New Fast Ferry for Cape Clear Island

Important Announcement regarding our new 200 Pax Fast Ferry,  Spirit of Doolin.

Ferry Purchase

Cape Clear Ferries has agreed to purchase the 200 Pax Fast Ferry, Spirit of Doolin from O’Brien’s Doolin Ferry Company subject to local MSO approval.

For this reason, it has been brought to Baltimore, West Cork first visiting Oileán Cléire, Cape Clear Island on Saturday 8th October.

Upgrading of our fleet

We are currently undertaking a very significant investment in and upgrading of our West Cork Fleet. Initially two vessels were sold. These are the 64 pax. Dún Aengus relief ferry and the fast Ferry Dún na Séad II. Firstly we replaced the Dún Aengus with the bigger and more comfortable 97 pax. Carraig Mhór. Finally, this new fast ferry to be renamed An Charraig Aonair will replace the fast ferry Dún na Séad II.

Spirit of Doolin to be renamed An Charraig Aonair

We are delighted with the Spirit of Doolin. Besides being a modern stylish vessel in superb condition it has a top speed of 20 knots. For the most part, it will operate to Cape Clear Island at its economical speed of 15 knots. Accordingly, this will reduce the passage time from 45-50 mins. to 25mins.  Spirit of Doolin has indoor seating for 90 passengers and includes an onboard bar/café.  Generally offering outstanding views from the passenger saloon it also has ample upper deck seating with 360-degree all-round viewing. Moreover, it promises improved weather capability, offering greater passenger comfort and convenience.

Cape Clear Island, Gateway to the Fastnet

The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is one of Ireland’s most iconic maritime landmarks. Also very closely

associated with Oileán Chléire ( Cape Clear Island) which is known as ‘The Gateway to the Fastnet’. We are working hand in hand with Comharchumann Chléire Teo and other service providers to develop an outstanding maritime tourism experience based around the Fastnet Rock.  Meanwhile we plan to attract new business to the Island, to the benefit of its tourism service providers. This will also benefit our mainland hinterland. We envisage that the fast ferry will operate mostly from Schull to Cape Clear and around the Fastnet Lighthouse.

West Cork – Maritime Tourism

Our new fast ferry represents a new departure for the Marine Tourism Sector in West Cork. For this reason, we plan work extremely hard in the years to come to make this major investment a success for all.

Private and Corporate Hire

In addition to these routes, the new ferry will be available for private and corporate hire.  With her ample indoor area and onboard facilities, she is ideally suited for this.

Cléire abú. Corcaigh abú.