Your Essential Guide to Visiting the Aran Islands from Connemara
You step off the ferry onto the limestone, and the mainland already feels further away than the forty-minute crossing suggests. The Aran Islands rise out of the Atlantic right on your doorstep when you’re staying in Connemara, and they’re not the sort of place you just look at from the shore. You get on the boat, you cross the open water, and you find yourself in a landscape that’s been worked by hand for thousands of years. If you’re looking for a proper day out, this is it.
A trip out to the islands is a chance to step into a different version of Ireland, where the language you hear on the street is as likely to be Irish as English, and where the landscape hasn’t changed much over the centuries.
Getting to Know the Main Island and Its Great Stone Fort
When people talk about the Irish Aran Islands, they’re usually talking about the three main spots: Inis Mór (the big one), Inis Meáin (the middle one), and Inis Oírr (the small one).
For many visitors, the main draw is Inis Mór because that’s where you’ll find the famous fort. You’ve probably seen the photos: the massive stone wall sitting on the edge of a 100-metre cliff. That’s Dun Aengus Aran Islands, though you’ll also see it written in its Irish name, Dún Aonghasa Aran Islands.
It’s a prehistoric fort, a semicircle of dry stone clinging to the cliff edge, and you walk right up to the wall and then through it. You stand at the lip of that drop, with the wind in your face and the waves crashing way down below, and you understand why people built a fortress here over three thousand years ago. There’s no rail between you and the edge, so mind yourself, especially if it’s breezy.
To get there, you can hire a bike in the main village or hop on one of the minibuses that take visitors around the island. The driver will give you a running commentary and drop you at the visitors centre at the bottom of the hill, leaving you with a fair oul’ walk up to the fort itself (around 1 km). It’s worth every step.
A Look at the Smaller Island, Inis Oírr
If you’re short on time or you fancy something a bit more low-key, then you should set your sights on Aran Islands Inis Oirr. It’s the smallest of the three, so you can easily explore the whole place on foot in a few hours.
The ferry drops you right at the pier, and you walk straight into the village. There’s a lovely beach there, a small sandy cove for a paddle if the weather plays ball. You can walk out to the wreck of the Plassy, a ship that ran aground in the 1960s and now sits rusting on the rocks. (You might recognise it from the opening credits of the popular Irish TV show, Father Ted). Further out, you’ve got O’Brien’s Castle, a tower house ruin sitting on a hill, and the old lighthouse.
Inis Oírr feels smaller and quieter, more about wandering and soaking it in than rushing from one big sight to the next. Stop for a bowl of chowder and a pint of Guinness, listen to the Irish being spoken at the next table, and watch the sunlight dance on the water.
Packing for the Day and Checking the Forecast
Now, let’s talk practically, because the Atlantic doesn’t care much for your holiday plans. Your best bet is to check the weather for Aran Islands before you book your ticket. The weather out there can be completely different to what you’re getting on the mainland in Clifden or Roundstone, for example. It can be bright sunshine one minute and a soft day the next.
The rule is layers. Wear a t-shirt, a fleece, and a good waterproof jacket. A hat and gloves wouldn’t go astray even in July, because once you’re on that bike cycling across the island, the wind can cut through you. And sturdy shoes are essential as you’ll be walking on limestone rock, uneven paths, and maybe boggy ground.
Bring a small backpack with water and some snacks. The cafes are great, but it’s nice to have your own supplies when you’re sitting looking out at the sea.
How to Get to the Aran Islands from the Mainland
Most people heading from Connemara travel with Aran Island Ferries from Rossaveel, near Carraroe. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Galway city, maybe less if you’re staying in Connemara. You drive down to the harbour, park the car (€8 for 24 hours), and get on the boat. There’s also a shuttle bus service from Victoria Place in Galway for passengers without a car.
The crossing itself is usually about 40 minutes on the ferry to Inis Mór or Inis Oírr. On the water, you might get lucky and spot dolphins following the boat. And remember, the ferry times can shift depending on the sea, so check the night before and again in the morning.
If you’re based in the city and don’t fancy the shuttle bus, there’s also a seasonal ferry from Galway city docks. That’s a longer crossing, about 90 minutes, but it’s a lovely sail right out through the bay. You see the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher from the water on the way back.
And for the full experience, you can fly. Aer Arann offers flights from the airport in Inverin, just a short journey from Spiddal. You’re up in the air for less than ten minutes, and get a view of the islands from above that you just can’t get any other way.
Plan Your Trip to the Irish Aran Islands Now
So that’s the Aran Islands for you. Ancient stone forts, shipwrecks you can walk to, and a pace of life that makes you slow right down. Whether you cycle the full length of Inis Mór to see Dun Aonghasa Aran Islands fort or you spend a quiet few hours wandering the lanes of Inis Oírr, you’ll come back with the sea air in your lungs and a different feeling about the place.
When you do come back, you’ll need a proper spot to put your feet up. Come back to Connemara and make yourself at home in one of Connemara Holiday Lettings’ places. We’ve got everything from cosy country cottages perfect after a blustery day, to spacious beach houses where you can watch the sun go down over the water.
Browse our collection at Connemara Holiday Lettings and get your trip booked. You’ll be glad you did.