Aran Islands Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
The Aran Islands, [1] in County Galway, Ireland, are an archipelago of three small islands, the largest of which - Inis Mór - is only 12km by 3km in size. All are barren, rocky islands with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
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Islands
- Inis Mór (sometimes called Árainn - the original and correct name for Inis Mór) is the largest and most visited of the three islands.
- Inis Meáin, the middle island, also the least touristed.
- Inis Oírr, the smallest and southernmost island.
Understand
The inhabitants of these three rocky islands not only built incredible stone forts that have stood for thousands of years, built walls that crisscross every last inch of the islands, but also brought greenery to lifeless rock through centuries of digging dirt from cracks and composting seaweed from the oceans.
Though by no means the most popular tourist destination in Ireland, due to the small size and permanent population - only about 900 people on the largest island - it can seem like there are tourists everywhere. Surprisingly, this doesn't seem to spoil the place the way it does in other parts of the country, and the place is surprisingly relaxed and retains a very rural and isolated feel to it.
Talk
All three islands are Gaeltachts, areas of Ireland where Irish is still the primary language. English speakers will have no problem, as almost all islanders are fluent in English. However, surprisingly few signs are in English, so it's best to know the Irish name of your destination.
Get in
Aran Direct and Island Ferries operate from Ros an Mhíl, in Connemara with bus connections to Galway City. Doolin Ferries run boats from Doolin in County Clare.
For those short on time, but not on money, Aer Árann operates flights from Indreabhán Airport in Connemara.
Get around
Though there are mini-bus tours and taxis available on the islands, the best way to see the islands is on foot or by bike. Wear good hiking boots, though, as once you leave the paved roads, you are on very rough rocks. If you cycle, wear a helmet, for the same reason. While you may balk at the seemingly 'touristy' nature of the pony carts which will be waiting for you in Cill Rónáin, paying the little bit extra for one of these is often worth it -- striking up conversation with your driver may get you invited to dinner or a party.
Inter-Island
Aran Direct runs inter-island ferries during the peak season, but for most of the year the only way to get between islands is to return to Ros an Mhíl and take a different boat out. Reportedly, a fishing boat takes the island priest between islands on Sunday, so you may be able to sweet talk your way onto that. Aer Árann flights do operate between the islands, though they run a circular route and may not go directly where you want to.
Buy
Though you can change money on all three islands, be aware that only Inis Mór has an ATM (Bank of Ireland), so be sure to plan accordingly.
Stay
Hotels are easy to come by on Inis Mor, the most touristy of the islands. Inisoirr offers a quieter stay. Tigh Ruari (no website, but locatable on several 'visit Arann' sites) is a wonderful bed and breakfast on the island, with a grocery store and pub attached.
Here is a list of good accommodation as given by One Click Ireland.
Pier House Phone: 099 61417 E-mail: pierh@iol.ie
Kilmurvey House Phone: 099 61218 E-mail: kilmurveyhouse@eircom.net Web: www.Kilmurveyhouse.com
Kilronan Hostel Phone: 099 61255 E-mail: kilronanhostel@ireland.com
Tigh Fitz Phone: 099 61213 E-mail: penny@tighfitz.com Web: www.Tighfitz.com
Ard Éinne Phone: 099 61126 E-mail: ardeinne@eircom.net Web: www.galway.net/pages/ardeinne
Bay View Phone: 099 61260 E-mail: round@eircom.net Web: www.dragnet.systems.ie/eira/bayview
Oatquarter House
Phone: 099 61328
E-mail: mgtdirrane@yahoo.co.uk
Ard Mhuris Phone: 099 61208 E-mail: ardmhuris@eircom.ie
An Crugan Phone: 099 61150 Web: www.ancrugan.com
Clai Ban Phone: 099 61111 Fax: 099 61423 Open all year round
Man of Aran Address: Joe & Maura Wolfe Man of Aran cottages Kilmurvey Inishmore Aran Islands Co Galway Eire Phone: 099 61301 Fax: 099 61324 Email: manofaran@eircom.net Open all year round
Get out
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