Best Walks & Hikes on Inis Mór

Walks and Walking Trails & Routes on Inis Mór

Top Tips for Walking on Inis Mór

Route: Pick up a map of the island in the tourist office or onboard the Aran Islands Ferry. This will detail most of the sites on the island. Note that one end of the island is Eeragh Lighthouse, and the other is the village of Iaráine and the airport. In the middle? Miles and miles of pretty stone-walled laneways, just waiting to be explored! Loop walks are distinguished by colour and are marked on wooden posts visible at turns in the road.

Safety: Inis Mór is a safe place to walk. There is very little traffic to be aware of and few other obstructions to concern a walker. It is hard to get too lost on such a small island, but should you find yourself in any difficulty for any reason, local islanders will be happy to help. Call into any business, hostel, or hotel.

Terrain: The island's terrain is relatively flat, especially in the middle. Some steep hills around Dun Aonghasa may be a challenge to those with mobility issues; otherwise, the landscape is easy to navigate. If you plan on visiting the churches and graveyards, these areas may be muddy or wet, especially after rain, so take care.

Gear: Proper gear is essential in the outdoors and walking up to the fort Dún Aonghasa, but trainers are fine for walking, especially if you don’t plan on going off-road. A rainproof jacket is essential; warm layers are helpful, and, as always, don’t leave for a long walk without adequate water supplies and plenty of snacks.

• Walk 1 - Stroll around Kilronan Village (30 min, 1 km)
• Walk 2 – Kilronan to Killeany (45 min, 2.2 km)
• Walk 3 - Loop Walk - Lúb Dún Eochla (Green Trail: 3h, 10km)
• Walk 4 – Loop Walk, Lúb an Chorrúch (Blue Trail: 3.5h, 12km)
• Walk 5 - Lúb Chill Mhuirbhigh (Purple Trail: 5-6h, 16km)

(All times are approximate and depend on physical ability)

Walk 1 – Stroll around Kilronan Village

Walk Level: Easy

Distance: 1km approx. 30-minute stroll

What to see along the way: Kilronan is a lovely, quaint little village, but it is also the beating heart of the Aran Islands. Most businesses operate from here, and most visitors stay in or near the port. Take a few hours to stroll through the winding streets and get a natural feel for the town. Notice how the signage is still in the Irish language and how the locals speak ‘as Gaeilge.’ When you’ve exhausted the village, stroll the length of the pier, and then follow Point Road along the sandy Frenchman’s Beach, past the glamping huts, and all the way to the Point. After an afternoon of exploring Kilronan, you’ll be ready to hit the cafés, pubs, and restaurants!

Walk 2 – Kilronan to Killeany

Walk Level: Easy

Distance: 2.2km, approx. 45-minute stroll

What to see along the way:

Leaving Kilronan via the sprawling sandy beach to the west, you’ll enjoy a light walk towards the island's eastern end. You’ll arrive upon Altóir Colmcille, Colm’s Altar, a monument with a traditional pilgrimage on the Saint's feast Day. Every June 9th, pilgrims pick seven stones from a vat to place upon the altar. Further up the laneway, Castle Aircín lies in ruins by the sea. Ask a local for the rich history of the place! End your southeast journey on the pier, where bobbing fishing boats wait patiently for the tide to change.

Walk 3 - Loop Walk - Lúb Dún Eochla (Green Trail)

Walk Level: Intermediate

Distance: 10km, approx. 3 hours

What to see along the way:

Those who have limited time on the island but want to see the sights on foot could opt for the Green Trail, Lúb Dún Eochla. The loop begins in Kilronan. Following the low road, you’ll take a left at the signposting for Aran Islands Goats Cheese and make your way up towards Oghil Tower. Also known as Inishmore Lighthouse, the tower has an interesting backstory. After passing the goat cheese factory, you’ll continue up to the tower, visible at the top of the hill.

Oghil Tower is officially at the highest point on the island! Enjoy panoramic views from the 12 Bens of Connemara to the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day. An Eire 50 sign built during WWII lies in a field just south of the fort. These vast stone messages were constructed to alert planes overhead of their location. Make your way to the ancient Dún Eochla, just east of the tower. Plan an extra 20 minutes to explore before heading back on the trail. On Pump Road, take a left towards Kilronan village and back to your hostelry for a well-deserved break!

Walk 4 – Loop Walk, Lúb an Chorrúch (Blue Trail)

Walk Level: Intermediate

Distance: 12 km, approx. 3.5 hours

What to see along the way:

The Blue Trail is ideal for those interested in Ireland’s ancient Christian and Pagan traditions. But first, stop at the Seal Colony Viewpoint, just past the small marshland on the low road, where many of the island’s native birds, swans, and seals reside. At low tide, you may find seals lazily sunbathing in the bay.

At the church ruins, turn left to make your way towards the small village of Corrúch. Walk up a small, steep road that leads to the High Road. Cross over this road to head southbound, look for a sign for the trail and a stone carving marking the ruins of Teampall an Cheathrair Álainn, its Holy Well and the surrounding sacred grounds, as well as Oghil Wedge Tomb (Leaba Dhiarmada agus Ghrainne). A white sign points right for Teampall an Cheathrair Álainn and a small pathway leads to the church. Local legends tell of good luck gained when you walk around the Holy Well 7 times with a stone while praying and then place the stone in the water. Give it a go!

Once on the road again, keep climbing to the top of the hill. You’ll see a turn-off on the right that leads you between fields. It is down this path that you will find the Oghil Wedge Tomb. It will take about 15 minutes to get to and explore this mystical site where our earthly world allegedly meets the spiritual world.

After finishing the ancient explorations, make your way on the main path south until you hit Pump Road, then turn left to head back to Kilronan, safe in the knowledge you’ve gained the luck of the Irish.

Walk 5 - Lúb Chill Mhuirbhigh – (Purple Trail)

Walk Level: Intermediate

Distance: 16km, 5-6 hours

What to see along the way:

Snaking its way between the well-known attractions on Inis Mór, the Purple Trail stretches over 16km. Walking the longest loop route, you’ll be able to stop off in Kilmurvey village for a bite to eat at Nan Phaidi’s and a look around some of the artisan craft shops before a stroll on the Blue-Fag awarded Kilmurvey beach.

Check out the cliff-hugging, prehistoric fort, Dun Aengus Fort, for memorable views encompassing the wild Atlantic and the landscape of Europe’s most Westernly point. Wander down to the iconic rectangular swimming hole known as the Worm Hole (Poll na bPéist). After checking out the formidable fort of Dun Aengus, head back to the Loop through the village of Gort na gCapall, which literally means field of horses. You’ll find just that – many fields with horses, cows, donkeys, and goats.

Keep an eye out for a monument celebrating Aran-born writer Liam O’Flaherty, and head up the Pump Road to get back to Kilronan. You might pass farmers tending to their fields as you climb up the Pump Road; be sure to greet them. The Pump Road is much quieter than any other road on the island, so take time to clear your mind and admire the beautiful island vistas here on the very edge of Europe!

The little laneways of Inis Mór are a walker's paradise. The Loop walks are safe and scenic, with routes to suit all abilities. Why not take a stroll through the uniquely Irish setting and experience the fascinating cultural haven for yourself?

Map of All Inis Mór Walking Loops and Trails:

Aran Island Ferries used resources from local tourism organisations to present walking options on Inis Mór Island.

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