Best Things to do on Aran Islands
The Aran Islands, off the Galway Coast, are three tranquil little islands with a unique pace of life. There's plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. From the cafes and restaurants to unique ancient monuments, craft shops and the traditional Irish pub. Here are some things you can do on each island to make your trip unforgettable!
What to do when visiting the Aran Islands and how to get there?
- Get to the Aran Islands!
- Bike Hire
- Hiking and Walking
- Touring
- Shopping
- Eating
- Drinking
- Wild Swimming
- Practicing your Cúpla Focal
Getting to the island: They say the journey is part of the destination, so relax, watch the waves, and leave your cares behind on the mainland while the comfortable Aran Islands ferry sails you steadily across Galway Bay to all three islands from Rossaveel, Connemara, Galway and to Inis Mór from Galway City. Sit back and enjoy!
Top Tip: The ferries can be busy during the summer months so please book in advance where possible.
Bike Hire: Affordable and accessible, renting a bike on the Aran Islands couldn’t be easier. You’ll find lines of bicycles waiting as you disembark the ferry at Kilronan on Inis Mór with a great range to choose from, including children’s bikes, family friendly options and electric bikes. Don’t worry; the island is relatively flat and only 4 miles long. On Inis Oírr, bikes are also available to hire at the pier. It’s a nice leisurely cycle, not an endurance ride!
Top Tip: It takes about 30-minutes to cycle to the most popular attraction on Inishmore, the cliff-top fort Dún Aonghasa, a little less on an electric bike. Take the coast road for the most scenic views.
Hiking, walking, exploring: The Aran Islands offer walkers long flat paved roads and almost zero traffic to contend with. There are short walks on Inis Mór, which are perfect for a casual stroll as well as three marked trails on the island ranging from 10km to 16km in distance. On Inis Meáin, Lúb Dún Fearbhaí is a lovely way marked walk, ideal for a ramble.
Top Tip: To see stunning views of Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher from the big island, head to Oghill Tower which is officially the highest point on Inis Mór!
Touring: As you disembark the Aran Islands ferry, you'll see minibuses with drivers waiting to introduce themselves. Natural storytellers, the driver will share insider knowledge and some entertaining stories about life on the big island! You can explore the island on a pony and trap tour which also available on Inis Oírr. See our Best Tours on Inis Mór for information on how to book.
Top Tip: Some minibus drivers don't take prebookings and operate on a first come, first served based.
Shopping: Stock up on scarves, hats and the famous Aran Sweater in the shops on the islands. Head towards Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór and you'll find 'An Túirne' where you may see the islanders knitting a sweater. The Knitwear Factory on the middle island, Inis Meáin, also produces high quality, authentic sweaters.
Top Tip: The sweaters have their own stitching pattern each with a unique meaning, if you're curious, ask the friendly staff in the shops who will be happy to provide more information.
Eating: When it comes to eating out, there are lots of choices on all three of the Aran Islands. On Inis Mór you can find delicious dinner menus at Joe Wattys and The Bar, to a light lunch at Tigh Joe Mac and local food on the menu at every stop. For extra authenticity, head to Teach Nan Phadi, a thatched cottage style café with great daily specials, traditional food, and a very Irish feel. Inis Oírr has a number of cafes specializing in local seafood, sandwiches, soups and pizza.
Top Tip: Aran Island Seafoods on Inis Mór serve freshly caught seafood daily from their food truck close to the fort Dún Aonghasa. We'd recommend the fish and chips or lobster rolls.
Drinking: Is there anything MORE quintessentially Irish than enjoying a pint of the black stuff (Guinness of course) in a rural pub? Maybe one thing. Enjoying a pint of the black stuff in a rural pub on the Aran Islands! Grab a pint of the black stuff, pull up a stool at the bar and spark up a conversation.
Top Tip: There are several pubs on Inis Mór island and a pub crawl in the main village, closest to the pier, Kilronan, is something every visitor should do! You may be lucky enough to catch a traditional music session too. Sláinte!
Wild swimming: The beaches of the Aran Islands are famous for white sands and turquoise waters, and if the weather allows, wild swimming is a must. Galway Bay paints a pretty picture, stunning clear blue seas and the often empty beaches are long streaks of silver sands. On Inis Oírr, An Trá with its crystal clear water and silver sands is a popular spot for a dip. Inis Mór has its own pristine Blue Flag beach at Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilmuvey), perfect for a wild swim
Top Tip: Check the weather and tide times and never swim alone.
Practicing your Cúpla Focal: Where better to practice conversing in our national tongue than in the pub. It’s not hard to find a friendly, local voice speaking in Gaelic on one the three islands. Beginners are most welcome and encouragement is provided free of charge! Maith thú!
So much to do, so little time! And by the time you board one of our fleet to make the return journey back to the mainland, you’ll have enough memories to last a lifetime. A trip to the Aran Islands is an Irish experience like nowhere else.
Have any Questions?
Our team based in Galway City and Rossaveel, Connemara, are alway happy to help with any information you may need. Why not email us on info@aranislandferries.com or call us if you have any questions. Please note that our offices are open from 8.30am to 5pm (Ireland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)). Call us on 091 568 903 if dialing from Ireland or 00353 91 568 903 if calling from outside the island of Ireland.