Express Ferry Service
The original founder, creator, and pioneer of the Aran Islands ferry from Doolin is our very own Bill O’Brien. It’s a story of chance and good old Irish creativity! Bill was a young local farmer who often visited the fine establishments of Doolin (the pubs of course). One fine summer’s day he met two American ladies who were visiting the area. Being able to see the Aran Islands from Doolin Pier they asked Bill:
“Can you tell us what’s out there across the water?”
“I can do you one better, I’ll show you!”
So off they set out from Doolin in a traditional currach for an adventure to Aran and history was made. Little did the two ladies know that was his maiden voyage in the year of 1970. It has been a long journey from the original currach to the luxurious Doolin Express and The Aran Islands Express fleet.
Liam O’Brien is Bill’s son and business partner. The dynamic duo celebrated Doolin Ferry Co’s 50th anniversary year in business last March! What a fantastic achievement for a small family run business in the West of Ireland. Boats have been Liam’s passion for his entire life.
Liam is our First Captain, General Manager, and all around go to guy so you can find him doing everything from sailing your ferry to giving you live commentary on our Cliffs of Moher Cruise. Liam also takes part in Trade Show and events in Ireland and internationally. Here is Liam O’Brien with Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Maureen Ledwith Sales Director of Holiday World Shows.
Doolin Ferry has been a proud member of the Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N) since 2014. B.E.N. is a network of local tourism enterprises collaborating together to promote sustainable tourism in the Burren Region. The main goal of the network is to develop sustainable tourism practices in order to preserve our cherished communities, heritage, and environments.
The network works alongside the Burren Geopark to promote “The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark” as a leading sustainable visitor destination. This is celebrated world wide for it’s high standards in visitor experience, conservation, and learning. This year the Burren Region was thrilled to win Lonely Planets “Best in Travel 2021”.
Sail with us on our Express Ferry Fleet! The largest, fastest, and most comfortable ferries from Doolin.
Doolin, Ireland is a beautiful seaside village in County Clare. With amazing scenery in all directions and close location to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands it’s ideal for a day trip, overnight, or extended stay. This is one of the best places to visit on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Doolin is located less than one hour from Shannon Airport and 1.5 hours from both Galway and Limerick City Centres. You can enjoy all the benefits of the charming West Coast of Ireland without ever being too far away. For more please visit our Home page or Book Tickets.
Partner Websites: O’Brien Ferries Doolin and Cliffs of Moher Cruises
Excellent way to see the Cliffs of Moher. Great and informative young guy who took us out was so friendly and helpful, even offering to take photos for us...
Audrey Whittaker
Great experience heading over to Inisheer. Couldn't fault them, very fast crossing and extremely helpful with boarding & alighting with bikes etc. Will definitely travel again with them to...
David McNamara
Super day out on Inis Oir & amazing views & info of the cliffs on the return.
Maeve Dockrell