opening credits of “Father Ted” you have seen Inis Oírr for the beached ship is the wreck of the Liberty Ship “Plassey.” A good trip to do is a six hour one which first takes you from Doolin close to and under the towering Cliffs of Moher and then onto Inis Oírr where you can explore before heading back to Doolin and some great trad music.

The wreck of the Liberty Ship “Plassey" on Inis Oírr

Here is their website for more info – start planning your trip!

http://www.doolin2aranferries.ie/

For more on the lovely county of Clare see;

http://daithaic.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/from-clare-to-here.html

For the wonderfully revived West Clare Railway see;

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/09/on-west-clare-railway.html

The way to go is to fly into the pioneering airport of transatlantic aviation; Shannon Airport

http://daithaic.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/shannon-airport-ireland.html 

While there make sure you have a look at the historic county town of Clare; Ennis

http://daithaic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/ennis-shop-fronts.html

Doolin 2 Aran Ferries from Gavin Gallagher - Dreamcatcher P on Vimeo.