Aran Islands - 10 Nights
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ireland
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Island Info
Insurance
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Flights
Tours
Local Time +
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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Itinerary & Accommodation
Galway 2N
5 minute walk to the centre of Galway and the bus station
Popular bar and restaurant 5 minute drive from the city centre
Doolin 1N
Inisheer aka Inis Oirr 2N
Inishmaan aka Inis Meain 2N
Inishmore aka Inis Mor 2N
Galway 1N
Islands -
Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr
"The three islands ranked 15th in Big Seven Travel's recent ranking of the "Top 50 Best Islands in the World", finishing above world-famous islands such as Santorini, Greece, and Bali, Indonesia."
Visa -
Ireland is a part of the EU and in the Schengen area. Many nationalities get 90 days on arrival.
Ireland is a very expensive country, especially the capital Dublin.
Population -
About 1,200
AKA -
The Islands of Saints and Scholars
An 11 day loop from Galway. Spending a night in Doolin and 2 on each of the islands before returning to Galway. The ferries run from April to October which will match the time you want to go. Some ferries are year round if you want to visit in the winter.
The best way to get around the islands is by bicycle. You can do tours in minibuses and horse and carts. There are also some off road tours.
Galway
Doolin
Get an early start so you have time to do the Doolin Cliff Walk
Inisheer
Ferry from Inisheer to Inishmaan
Inishmaan
Ferry from Inishmaan to Inishmore
Inishmore
Ferry from Inishmore back to Galway -
The ferry actually goes to Rossaveel which is 32 kms west of Galway, from here there is a bus to Galway.
June to October. July and August are the busiest months. May - June and September - October will be the most pleasant.
Airports -
serves Galway and it takes 1 hour 50 minutes by bus. The airport is connected directly to 33 destinations in 11 countries. They are across Europe and the north east coast of the USA.
Galway Airport was closed in 2011 and was still not open at the time of writitng.
Dublin International Airport (DUB) -
has direct flights to 185 destinations in 42 countries including North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All of the main airports here will connect you.
Catch the train from Dublin to Galway - it takes about 2 and a half hours
Ferry -
Crossings can be rough. Longest crossing is about one and a half hours.
Features -
Very few cars - still use horse and buggies, Untamed scenery, Sacred sites, beaches, wildlife (seals, More Irish speakers than any other part of Ireland. It hasn't changed for centuries. A doorway to Irelands ancient past.
History -
Early Christian monks came over for the peace and quiet. Oliver Cromwell invaded in the 17th century. During the famine the surviving islanders existed almost exclusively on fish. These days tourism is the major money earner with 250.000 visitors annually.
See -
Ancient stone walls, Shipwreck, Castle, A precariously situated ruined Fort, Impressive cliffs and the wild Atlantic, Teach Synge a 300 year old cottage turned museum, Craft Village, Medieval church ruins complete with a graveyard, Spectacular views, Aran Heritage Centre, Light house
Do -
Pilgrimage to the Well of Enda
Visit the Inis Meain Knitting Company
Relax
The natural wonder that is the Wormhole Natural Tidal Pool - part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World series Circuit - on Inishmore. Don't swim here it's very dangerous.
The uniqueness of the islands, the isolation, basically untouched by the modern world, wild, stark beauty, warmth of the locals
It is a foodies paradise with the pristine environment and many of the islanders involved with food production. Most pubs feature good food including local favourites and seafood. Award winning Tea rooms.
Teach An Tae - Aran Islands Cafe - Inisheer
Drink -
It's all about the pubs. Enjoy a pint, a chat and some local music and dance. There are Beer Gardens, live music every night, great Pub Grub but the main attraction is the locals.
Joe Watty's Bar - Inishmore
Sundowners -
Specialties -
Distinctive knitted jumpers (Pullovers / Sweaters) - worn by Princess Grace
Tips -
Have an extra couple of days up your sleeve in case bad weather affects your ferry crossings. Or you might like to stay in one place a little longer. Pick yourself up an Aran Sweater.
Famous -
Wild landscapes, thatched cottages, Basking sharks - second in size after whale sharks and just as harmless.
Ted Fest - based on the popular TV comedy Father Ted, Patrun - a sort of inter island sports carnival and of course St Patrick's Day.
Extra -
Check out The Shelbourne in Dublin in the 'Hotels' section
