Doolin’s new pier officially opened after many years of lobbying and effort by local business interests and elected officials.

This flagship piece of infrastructure was completed on time and on budget by L&M Keating of Kilmihil for Clare County Council.

The new Pier

The official opening took place on Friday, June 19th last at midday. The event was well attended by local business interests, national and local media and visiting tourists. On a dull and blustery morning the rain thankfully stayed away for the duration of the ceremony.

This fantastic piece of infrastructure was vital to the ongoing development of tourist traffic to the Aran Islands. The new pier is 65 metres in length and will easily accommodate new larger ferries. The new facility means that ferry departures will no longer be tide dependent. The old pier was not available for use when the tide was out resulting in passengers being transferred to the ferries using smaller boats. Both Doolin Ferries operators have welcomed this positive development.

Minister Howlin

Doolin will now become the most important transit point for the Aran Islands with over 200.000 passengers expected to use the facility annually.

The ceremony was got underway by Tom Tiernan of Clare Co. Council who spoke of the trials and tribulations faced to arrive at this famous and important day for Doolin and the Aran Islands. Tom spoke of the importance of the new pier for the millions that would use it over the coming years After a blessing by Father Cunningham, Parish Priest of Lisdoonvarna, Tom went on to introduce the Cathaoirleach (Mayor of Clare) John Crowe, Chief executive Tom Coughlan spoke about the plans for new ferry terminal offices and facilities which are in the planning stage, and finally Minister Brendan Howlin T.D who declared the pier open.