Slow Travel to Bilbao

In January this year, I opted to take a slow-moving ferry to my study abroad destination – Bilbao. As University of Galway and the University of the Basque Country are both members of the ENLIGHT University Alliance, I was presented with the opportunity to explore a more sustainable mode of transport to begin my study abroad journey. Instead of booking the usual Ryanair flight tickets, as I have always been familiar with, I was interested in trying something new and agreed to participate in the ENLIGHT movement.

I had never travelled on a ferry before, and the idea that I was helping the environment by reducing my carbon footprint was a major motivation that helped me to decide to take the ferry. I was also able to bring my bicycle, something that was an added advantage over flying.

This decision proved worthwhile, as I thoroughly enjoyed the experience on the ferry. Although the entire journey took around 40 hours, it was a unique way to start my study abroad semester. The journey time was never an issue to me, as I was travelling a week before my lectures started, so I still had plenty of time to settle into my new surroundings.

My journey began on Friday morning at my home in Mayo. From there, I took a short car journey to MacDiarmuda station in Sligo, where I boarded a train from Sligo to Dublin Connolly. Once I arrived in Dublin, I took a second train from there to Rosslare Europort. I arrived in Rosslare at around 8.30 pm, well in advance of the ferry departure time of 11.59 pm. Once I had my bike secured in the hold and reached my private berth, I could finally drop my luggage. Soon after, the Santoña ferry departed on time, and I had a chance to explore the range of facilities onboard, including two restaurants, a bar, duty free shop, and a cinema room, among other amenities. After a long day of travelling, I went to bed as I was quite tired.

The following morning, I was awoken by the sun shining in my window, where I was able to look out across the Atlantic Ocean. Waking up to the Atlantic Ocean was a refreshing change from the usual rushed airport mornings. I strolled down to one of the restaurants where I bought a tasty Irish breakfast and then went back to my room, where I showered and got changed. I then made my way out to the viewing deck outside the interior of the ship, where I soaked in the beautiful views and sea air under the sunshine. With no strict schedule to follow, the journey felt relaxed and unhurried.

At the bar, I watched a football match while enjoying a drink. Once this game was over, I was just in time for lunch time where I got a panini and crisps. I went back to relax in my private berth for a while and afterwards watched the sunset from the viewing deck.
That evening, I got a substantial three-course meal from the restaurant, before watching a movie in the cinema lounge. I got tickets for “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere”, which was a very enjoyable film. I had one last walk around the ferry before making my way to bed, knowing that when I woke up, I would be in Bilbao.

An early morning followed, where I disembarked the ship with all my belongings and travelled via a shuttle bus into the city centre.
The experience was truly remarkable, and I am already looking forward to my return trip in June at the end of my Erasmus exchange! Overall, it demonstrated that sustainable travel can be both practical and enjoyable. By choosing the ferry over flying, I significantly reduced my carbon footprint—proving that more sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or experience. It provided a memorable start to my Erasmus semester, and I really appreciated the support from University of Galway and ENLIGHT in making this happen. I would strongly recommend it to other students where possible!

Words and images thanks to Jonathan, Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience)