Ireland – Arranmore

The island of Arranmore lies just off the Donegal coast and accessible by vehicle ferry from the small village of Burtonport. We had a fairly lengthy drive from our fabulous accommodation just outside Donegal town, but it was through stunning countryside. Arriving early at Burtonport we found a lovely café for a cup of tea and a light breakfast. We then headed over to the ferry. We had to board the ferry in reverse, a first for us and a novel experience indeed. We were also the only car and passengers on the short 15 minute hop across to the Island.

Arranmore Lifeboat Station

A short drive from the tiny port on the Island was the Lifeboat station. Here we were warmly welcomed by Coxwain Kieran, Ray, Joe and John. We enjoyed a lovely cup of tea and a good chat about the station, its crew and the location.

Kieran then kindly took us on a detailed tour of the station and the boat. A lifeboat was established on the island in 1884 following application by the local population. The original boathouse was constructed in the small village where we had disembarked from the ferry. A new station was opened in its current location in August 1997.

In 2024, Arranmore would benefit from the construction of new station facilities. The new boathouse, costing €1.4 million, was designed to accommodate the lifeboat crew, and to house the boarding boats for the station’s Severn-class lifeboat, which sits on a mooring. The station has been fitted with a new changing room, training room, crew area and offices. A ground source heat pump heats the station and provides hot water, while PV cells located on the south facing roof generate electricity, aiding the RNLI’s goal to achieve zero carbon emissions. At a ceremony on 7 September 2024, the station was formally handed to the care of Arranmore RNLI by recently appointed RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes.

Their Severn Class lifeboat is 17-22, Myrtle Maud on station in 2000. It is accessed via a boarding boat, BB-067 housed in the station building.

Following some photos around the station, Kieran very kindly offered to take us on a tour of the island which took in the hills and cliffs and the lighthouse. Interestingly the Island has 2 schools, a fire station but no police. A large number of the lifeboats taskings are for medical evacuations as the only doctors have to come across from the mainland and ambulance services do not exist on the island.

After returning to the station, we said our farewells and thanks to Kieran and headed back to the ferry. Boarding was a little chaotic with 2 large trucks a postal van and our little car popped on the front, again with a skilful reverse boarding – even if I say so myself!

What a fantastic day and incredible hospitality.