If one were to do a walked loop of the entire island it would probably take an entire day (roughly 16km ) as the island is 8km long. Walking on the Aran Islands is one of the most popular activities. With miles and miles of small thin roads criss crossing each other most people just venture out and explore.

Walking around the Aran Islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr) is a popular but time-consuming endeavor, and the time required depends entirely on which island you choose. Inis Mór, the largest island, is about 12 km long and 3 km wide; walking the entire perimeter and visiting the Dún Aonghasa fort would take roughly 6 to 8 hours of steady trekking, which is why most people prefer to rent a bike. Inis Meáin, the middle island, is much more rugged and hilly; walking its primary scenic loops takes about 4 to 5 hours, but its lack of crowds makes it a more contemplative experience. Inis Oírr, the smallest island, can be walked comfortably in about 2 to 3 hours, allowing you to see the Plassey Shipwreck and the O'Brien Castle without breaking a sweat. It is important to remember that the weather in Galway Bay can change in minutes, and the limestone "karst" terrain is very uneven, so "walking around" the islands is as much about navigating the stone-walled labyrinths as it is about the distance. Most visitors find that a full day is needed to truly experience even the smallest of the three islands on foot.