Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Inishbofin? Here’s everything you need to know about getting here smoothly and stress-free.

Step 1: Travel to Cleggan, Co. Galway

Inishbofin is accessible via ferry from Cleggan, a charming fishing village in Connemara, about 75 minutes from Galway City and 15 minutes from Clifden Town by car.

🚗 By Car:

• From Galway City, take the N59 towards Clifden and follow the signs for Cleggan.
• Paid parking is available not too far from the pier on private car parks or a bit further away on the County Council car park.

🚌 By Bus:

• Bus services from Galway to Clifden run daily with Citylink and Bus Éireann. Please note: Some of the Citylink services continue from Clifden to Cleggan, just in time for the ferry to Inishbofin. On your way back you’ll need to wait for awhile for the bus from Cleggan to Galway – the TrackMyBus service from Citylink is a great and useful tool, especially as some evening buses coming from Galway can be slighly late.
• Bus service from Westport to Clifden does not stop in Cleggan, so a taxi would be required from Letterfrack or Clifden. Check Bus Éireann for timetables.

🚖 By Taxi:

• Private taxi or minibus transfers can be arranged from Galway or Clifden for a more direct option.

✈️ By Plane:

• Ireland West Airport Knock – The closest airport, with flights from the UK and Europe. From Knock, take a taxi to Cleggan or a bus via Galway.
• Shannon Airport – Offers international flights. You can take a taxi or bus to Galway and then travel onward to Cleggan.
• Dublin Airport – The largest airport with the most flight options. Take a direct Citylink bus to Galway and then connect to Cleggan.

Step 2: Take the Inishbofin Ferry

The Inishbofin Ferry runs daily from Cleggan Pier at 11:30am and in the afternoon/evening, with extra sailings during peak season. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Atlantic.

⏰ Check ferry schedules & book in advance, especially during the summer months, as sailings can fill up quickly.

🎟️ Tickets & Booking:

• You can book ferry tickets online or purchase them at the pier before departure.
• A return ticket includes luggage transport and options for bicycles.

🚤 Charter Fast Ferry Option
For those looking for a more flexible or private option, charter fast ferry may be available. Enquire in advance for availability and pricing.

Step 3: Arrive & Enjoy Inishbofin!

Organise a pick up from the pier with your accommodation provider.

🚗 Traveling On Your Own Car?
Bringing a car to Inishbofin is not encouraged and is only possible on the cargo ferry which doesn’t operate daily. The island roads are narrow and not suited for high visitor traffic. Instead, enjoy a more sustainable and relaxing experience by exploring the island on foot or by bicycle.

🚲 Getting Around the Island

• Inishbofin is great to walk around! The island is just approximately 3 x 4 km in size although the interesting shape and shoreline makes sure there are many interesting walks to explore, but the main road can be walked from one end to the other in even less than one hour.
• Bicycle rental is available on the island, offering a great way to get around the island.
• Accommodation providers usually arrange transport from the ferry for guests and luggage, so no need to worry about carrying bags!

Step 4: Travel Responsibly & Consider Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint

Inishbofin is a place of natural beauty, rich heritage, and a close-knit island community. As a visitor, you can help protect this special destination by following responsible tourism principles.

🌿 Support Local

• Shop at Bofin Grocery – Preorder your groceries and have them delivered to your accommodation. This reduces waste, supports the island economy, and saves you time on the mainland.
• Dine in the island’s restaurants, visit the local gift shop, and engage with community-led experiences.

🚲 Travel Sustainably

• Leave the car behind—walk or cycle to explore the island’s scenic roads and coastal paths.
• Rent a bike instead of bringing a vehicle.
• Take public transport to Cleggan before boarding the ferry.

💚 Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Consider balancing out the carbon emissions from your travel by supporting Irish climate compensation initiatives, such as:

• Catch My Carbon – Offsetting flights through native tree planting (catchmycarbon.ie)
• Green Sod Ireland – Restoring biodiversity-rich lands (greensodireland.ie)
• TreeChange – Expanding native Irish forests (treechange.ie)
• Irish Peatland Conservation Council – Protecting carbon-storing boglands (ipcc.ie)

🌍 Leave No Trace
Respect the environment and its creatures by:

• Disposing of waste properly and recycling where possible.
• Keep dogs on leads at all times, and remember to pick up and dispose of their waste as well.
• Minimizing single-use plastics—bring a reusable bottle and shopping bag.

By making small choices, you help ensure that Inishbofin remains a pristine and welcoming place for future generations. Thank you for traveling responsibly!