Aran Islands: Frequently Asked Questions

From Rossaveel, Connemara, return ferry travel to the Aran Islands will cost:

• €0 with a Free Travel Pass
• €0 per infant (aged 0-4)
• €17 per child (aged 5-12)
• €29 per student (aged 13+ and in fulltime education)
• €29 per senior (aged 65+)
• €34 per adult

From Galway City return ferry transfer to the Aran Islands will cost:

• €0 per infant (aged 0-4)
• €30 per child (aged 5-12)
• €50 per student (aged 13+ and in fulltime education)
• €50 per senior (aged 65+)
• €55 per adult

You can get to the Aran Islands from two departure points in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland.

1. Galway City (seasonal departures)
2. Rossaveel, Connemara, Galway (year-round)

All three islands have unique charm with activities and experiences to enjoy. To help you decide which Aran Island to visit. See our top recommendations:

•  Inis Mór Hub
•  Inis Meáin Hub
•  Inis Oírr Hub

Still not sure? See The Aran Islands Tourist Information Centre or Things to do on The Aran Islands

Stunning beaches, ancient ruins and iconic attractions are some of the top sites to explore on the Aran Islands. We’ve listed our top recommendations for things to see and do on the islands:

• Things to do on Inis Mór
• Things to do on Inis Meáin
• Things to do on Inis Oírr

You can read more about What To Do on The Aran Islands here

Some business operators on the island such as minibus drivers do not accept card so you may find it helpful to bring cash with you to save time. Depending on which island you visit, you can get cash on all three islands in places below:

• Inis Mór - ATM in local shop 'SPAR'
• Inis Meáin - Post Office
• Inis Oírr - ATM in local store 'Siopa XL'

Our Guide To The Aran Islands contains:

• - The Map Of The Aran Islands and
• - Three separate maps for each of the Aran Islands. These maps are useful and point out the main attractions and facilities on each island,
  • Inis Mór map,
  • Inis Meáin map,
  • Inis Oírr map,

Aran Sweaters can be purchased on all three islands.

• On Inis Mór there are 5 knitwear shops selling the sweater and other crafts.
• On Inis Meáin, you’ll find Inis Meáin Knitwear and
• on Inis Oírr there are 3 shops selling the sweater.

There are no car ferries operating to the islands. Ferries to the Aran Islands are for foot passengers only. There is another company operating a cargo boat from Galway Docks three days a week. Contact 'Lasta Mara Teo' on 091 562900.

Yes, the Aran Islands are open year-round with bike hire and bus tours available to book from from 2nd January to 23rd December. Pubs/restaurants open from January to December each year :-).

See The Aran Islands Tourist Guide

Planning, and packing for a trip to Aran Islands is half the fun. We'd recommend some

• waterproofs,
• comfortable footwear,
• sunglasses and sun cream,
• camera and charger and
• some cash just in case.

Of course, an Aran Sweater and few words of Irish or 'Cúpla focal' is a bonus!

You can read more about what to bring to the island on our blog for Inishmore visitors

There are many attractions on each island to explore. Please refer to The Aran Islands travel information guides, maps and pages for:

• Inis Mór (Inishmore),
• Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and
• Inis Oírr (Inisheer).

Yes, you can choose from mostly 3-star options on the Aran Islands, which include a hotel, hostel, self-catering apartments, Bed and Breakfasts (BnBs) and Airbnbs. We’ve listed accommodation options on each island:

• Inis Mór accommodation,
• Inis Meáin Accommodation and
• Inis Oírr Accommodation

to help you plan your stay.

Yes. Below are some of the accommodation types to choose from,

• from quaint B’n’Bs to
• a hostel,
• a hotel,
• glamping pods and
• your own tent on a camping site
• as well as Airbnbs

We've outlined a list of options to choose from on our Best Stays - Accommodation on Inis Mór.

Please refer to the following pages for a list of accommodation on Inis Mór. Our links page displays a list of Hotels/Hostels in Galway and transport you can avail of around the country.

No, we do not arrange accommodation for passengers on any of the islands or the mainland. Please visit our guide to Aran Island for more information on accommodation options for Inis Mór.