Even if you are in Ireland for less than 2 weeks, the Aran Islands are well worth a visit. We certainly enjoyed our time there during our 8 day visit to Ireland last May.
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Famed for their wild landscapes, distinctive knitted jumpers and pretty cottages, the Irish-speaking Aran Islands never fail to wow. These three islands have maintained the culture and heritage of traditional Irish life, and fascinate the thousands of visitors who make the journey every year.
Please book this trip if you would like to visit Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) and see the Cliffs of Moher on a Day Trip. Experience traditional Irish culture on the Aran Islands before viewing the iconic Cliffs of Moher from sea-level on a Day Tour from Galway City Docks.
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.
The Aran IslandsDepending on which island you visit, the ferry journey is approximately 40-minutes from Rossaveel, Connemara and 90-minutes from Galway City.
A little backpack with a warm jumper and a waterproof jacket is always a good idea. Fingers crossed that you won't need it but better to be prepared. A change of socks and a t-shirt for emergencies will see you through! Comfortable footwear.
The Aran Islands are a group of islands made up of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. The same order goes for size from largest to smallest. With a population of 1,200 people, the islands, which are located off the West coast of Ireland, are unique in many ways. Both Irish and English are spoken there.
Please note – it is not possible to bring your car over to the Aran islands, as the ferry services do not allow for this. Vehicles can be left at the ports and the airport before boarding.
Out of the 3 main islands, Inis Mor (also, Inishmore) is the largest and most popular for a day trip among locals and tourists. It offers beautiful landscapes, historical sites, turquoise water beaches and vertiginous cliffs.
Location of the Aran IslandsThey are located about 48 km from Galway City, however they are only 8 km from Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare. Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the closest Island to Doolin.
We recommend bringing a camera, comfortable shoes, a good rain jacket, sun screen (it's Ireland but you never know!) and a little cash. Some businesses on the island do not accept card or have a minimum-spend policy in place.
Inis Mor, the largest and most popular island of the Aran Islands can be accessed by passenger ferry or by airplane. The passenger ferries depart from Galway City, Rossaveel and Doolin. The airplane to Inis Mor departs from Connemara Regional Airport. You cannot take your car on the ferry to the Island.
The population of 1,347 (as of 2022) primarily speak Irish, the language of local placenames, making the islands a part of the Gaeltacht. Most islanders are also fluent or proficient in English. The population has steadily declined from around 3,500 in 1841.