Lismore Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Lismore is accessible via two regular ferry services from the Scottish mainland. The main passenger ferry departs from Oban, taking approximately 50 minutes to reach Point on Lismore. Alternatively, a smaller vehicle ferry connects Achnacroish on Lismore with Port Appin, with a journey time of just 10 minutes. If traveling from Glasgow, allow about 2.5 hours by car or train to reach Oban. From Port Appin, ample parking is available near the ferry slip, while Oban offers several long-stay car parks if you're planning to leave your vehicle on the mainland.

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, Lismore is a tranquil island paradise just waiting to be explored. This slender, fertile isle stretches for 10 miles along Scotland's western coast, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea. As a ferry destination, Lismore provides the perfect escape from mainland bustle, where Gaelic heritage thrives among lush landscapes dotted with ancient ruins and abundant wildlife.

Lismore enjoys a milder climate than much of Scotland thanks to the Gulf Stream, making it pleasant to visit throughout the year. The summer months of June through August offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, perfect for exploring the island's walking trails and historic sites. May and September provide excellent alternatives with fewer visitors but still favorable conditions. Winter visits from November to February reveal a different side of island life, with dramatic skies and cozy hospitality, though ferry services may occasionally be affected by winter weather. The annual Lismore Festival in July celebrates local culture with music and crafts, making it a particularly lively time to visit.

Lismore serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Scotland's spectacular west coast islands. From here, continue your island-hopping adventure to Mull, just a short ferry ride away, where colorful Tobermory and dramatic landscapes await. The sacred isle of Iona, with its historic abbey, can be reached by connecting ferries via Mull, making for a fascinating day trip. The slate island of Luing offers a glimpse into Scotland's industrial heritage and is accessible by ferry from Oban. For those seeking dramatic mountain scenery, the ferry connection to Ardnamurchan, Scotland's most westerly peninsula, provides access to some of the country's most unspoiled wilderness.

Lismore packs remarkable variety into its modest dimensions, with highlights including the well-preserved 13th-century Castle Coeffin and the ruins of Achanduin Castle. The award-winning Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre offers fascinating insights into the island's Celtic history and language through interactive exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the island by bicycle (available for hire locally) along quiet roads that showcase panoramic views across to Mull and the mainland mountains. For food lovers, the local lamb and seafood are exceptional, with the Lismore Café providing delicious meals featuring island produce. Don't miss a walk to the northern tip of the island, where the Lismore Lighthouse stands sentinel over the Lynn of Lorne.

Despite its small size, Lismore boasts an impressive 23 ancient brochs and duns (defensive structures), giving it one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Scotland. The island's name comes from the Gaelic 'Lios Mòr' meaning 'great garden,' reflecting its unusually fertile limestone soil that once supported a population three times its current size. Lismore has a unique Viking heritage, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was an important Norse settlement during the 9th century. The island is also home to several rare butterfly species, including the marsh fritillary, thanks to its diverse habitats and traditional farming practices.