If you are planning a visit to Ireland, you should definitely add the Aran Islands to your list of places you should see! Here is everything you need to know for your first visit to the Aran Islands.
The Aran Islands consist of three small distinctive islands, Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan), and Inis Oírr (Inisheer). The islands are located just 47km from the Galway Bay. The Irish language and traditions still have a very strong presence in all of the islands.
It is important to note, you should only choose one of the islands for your day trip, as doing all three of them in one day is unrealistic. They all have something different to offer and take about a day to explore.
Inis Mór is the biggest and most popular Island of the three. This is the island I chose to visit therefore I will focus more on Inis Mór in this post. However, I will also give a brief description of the other two islands so you can decide for yourself which island you would prefer to visit.
INIS MOR
The island has a very similar landscape to the Burren, covered in striking limestone rock throughout the island. What makes this island particularly interesting and beautiful is the contrast between the grey limestone landscape paired with turquoise blue waters and the colorful shops scattered across the island.
It is internationally known for its rich Christian and Celtic Mythological heritage sites. There are plenty of sites to explore on the island, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops to enjoy.
SIGHTS & LANDMARKS
There are over 30 different sights you can visit on the island from stone memorials, Celtic sites, churches, beaches and impressive natural features.
One of my personally favorite sights is the Kilmurvey Beach. A stunning picturesque beach with soft white sand and turquoise water. The beach is very peaceful with 2 lifeguards on site, making it great and safe for swimming. I recommend bringing your swimsuit and allowing for extra time to enjoy this beautiful beach!
The Kilmurvey Beach
Dun Aonghasa
A breathtaking viewpoint, where you can see the panoramic views of the island from the 100-meter cliff edge.
Just a little side note, to get to Dun Aonghasa there is a small entrance fee per person and then you have a 15-minute hike up the hill to get there. It’s a pretty low incline and easy enough. I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you want to do some exploring around the island, since the majority of the island is covered in limestone pavements.
Seal Colony Viewpoint
This is one of the most popular sites on the island. If you are lucky, on a good day and favorable tide, you may get to see a bunch of bathing seals on the shoreline!
ACTIVITIES
- Arts, Crafts and Music
- Cliff diving and Rock Climbing
- Festivals – Father Ted Festival is a popular one!
- Yoga and Meditation – Anam Árainn Yoga Retreat Center
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND
Your arrival port to Inis Mór will be in the main village of Kilronan. Shortly after getting off the boat, you will begin to see many bicycle rental shops, mini tour buses and horse carriage tours.
Bike rental prices range from €20 to €40.
You can also bring your own bike on the ferry, just make sure to notify them in advance so they can arrange space for the bike.
Tip: if you decide to rent out a bike, there are plenty or rental places! You don’t necessarily have to choose the first one you see. If you walk a bit further in the village, the bikes seem to be newer and nicer!
Also, if you have a young child or a dog you want to bring with you on a bike, they have buggies for children and dogs that attach to the bikes!
Tour buses start from €10 per person.
Horse Carriage Tours are about €30 per adult and €10 for children.
If you are physically comfortable with cycling, I would strongly suggest renting out a bike, especially on a sunny day – if you are lucky!
The full island cycling route is about 55km long, however you can make the loop as long or short as you like, depending on which sites you want to see. There are two main shorter loops, ‘The Green Road’ – for novice, families and groups and ‘Red Road’ – for experienced cyclists. Both of these routes take an average of 4 – 5 hours to cover including stopping for sites and food.
‘The Green Road ‘ is by far the most popular route stretching out along the scenic shore of Inis Mór being relatively easy with only a few hills along the way. ‘The Red Road’ on the other hand, has a lot of steep hills being much more physically challenging.
Most people start cycling back after reaching Dun Aonghasa (which is only a 30-minute cycle from Kilronan village). If you choose to do the full 55km cycling route, allow yourself for a full day.
FOOD & SHOPPING
One thing I really loved about Inis Mór, was all the cute and cozy little cafes and restaurants! If you are looking for a nice lunch or dinner spot after a long day of exploring the island, check out Tigh Nan Phaidi Cafe located in the Kilmurvey craft village near Dun Aonghasa.
Tigh Nan Phaidi Cafe
On the other hand, if you want to bring home a statement piece from the Aran Islands, there are plenty of Aran Island sweater markets and souvenir shops!
ACCOMMODATION
The island can get very busy during the summer months and bank holidays, make sure to pre-book your accommodation in advance if you’re looking to stay overnight!
Accommodation you can pre-book:
- Kilmurvey Guesthouse
- Ard Einne Bed & Breakfast
- Aran Walkers Lodge
- Ard Mhuiris Bed & Breakfast
- Aran Islands Hotel
INIS MEAIN
This island is the lesser visited out of the three islands. Perhaps this could be your choice if you’re looking for a quieter get-away, further embracing the peaceful nature of the Aran Islands. Here you can learn more about the Gaelic language and culture by getting to know the closely knit community of the island.
Visit the main village of Lisheen, where you can spend some time at the local music bar and enjoy a pint of Guinness. You can also visit the popular Anamchara Retreat center, offering a variety of tailored human development programs.
Other popular activities on the island include scuba diving, which has become more popular in recent years, being surrounded by calm waters and vibrant sea life. Go check out the famous Dún Crocbhur (Conor’s Fort) which is the largest and the most impressive stone fort of the 3 islands.
ACCOMMODATION
- Tig Congaile Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant
- Inis Meain Restaurant & Suites
- An Dun Bed & Breakfast
- Ostan Inis Meain Hotel
INIS OIRR
This is the smallest island of the three. It is only about 3km in length and width, meaning it is relatively easy to cover the island by foot or bicycle. The Inis Mór island is the closest island to the Galway Bay. It is also very close to the Burren, allowing you to see beautiful panoramic views of the Cliffs of Moher on the opposite side.
Just like the rest of the islands, Inis Oírr has a distinctive limestone covered landscape surrounded by beautiful white sandy beach and crystal blue waters. The island beach makes it great for surfing!
The island is also known for its traditional picturesque fisherman village setting, surrounded by fishing boats and nets. Enclosing the village, you can see the O’Brien’s Castle that lays on top of a small hill surrounding the village. The sight paints a symbolic picture of protection around the village.
Here you can also visit the most popular attraction of Inis Oirr – The Plassy, a striking sight of a large rusty red shipwrecked on the rocky shore of the island.
ACCOMMODATION
- Cliffs of Moher View Guest house
- Sailing’s Self Contained Rooms
- Lios Einne B&B
- Brú Radharc na Mara – Sea View Hostel
GETTING TO THE ISLANDS
You can book your ferry on https://www.aranislandferries.com/booking
Galway City – Inis Mór cost €30 Adult/ €25 Student ONE WAY
Rossaveel – Aran Islands cost €30 Adult/ €25 Student RETURN
Galway City – Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour cost €49 Adult/ €44 Student RETURN
*10% Online discount available*
Tip: Rossaveel is only 1 hour away from Galway city, you can add a shuttle bus for an additional €8 per person from Galway to Rossaveel when purchasing your tickets in the above link.
Alternatively, there is a parking available at the port in Rossaveel which cost €7/24 hours.
Alternatively, check out departures from Doolin on https://doolinferry.com/book-aran-island-trips/
