Getting Here
Travel at a Glance:
Nearest Airport:
Donegal Airport (Carrickfinn) – approx.
30 minutes’ drive to Burtonport Harbour
Ferry Port: Burtonport Harbour, County Donegal
Ferry Crossing Time: Approx. 15 minutes
Getting to Burtonport by Car:
Letterkenny – approx.
1 hour
Derry – approx.
1 hour 30 minutes
Donegal Town – approx.
1 hour 30 minutes
Public Transport: Local Link Donegal bus service operates between Letterkenny and Burtonport (via Dungloe), Monday to Saturday
On the Island:
Short distances, quiet roads, ideal for walking and cycling
Blueway access points close to the ferry pier.
How to Get to Arranmore Island
Arranmore Island (Árainn Mhór) is located off the west coast of County Donegal on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The island is easily reached by a short ferry crossing from the mainland and is an ideal destination for visitors travelling by car, public transport, bicycle or on foot.
Travelling via Donegal Airport
Donegal Airport (Carrickfinn) is the nearest airport to Arranmore Island and offers one of the most scenic landings in Ireland. The airport is located on the west coast of Donegal, close to beaches and the Wild Atlantic Way.
From Donegal Airport to Burtonport Harbour
Donegal Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car from Burtonport, where the ferry to Arranmore Island departs.
Visitors arriving at Donegal Airport can:
- Hire a car at the airport
- Use a taxi service
Google Maps directions:
Flights to Donegal Airport
Donegal Airport offers regular flights to and from Dublin, making it a convenient option for visitors travelling from:
- Other parts of Ireland
- The UK
- Mainland Europe (via Dublin connections)
Flight schedules vary by season, so visitors are advised to check current timetables when planning their journey.
Getting to the Ferry Port at Burtonport
The ferries to Arranmore Island depart from Burtonport Harbour, a small coastal village in west Donegal.
By Car
Burtonport can be reached by car from:
- Letterkenny – approximately 1 hour
- Derry – approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Donegal Town – approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Visitors travelling by car can plan their journey using Google Maps:
Car parking is available close to the ferry terminal in Burtonport.
By Public Transport
If you are travelling without a car, Local Link Donegal operates a bus service between Letterkenny and Burtonport, travelling via Dungloe.
- Services operate several times a day, Monday to Saturday
- Timetables can vary, so visitors are advised to check the latest schedule in advance
Ferries to Arranmore Island
Ferries operate daily from Burtonport Harbour to Arranmore Island.
- Crossing time is approximately 15 minutes
- Foot passengers, bicycles and vehicles are accommodated (subject to availability)
- Additional sailings usually operate during busy periods
Arriving at the pier in good time is recommended, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends.
Arriving on Arranmore Island
The ferry arrives at the main pier on Arranmore Island, close to:
- Walking and cycling routes
- Blueway access points
Getting Around the Island
Arranmore is well suited to travel with or without a vehicle.
Bicycles can be hired on the island, making it easy to explore during your stay.
Travel Tips
- Check ferry and bus times in advance, particularly in peak season
- Allow extra time when travelling on rural Donegal roads
- Weather conditions can occasionally affect sailings, especially during winter months
Stay on Arranmore Island
The best way to experience Arranmore is to stay on the island and explore at a relaxed pace — from early mornings by the sea to evenings under dark Atlantic skies.
Explore options for Arranmore accommodation and Arranmore glamping to plan your island break.
Directions to Glamping from ferry pier:
Disembark ferry and continue left at top of slipway. Continue for 200m and turn left at T junction, through Leabgarrow Village and school on right. Continue on main road to Neily’s Bar. Take right turn immediately after bar. Continue for approx 1 km. Turn left. The Glamping is the first on left.
FOR FERRY BOOKINGS CONTACT:
BLUE FERRY: +353
RED FERRY: +353
353 869081277
Arranmore Glamping
Upper Illion
Arranmore Island
Co Donegal
F92 X207
arranmoreglamping@gmail.com
0879081277
