Aran Island Day Trips

Visiting the Aran Islands during your stay at the Connemara Coast

Aran Island Day Trips

A day trip to the Aran Islands is a must, described as “One of the World’s Top Island Destinations” as per National Geographic, the rugged Aran Islands lie just outside Galway Bay and just miles from the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher on the West Coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands comprise three islands, Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin and Inis Mor. They are reached by Aran Ferries from Rossaveal just 26 km from us here at the Connemara Coast Hotel. Lastly, one can also make it to the islands by small planes that have a capacity of 8 passengers and tickets can be booked directly with Aer Arann. This service is facilitated from Connemara Airport near Inverin, roughly 15 minutes from the us here in the Connemara Coast Hotel.

You’ll find ancient forts, churches and monuments on all three islands, with different flora and fauna on each. This rugged beauty is a must for a day trip when staying at the Connemara Coast Hotel.

How long does the ferry to the Aran Islands Take?

Rossaveel to Inis Mόr – About 45 Minutes
Rossaveel to Inis Meáin – About 55 Minutes
Rossaveel to Inis Oírr – About 65 Minutes
There are 3 daily departures from Galway City Docks to Inis Mόr

While visiting any of the islands, you can rent a bike, a pony & trap or even a minibus to take you around. Inis Mόr is home to world famous, Dun Aonghasa, an ancient fort built on the high coastal cliffs. Other less frequented forts include Dun Duchathair and Dun Eochla all on Inis Mόr. Similarly, Inis Meáin and Oírr both have some wonderful ancient sites, beaches, walks and more. Don’t forget the famous Plassy shipwreck which features at the beginning of Father Ted is also lying to the east of Inis Oírr and is a pleasant walk from the main pier village. Great places to eat on Inis Mόr include Ti Joe Watty’s and the American Bar with O’Flaherty’s on Inis Oírr and the multi award winning Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites.