Aran Islands

The main island of Inismore is the most visited and tourist-oriented with the breath-taking Cliffs of Aran stretching for about 8km along the western side of the island. The famous prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa is perched on a 100-metre cliff face, thought to date back to 1100 BC. The Black Fort and the Worm Hole are just a couple of the best sights on the island which has over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. 

There is a new ferry service from Galway city to Inishmore, starting in 2021, and the island is very well serviced by ferry crossings and by airplane, making it one of the top day tours from Galway. The island is 14 km long and 3 km at its widest point, a lot of visitors like to hire a bike to tour the island and this is one of the best ways to see the Aran Islands. The Seal Colony, located on the coastal road close to blue flag Kilmurvey Beach, is one of the most popular attractions on Inishmore Island for animal lovers.

The island of Inisheer is the smallest of the Aran Islands at about a quarter of the size and population of Inishmore. It’s an easy 35-minute boat journey from Doolin and a good option for those who want to visit the island as part of a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher. The main village area is right next to a beautiful beach and is enclosed by a small hill with a castle and a fort at the top. Inisheer is easily covered by foot or ideal for a bike tour and you can easily rent a bike on the island. Some of the best attractions to visit on the island are O’Briens Castle, Creggankeel Fort and the Grave of the Seven Daughters, St Gobnet’s Church and St Benan’s Church - reputedly the smallest church in Ireland.

Inishmaan Island is the least visited of the three islands. The island has crystal clear views of the Cliffs of Moher and some interesting Celtic and Christian sites. 

The island was a retreat for the famous playwright JM Synge who took inspiration from the Aran Islands for many of his works such as “Riders of the Sea” and “The Playboy of the Western World”. Teach Synge is the cottage to which the playwright returned each year – a small, whitewashed, thatched-roof traditional cottage that has been preserved as a museum and dedicated to the life of Synge, open to the public during the summer months. 

Inishmaan has recently become a centre for diving, a wonderful experience with some beautiful marine life to see and clear waters. Inishmaan is accessible by ferry from Rossaveal port with shuttle bus service from Galway City, from Doolin by ferry or by air on Aer Arann.