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.
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The Aran Islands are made up of horizontal sheets of Carboniferous limestone and do not have naturally occurring topsoil. The inhabitants raise crops of oats and potatoes on soil that they have made using seaweed, sand, and manure. Some cattle are raised, and subsistence fishing is carried on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
This is the main village of Inis Mor and is one of them most picturesque spots in Ireland. Once for the sole purpose as a fishing port for the Aran fisherman, today it is the main port for the ferry companies, main area for festivals.
Inis Mor is noted for it's sandy sheltered beaches and interesting shorelines. On Inis Mór there is a blue flag beach at Cill Mhuirbhigh which is safe for swimming. During summer this beach is popular and as such has on duty life guards so ensure the safety of swimmers.
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.
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.
When it comes to fauna there's a wealth of wildlife living on the Aran Islands as well! Seabirds abound in numbers too – including skylarks, Oystercatchers and Northern Gannets – while otters can be spotted at sea searching for their prey along with dolphins who occasionally show up near shorelines.