The Aran Islands are a group of three rocky islands located on the coast of Galway Bay. These islands are the isolated treasures of the country. A popular break from the modern world, the islands offer a good outlook on Irish culture and its fascinating history.
It consists of the Inis Mór/ Inishmore (Big Island), Inis Meáin (Middle Island), and Inis Oírr (East Island). Due to these islands’ isolation and remote location, they have developed a rich culture and heritage that you would not get to experience anywhere else in Ireland.
Useful Info For Inishmore – Aran Island Trip
Location
Inishmore (Inis Mór) is the largest of the Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland in County Galway, at the mouth of Galway Bay. It lies in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 15 km from the mainland, and is accessible by ferry from Rossaveel or Doolin and by plane from Connemara Airport.
I’ve included the Google Maps location below for easy navigation.
History
Inishmore has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, with ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa, which dates to around 1100 BCE. These forts, built on dramatic cliffs, were used for defense and ceremonial purposes, reflecting the island’s early settlers’ ingenuity.
During the early Christian period, Inishmore became a center for monastic life, with St. Enda’s Monastery established in the 5th century. The ruins of The Seven Churches and other religious sites highlight its importance as a place of pilgrimage and learning.
Over the centuries, the islanders adapted to harsh Atlantic conditions, building the iconic limestone walls and maintaining a strong Gaelic culture.
How To Get To Inishmore (Inis Mór)?
You can get to the islands by a passenger ferry from County Galway or County Clare. You can even take a ferry from Doolin (a town near Cliffs of Moher) or Rossaveal.
From Rossaveal, it will take around 40 minutes, and from Doolin, it will take around 90 minutes to get to the Island.
To book a ferry, click here. Make sure to return to your ferry on time as even if you’re late by a few minutes, they won’t wait.
Shuttle Bus is available from Galway City to get to Rossaveal. I would recommend booking the tickets online as they prefer prior bookings and it will also be cheaper if you book both the bus and the ferry together.
How To Get Around Inishmore?
We took two Tandem Bikes and one Mountain Bike. Tandem Bikes are the ones where you have two seats, and if you know how to ride a bicycle, it will not be difficult to handle this bike. Tandem Bikes will also be cheaper.
Be prepared to walk a lot as there are many places where even your bicycle cannot go. Always keep track of GPS as you might want to avoid unwanted routes, and even because of the network instability in some areas, it can be a bit troublesome.
To hire a bike visit this website.
Tips
- Carry extra cash, as most places don’t accept cards, and there’s only one ATM on the island.
- Keep all bike and ferry receipts safely with you.
- Eat properly, as you’ll walk and cycle a lot; carry a protein bar for a handy snack.
- Plan a two-day trip to explore Inishmore fully, as one day may not be enough. We planned the trip just for one day and missed some of the most famous tourist attractions.
- While walking or cycling, move to the left side if you hear a car approaching, as some locals drive.
Things To Do On Inishmore
Dun Aonghasa
The most famous fort on all three islands, Dun Aonghasa, is a huge ancient fort that is at least 3000 years old. Right in the heart of Inishmore, the fort overlooks the edge of a majestic cliff and is defended by a triple wall.
Since the fort has no protection like railings, you can go over to the edge and look down if you are not too terrified of heights. But don’t get too excited and be cautious.
The Wormhole
A popular destination for swimmers and divers, the wormhole is a completely naturally formed tidal pool. It is near Dun Aonghasa; you will find that over time, nature has cut this rock into a perfect rectangle that becomes an excellent pool for people to dive in and take a swim.
Sometimes when the tides are very high, don’t try to jump in the pool at that time as the force of the water is immense, and it will be precarious for you to handle that.
Kilmurvey Beach
Kilmurvey Beach is a good way to walk on the pale, white sand and dip your legs in the cold, blue water, and maybe even make a sandcastle with your kid. The view is breathtaking, and the pictures can never do any justice to the beauty of this place.
It’s a great swimming spot in the summer and the best place in the whole of Inishmore Island to spend some relaxing time.
Seal Colony Viewpoint
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Inishmore and is located nearby Kilmurvey Beach. You will spot seals and some other kinds of water animals here.
One of the rarest seals in the world, which is the Grey Seal, is found here. You probably won’t spot any seals at the time of high tides, so keep that factor in your mind.
The Seven Churches
Very misleading because of the name, The Seven Churches are, in fact, two churches that go back to the seventh century. In ruins is a beautiful monastic site that can be adequately enjoyed with a tour guide explaining the fascinating history.
It is a well-known pilgrimage site and a must-see tourist attraction in Inishmore if you’re interested in historic places.
Dun Eochla
One of the most popular but underrated places on the Inishmore. The Dun Eochla is a 500AD fort that is still perfectly preserved today.
Probably because it is built on the highest point of the island, you can get a proper 360° view of the entire island, and if you are lucky enough, you just might be able to see the Cliffs of Moher from the fort.
The Black Fort
In contrast to the Dun Aonghasa, the Black Fort can be pretty peaceful and secluded. Deemed as their favorite Inishmore historic site by the locals, this is a must for your list.
The fort makes for a great hike; you can take your own sweet time getting there because of its remote location and maybe even have a picnic. Make sure that you have a comfortable pair of shoes on you.
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping is a unique accommodation option on Inishmore, offering cozy glamping pods and traditional campsites near Frenchman’s Beach. It provides stunning ocean views, modern amenities, and a peaceful setting close to the island’s main attractions.
Ideal for nature lovers, it allows visitors to experience the rugged beauty of Inishmore while enjoying comfort and convenience.
Visit this website to find camping and glamping options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to walk around Inishmore?
Walking around Inishmore can take around 4-6 hours, depending on your route and pace. If you explore key attractions like Dún Aonghasa, the Wormhole (Poll na bPéist), and the Seven Churches, it might take longer. Cycling is a more popular way to explore the island efficiently.
Which Aran Island is the most beautiful?
Inishmore is often considered the most beautiful due to its dramatic cliffs, ancient stone forts, and scenic coastal views. However, Inisheer is loved for its charm and beaches, while Inishmaan is known for its untouched, rugged beauty. Each island has a unique appeal depending on what you’re looking for.
What are some fun facts about Inishmore?
Here are some fun facts about it:
- Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort on the edge of a 100-meter-high cliff, dates back to 1100 BCE.
- The island is home to the Wormhole (Poll na bPéist), a perfectly rectangular natural pool, which was a Red Bull Cliff Diving site.
- The Irish language (Gaeilge) is still spoken by locals, making it a stronghold of traditional Irish culture.
- Inishmore has fewer than 1,000 residents but welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Conclusion
Inishmore captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and deep-rooted Gaelic culture, making it an unforgettable destination on Ireland’s west coast.
Hope you enjoyed reading this guide. If you have any more questions, please comment below and also share your experience with me if you’ve visited here. Have fun and be safe!
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