Roughly 40 minutes crusing from Galway Metropolis, the Aran Islands are a picturesque getaway to Irish custom and tradition. The three islands that sit on the mouth of Galway Bay have a exceptional historical past that stretches again 1000’s of years and are teeming with astonishing coastal surroundings.
Throughout my time in Galway, I took a day journey out to the biggest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór (Inishmore). Here’s a recap of my expertise and a few useful tricks to make your journey to those attractive islands one you’ll always remember.
Even in case you are spending solely 4 days in Eire, as my buddies had been, Galway and Inis Mor ought to be in your listing. Galway Metropolis is the prime launching pad to achieve any of the three islands however the ferries that present each day service are situated at Rossaveal, roughly a 45-minute drive from Galway. Ferry providers present commuter bus service from Galway and could be added to your ticket to the islands. I booked a spherical journey ticket with Aran Island Ferries departing Rossaveal at 10:30am and taking the final ferry again to the mainland at 5:00pm.
The mesmerizing boat journey provided stunning pictures of Eire’s rugged terrain and jagged shores. The mountains from Connemara Nationwide Park stood proudly overlooking the charming seaside cottages beside the bay. Because the boat trekked additional out to sea, you would really feel the waves of the Atlantic Ocean intensifying with each passing second. The boat swayed backwards and forwards like an amusement park journey forcing passengers to cling tightly to railings.
Upon arrival at Inis Mór, we had been greeted with a beautiful white sand seaside and docked alongside the pier was a rusty ship with the phrase ‘GALWAY’ etched into its stern. Simply past the seaside, there have been dozens of van excursions, horse carriages, and bike rental outlets ready to whisk vacationers away to the island’s mystical wonders.
Be ready to carry money! Bike leases and guided excursions solely settle for money funds and there is just one ATM on the island (on the Spar Grocery store).
When you have no money and are unprepared to get cash from an ATM, you’ll be in for a scenic stroll on the island like me!
The fundamental spotlight of Inis Mór is the traditional stony fort Dún Aonghasa which sits atop gorgeous cliffs. There are two roads to achieve the scenic cliffs with the simpler being the coastal route.