Ireland and Scotland Ferries

ABOVE: Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye.

Island Ferries: Ireland and Scotland

Islands and ferries go together like fish and chips. When you're headed for a vacation spot that's surrounded by sea, then there's only one satisfactory way to reach it: on a ship or boat.

The islands off the coasts of Ireland and Scotland are perfectly situated for an approach by sea. Distances are short, and ferry connections are readily available. 

In this article, we'll look at several of the better-known island destinations and the boat companies that service them.

Aran Islands (Ireland)

Wild scenery, weavers, mountains, old stone forts, and Gaelic traditions make the Aran Islands in Galway Bay intriguing to tourists. On the largest of the islands--Inis Mor--you can visit an 11-acre stone fort that overlooks a 250-foot sheer drop to the sea. (You'll probably want to buy an Aran sweater during your visit.)

Aran Island Ferries
High-speed boats connect Rossaveal, Ireland and the islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oirr. A bus leaves Galway for Rossaveal one hour before sailing time.

Doolin Ferries
Reach the Aran Islands in 20 minutes from Doolin or 90 minutes from Galway aboard Doolin's small but sturdy ferries (one of which is named The Happy Hooker).

Arran (Scotland)

The Isle of Arran is located in Scotland's Firth of Clyde. And while the coast is lined with the usual tourist facilities, the interior is a rugged paradise for mountaineers and hill-walkers.

Ayrshire & Arran Tourist Board
Enjoy the photos, read the traveler's tips, request more information with the e-form.

Caledonian MacBrayne
Explore Arran and other islands off Scotland's West Coast with "Island Hopscotch" discount tickets.

Next page: Orkney, Inner Hebrides (Skye)

Most recent cruise reviews:

• Costa Magica (Costa Cruises)

• MSC Poesia (MSC Cruises)

• Rotterdam (Holland America Line)

• Renaissance (European Waterways) 

Follow @durant_imboden