New eco-friendly ship is 'largest ever' to join Doolin Ferry fleet

A NEW groundbreaking addition to the Doolin Ferry fleet will redefine the passenger ferry experience to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.

The custom-built ship is carefully designed for top performance on Ireland’s Atlantic coast and sets new standards for comfort, efficiency, and eco-friendly travel.

Doolin Ferry’s latest addition to its fleet is designed to carry 300 passengers. This marks a significant milestone as it is the largest vessel ever to operate from Doolin.

The larger capacity allows the company to improve the efficiency of its service and conserve fuel usage by not operating several smaller boats at the same time.

Doolin Ferry owner Liam O’Brien is thrilled that his long-held dream of designing and constructing a ferry from scratch is finally coming to fruition.

Speaking about the new ship, Liam remarked, “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.”

This state-of-the-art stabilisation system combats the rolling and pitching motion that often causes motion sickness, providing optimal comfort to passengers.

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. 

A special system called SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) has been utilised which significantly reduces the exhaust emissions. This system works by adding a special fluid into the exhaust stream of the engine, similar to AdBlue in the motor industry, which helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions by up to 90%.

The new ship comes fitted with solar panels while the use of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the vessel further minimises energy consumption and contributes to overall environmental conservation efforts.

The advanced hull coatings utilised on the ship boast an impressive 10-year lifespan, which eliminates the need for frequent repaints and minimises the environmental impact.

Liam is conscious of the company’s responsibility when it comes to eco-friendly travel. “At Doolin Ferry, we care about being green. This ensures that our passengers can enjoy the beauty of the sea while we strive to minimise our environmental impact.”

Doolin Ferry is an award-winning boat tour operator based in Doolin, county Clare, offering a seasonal passenger ferry service (Mar-Nov) to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher Cruises and private boat tours. Doolin Ferry is committed to providing unforgettable experiences, connecting visitors to the beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Ireland’s west coast.

Plan ahead and book your tickets with Doolin Ferry Co for 2024.