FAQs about the boat and the crossing to the Islands
Do you provide lifejackets?
As required by law, lifejackets for all passengers are stowed onboard for use in the event of an emergency. Passengers are not required to wear a lifejacket on the ferry boat. Nor is the captain required to provide a lifejacket for this journey.
On arrival at the Saltee Islands, passengers must put on a lifejacket before disembarking from the ferry boat to the dinghy (small boat), to be brought to shore.
If I have a young child, can I bring a buggy?
Due to the limited amount of space on the boat and the dinghy transfer across to the island, should you wish to bring a buggy we would ask that it be extremely lightweight and foldable.
Note: the island terrain is rugged. At the landing area you will need to climb the set of ancient stone steps to access the rest of the island. There are no level paths. Paths are worn tracks by walkers and uneven from animals digging and burrowing. It is not buggy-friendly.
Can I come back on an earlier/later sailing?
No. All of our sailings are scheduled. Passenger lists for each scheduled crossing cannot be changed.
Is this trip accessible for everyone?
The trip is not suitable for anyone with any limited mobility. The boat trip includes stepping from the main boat to a small dinghy to go ashore. There is no landing dock or pier. On arrival, you may need to step into the water’s edge when getting out of the dinghy. There could be seaweed, or loose slippery stones along the shore. Conditions vary daily, depending on weather and tide, and are beyond our control.
To leave the beach, there are uneven stone steps to climb. The island itself is wild terrain with no built pathways. Rabbits and other wildlife can cause disturbance in the ground making the surface very uneven in parts.
Caution is advised for all visitors. Children should be constantly supervised at all times by an accompanying adult.
The Islands : Disembarking, What to do and See
How long will we be there?
On arrival, the Island is yours to explore for approximately three and half hours. Your boat crew will give you a time to be back at the landing area for the return trip to Kilmore Quay. Please arrive back at the landing area in good time for the return journey.
Apart from the puffins, what else is there to see?
The Great Saltee is home to large colonies of seabirds notably the gannet colony on the southwest corner. The views across the islands are stunning.
Please see www.salteeislands.info for more information.
What about our rubbish?
Please bring all litter home with you. We urge you to leave no trace behind you on the island or the boat.
BOOKINGS
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, it is strongly advised that you reserve your place through our online booking system as the boat fills up fast.
Do you take group bookings?
Yes we do. If the availability required for your group is not available online then please contact us directly.
Can I make a booking over the phone?
For group bookings that cannot be accommodated by our online system, please contact us directly.
Please note our office hours are limited.
You may not receive an immediate reply, but we endeavour to contact everyone within 48 hours of receiving an email.
Payments, cancellations and refunds
Do you take cash payment?
No. Bookings can be made via our online system until sailing time (if not fully booked)
Do you provide refunds?
Refunds are ONLY offered for cancellations made by us.
The ferry trip to the Saltee Islands is across open sea and is dependant on favourable sea conditions.
In the event we have to cancel a ferry due to inclement weather, your ticket will be refunded to the card that was used to pay for the ticket. Your refund will normally arrive in your account within 3 working days.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip up to the time the ferry is due to leave Kilmore Quay.
You may reschedule your booking via our booking system at an available time that is convenient to you.
What if I need to cancel?
Confirmed bookings can be rescheduled up to 3 working days ahead of the scheduled trip. Refunds are not available.
To reschedule your booking, contact the office via email more than 3 working days ahead of your scheduled trip.
No changes can be made within three working days of your booking.
What if I miss the boat from Kilmore Quay at the time I booked?
Late arrivals are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
We strongly advise that you leave plenty of time to get to Kilmore Quay and to park your vehicle. Kilmore Quay is a bustling little harbour in the summer and parking can fill up quickly, particularly at weekends. We advise that you are at the Saltee Ferry gate at least 10 minutes prior to your trip. Due to the high demand, late arrivals cannot be accommodated on the next sailing. If you arrive late then you have unfortunately lost your booking.