Travel Information

How to Get to the Island of World Peace

By Train, Air, Car and finally by Ferry

By Train

It is possible to travel directly from Heuston Station Dublin and with change of train, from Cork, Belfast, Waterford, Limerick and intermediate stations, to Westport. Full timetables are available on the Iarnród Éireann website –http://www.irishrail.ie. You can get very good value (approx. 1/2 price) if you book online at least 1 week in advance.

For those travelling by train from Heuston to Westport, (or joining that train at an intermediate station), the most convenient train will probably be the 12.45pm train departing Heuston, which arrives in Westport at 4 pm. This is very convenient as a taxi will then get you to Rosmoney Pier for 4.30 pm.  You will be advised of ferry times as these are subject to tides.

Taxis are available at the station. Taxi company  that has been recommended is Brendan McGing Taxi Service 098 25529 & 087 2417466.  However we will advise you of boat times and can include you in a group taxi if a few people share.  Currently it costs €8 each.  About one week before the course you will receive updated travel information.

Please factor in the time required to get to Rosmoney Pier when booking your train – give yourself half-an-hour. The ferry to the Island is normally scheduled for 4:30pm on the day the course begins. You should be on the Pier 30mins before the Ferry is due to depart. The time of departure of the ferry, may vary depending on tides and weather conditions, so keep in touch with us on the day.

By Air

(1) To see flights to Ireland West Airport Knock, which is about 1 hr from MMY Island.                See http://www.irelandwestairport.om/  for details.

There are direct flights from the following UK airports: Birmingham, Bristol, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester into Ireland West Airport in Knock.

The Airport is 1hr & 5 mins Taxi drive to Westport and 1hr & 20 mins. all the way to  Rosmoney Pier. The charge from the airport to Westport is typically €80 for 1 person and all the way to Rosmoney Pier is €90 but check with taxi company.  Sharing with others in the group reduces greatly the price per person.

Taxi companies that have been recommended are: (1) Marty’s Taxi Service 087 9510377 and (2) Brendan McGing Taxi Service 098 25529 & 0872417466, both these are based in Westport.

There is a bus service between the Airport and Westport, fare is typically €10 single way and may take up to 1.5 hrs. Go to www.buseireann.ie and you can find the timetable for buses from the airport to Westport, on a drop down menu. If you decide to take the bus, then you will need to get a Taxi from Westport to Rosmoney Pier which for 1 person is typical €16. (check current prices)

Again Taxi companies that have been recommended are: (1) Marty’s Taxi Service 087 9510377 and (2) Brendan McGing Taxi Service 098 25529 & 0872417466, both these are based in Westport.

Please factor in the time required to get to Rosmoney Pier from Westport, when you are planning your trip – give yourself half-an-hour. The ferry to the Island is normally scheduled for 4:30pm on the day the course begins, you should be on the Pier 30mins before the Ferry is due to depart. The time of departure of the ferry, may vary depending on tides and weather conditions, on the day of travel and so keep in touch with us on the day.

(2) Flights to Dublin Airport

Arriving at Dublin airport, the best approach is to travel to Heuston Station and then take a train to Westport.   Travelling to Heuston can be by

  1.  Taxi – the cost for 1 person to Heuston station is typically €27, sharing again reduces the cost per person and takes about 30mins depending on traffic.  Or
  2. Bus – the single fare is typically  €8 per person. You may have to allow up to 1hr to get to Heuston by bus, as there are a few stops on the way. (Check current prices)

For train travel from Heuston station Dublin see above.

Contact us particularly where a group is coming from another country and we will help you to arrange transport.

By Car

The Island is situated in Clew Bay, County Mayo. The ferry departure point is the Pier at Rosmoney which is few miles (20 mins) to the northwest of Westport.

(There is a new road opening shortly from Castlebar N5 which avoids town of Westport and may shorten journey)

See EirCode F28 CF95 near sailing club then Pier is in view. Alternatively, you can use the AA Route Planner for more detailed directions from your departure point. 

GPS for Rosmoney Pier is: Lat. 53.825769, Lon. -9.620852. 

  • If you approach Westport from Dublin (N5), continue towards the town centre. You will pass the Castlecourt and Plaza hotels on your right.
  • After these you will come a bridge.
  • Turn right just BEFORE you reach the bridge.
  • At the next traffic lights, turn right again. You will then be on the Newport Road (N59).
  • Proceed on this road for about two thirds of a mile (1km) until you see a big sign for Rosmoney to the left. Turn here and follow the signs to Rosmoney and the Mayo Sailing Club.
  • When you reach Rosmoney, drive right onto the pier. There is ample parking space.

Aim to be at Rosmoney Pier, at least 30 minutes before the Ferry is due to depart – you will have to take your luggage from the car and bring it to the boat and the boat may not be able to wait because of the tides. The boat will normally depart at 4:30pm for most courses.

Final Part of the Journey – the Ferry Crossing

The final part of the journey is the short Ferry trip which is normally from Rosmoney Pier to the Island and takes 20-30 minutes. The trip is via a medium size, licenced Ferry and in general, is always very smooth, enjoyable and runs to schedule.

Most passengers are likely to be on open deck. Life jackets will be provided by the local Ferryman, who lives on a neighbouring island and has all the local knowledge of the bay. He is very helpful, welcoming and friendly.

However as we are travelling by boat to and from the Island, the time schedule for these trips may well be subject to variations due to tides and weather on the day of travel. From time to time, alterations may be necessary to the scheduled departure time and location of the Ferry. Unfortunately we cannot take responsibility for the consequences and/or disruption to individual travel plans, that may be caused by these unforeseen natural events.