The Aran Islands: A Complete Travel Guide
Table of Contents
The Aran Islands stand out as an amazing gem among Ireland’s travel destinations. For locals and travelers alike, these islands offer an unspoiled glimpse of Ireland, rare elsewhere.
Remarkably, it is among the few places in Ireland where mellifluous strains of Gaelic (Irish) are still heard in everyday speech!
This comprehensive guide to the Aran Islands is meant to be your compass as you chart your adventure.
Here, I uncover ways to reach the islands, the wide range of activities to spend time in, and the best accommodations for your stay.
How to get to Aran Islands
Mainly, You have two main options for getting to the Aran Islands, ferry, or plane. Most people choose ferry because it is more easily accessible and more affordable. However, the flying offers amazing views of the islands.
Ferries depart from two locations. You can ride in Doolin, County Clare near the Cliffs of Moher. if you want, you can catch the ferry to Rossaveal, about 45 minutes from Galway City. If you are not driving, there is a shuttle bus from Galway City to Rosaville.
Doolin is great if you want to see the Cliffs of Moher first, but Rosaville is generally more convenient. A round-trip ferry ticket costs €25, and there are four departures daily during the peak summer season. Some people make a day trip from Galway, taking the morning ferry and the evening ferry. But we recommend staying at least one night to fully enjoy the islands.
At the Rossaveal ferry terminal, there is a car park where you can leave your car for €5 per day. You can buy your tickets there or collect them if purchased online. View the full Rossaveal ferry timetable here. For the Doolin schedule,well-maintainedf you prefer to fly, its Aran operates flights to the Aran Islands. The airport is approximately 30 minutes from Galway City to Air Arran Connemara Airport. A return ticket costs around €50. You can see their full schedule here.
Travel to the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands consist of three islands: Inis Mor, Inis Main and Inis Orr. Inis Mor means “big island” and is the largest with a population of around 840 people. It is the most visited.
This guide focuses on Inis Mor. The ferry will drop you off at Kilronan on Inis Mór, which is a great starting point for exploring. If you fly, the airport is also near Kilronan.
For sure, Cars are not allowed on the islands, but you can bring your bicycle. But most people rent bikes on the island. If biking isn’t your thing, you can join a bus tour, rent a pony-and-cart, or hike.
Here biking is a popular choice because it is affordable and convenient. No need to lock your bike; You can leave it on the side of the road while you explore. Theft is not a concern in the Aran Islands.
Bike rental costs is around €10 per day. The bikes are durable and well-maintained, making them perfect for touring.
If you prefer bus travel, get your guide here See available options.
Dun Aonghasa Fort
Once you have your bike, you can freely explore the island. I got onto the main road and took the first right after the spur. This took me five miles along a beautiful coastal road to Dun Aonghasa Fort, the island’s most popular fort.
The fort sits dramatically on the hillside. I was surprised when I first saw it. See for yourself:
The fort was originally built in 1100 BC, making it even older than the Egyptian pyramids. There is no safety railing, and the drop is very steep, so be careful to walk around the edge.
This was one of the most stunning castles I’ve seen in Ireland and I’ve seen quite a few. The admission fee is €5, but if you’re staying overnight on the island you can get a free entry slip from most hotels and B&Bs.
The Worm Hole
After visiting Dun Aonghasa, head to the Worm Hole. This naturally formed rectangular pool looks like it was carved by hand.
You can’t cycle all the way there, so we rode our bikes as close as possible and then walked 30 minutes. The walk is a bit rocky but very beautiful.
The pool is connected to the sea by an underwater channel, and you can see the power of the Atlantic Ocean up close. Be careful, especially if the waves are rough, as someone had to be rescued here a few years ago.
Black Castle
Black Fort Dun is less popular than Aunghasa, but in my opinion is just as impressive. Tour vans can’t take people there, which makes it a more peaceful place. I really liked it for this reason, because I had the whole place to all to myself.
You can walk from Kilronan to the Black Fort, which takes about an hour each way. The walk takes you through the rugged landscape the Aran Islands are known for. The fort itself sits on its own peninsula and is very attractive to visitors.
Dun Eoghanachta
Dun Eoghanachta is an inland stone fort, a short cycle ride from Dun Aonghasa. It is believed to be of the Iron Age and contains the remains of several settlements inside.
This fort is off the beaten path and definitely worth exploring.
More Ancient Ruins
If you enjoy visiting ancient ruins, Innis Mor has plenty to offer. You can visit The Church of Saint Ayana, The Seven Churches, The Beehive Hut, or The Church of Four Saints. When it comes to old churches, the Aran Islands give you plenty of choice.
Innis main
If you visit Innis Maine, you’ll see many places that inspired playwright JM Synge, who wrote “Playboy of the Western World.” There are also several beehive huts, castles and old churches to explore.
Inis Orr
Inis Oirr is the smallest of the three islands, but still has a lot to offer. You can see shipwrecks, holy wells and even more ancient churches.
Pub in the Aran Islands
After a long day cycling, I want a decent pint of Guinness and a nice pub to relax. I have enjoyed some delicious chowder at “The Bar” and then headed to Joe Watty’s for a pint of Guinness.
Joe Watts is a great pub. It’s got everything you could want in a quaint Irish pub and more. Their food is delicious, and in the evening, you can enjoy authentic Irish music.
I wasn’t feeling too well when I first arrived, so I ordered a brandy and port, an old Irish remedy for an upset stomach. It worked, and soon I was back to myself and ready for a pint of the black stuff.
If you are looking for another place with great food, try Bayview Restaurant. On our last day on the island, we had some wonderful meals. The only issue is that they don’t have a liquor license at the moment, but they say that will be resolved soon. Tigh Joe Mac is a great place for a quiet pint.
Aran Islands Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay in the Aran Islands, but it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially on busy weekends when options can fill up quickly!
We had a great time at Radharc Na Ceibhe B&B. This is a simple B&B with a delicious Irish breakfast. Noreen, the owner, was extremely helpful and always up for a chat. It was also great to hear the whole family speaking fluent Irish.
For a more luxurious stay, try the Aran Islands Hotel. The staff there are really friendly and attentive.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kilronan, check out Arran Walkers Lodge. They offer private and semi-private rooms in a quiet location near Dun Aonghasa Fort.
And don’t forget about Airbnb. You can rent some beautiful cottages and have the whole place to yourself. How great would that be?
Enjoy the Aran Islands!
So there you have it! We hope this guide helps you plan your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to knock.
There is so much to see in the Aran Islands, but try some delicious local seafood and pick up a hand-knitted Aran Island sweater – you won’t find them anywhere else! Well, maybe in Dublin, but it’s a lot more fun to buy them from the source.