The Aran Islands are as far West as you can go in Ireland. Set in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, these three Islands off the coast of Galway are accesible by ferry or light aircraft.
After our luxury stay, we were on route to Doolin to catch our ferry across to Inis Mór – the largest Island.
Doolin, a surfers paradise in Ireland, is located just beside the Cliffs of Moher. With a variety of ferry companies that travel to the Islands, we chose The Doolin Ferry Company – simply because we bought our tickets at Doolin’s Information Centre. You can always buy the tickets at the Pier.
**Tip: Traveling by ferry from Galway is quicker and a much smoother crossing.
To be honest, we did not expect the trip from Doolin to be as bumpy but in a little over an hour and a couple of stops later, we reached Kilronan, Inis Mór.
We settled in to our Bed and Breakfast close to the Pier and strolled down to the local village to explore. Already, you adapt to the laid back, easy going pace evident in the two-wheeled mode of transport with the occasional sound of hooves trotting by.
We hired bicycles and after some saddle adjustments and 3 stops in 300 meters – we were all set. You can cycle half of the Island at an easy pace in a day. This was the perfect way to see the Island and the experience was wonderful. With the fresh Irish sea breeze, a clear and sunny day, we cycled on narrow roads passing endless stoned walls – quintessential of the West Coast of Ireland.
Things to do on Inis Mór:
Dun Aengus: a pre-historic hill fort, set on the edge of a 100 meter high cliff. The view from here is worth the trip.
Joe Watty’s Bar: the best pint on the Island with peat fires, good grub, a warm welcome and live music.
Bayview Restaurant: ran by a husband and wife team with the perfect blend of Guatemalan food and American hospitality that fits in perfectly with the Island’s International attraction.
Hightly Recommended Accomodation on Budget:
Inis Mór Glamping: great spot, great view, a cosy stay!
After a full day of cycling and exploring, we had built up an appetite and we were not dissapointed with the Bayview Restaurant. The food was flavorsome, cooked ‘a-la-minute’ and an interesting Gautemalan coffee selection which you can also buy to take home.
After dinner, we ventured on to Joe Watty’s Bar for a pint and a bit o’ craic. For locals and tourists alike, this is a great, cosy spot.
The Island is very popular and worth visiting during the summer months as it has it’s own micro climate. It is part of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking areas of Ireland) and it’s great to experience hearing the language spoken down in the ‘local’.
Inis Mór is definitely worth a return visit and we would strongly recommend visiting the Island for longer than a day trip or a night.
Join us on our return visit as we will definitely back.
Annette van Tonder says
August 4, 2018 at 6:06 pmLove this place
Dannii & Pauric says
August 4, 2018 at 8:51 pmWe loved it too! In the summer time, it has a micro climate!!! Feels like Spain!