Aran Islands Day Trip: The Best Things To Do In Inishmore

Last Updated: April 2 2023

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located off the western coast of Ireland. 

Each one is famous for its wild landscapes, knitted jumpers, and ancient sites, so it’s no wonder they’re such popular tourist attractions. 

If you’re heading to Ireland, then we recommend doing an Aran Islands day trip!

In this article, we’re going to go through everything you need to know including the best sights and how to get there. 

We’re going to focus on the biggest of the three Aran Islands – Inishmore, as that’s the island we chose to visit! 

During our trip to the Wild Atlantic Way, we didn’t have much time so visited Inishmore in a day.

We took the ferry over first thing, spent a day exploring, and then headed back in the afternoon. It’s totally doable, and we didn’t have to rush. 

Now, we’re here to help and give you everything you need for the ultimate Aran Islands day trip.

Let’s begin!

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Where are the Aran Islands? 

As we mentioned previously, the Aran Islands sit off Ireland’s west coast. 

The islands are made up of Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan, and are located just 48km (30 miles) from Galway Bay.

They make up part of the Wild Atlantic Way and ‘guard’ the bay. 

Here is a map of the Aran Islands to give you a better idea! 

Which of the Aran Islands Should You Visit?

Each island offers something unique, making it a difficult decision to choose which one to visit. 

If you’re planning a day trip to one of these islands, it’s likely that you don’t have too much time to spare.

If that’s the case, you’ll have to choose between the three.

All three islands offer scenic landscapes, historical sites, and the chance to learn about the Irish language (Gaelic). 

You can easily spend a full day visiting each island, so it’s important to choose wisely if you’ve already got a jam-packed itinerary. 

Here’s a quick rundown of each island, so you can make a decision! 

Inishmore Island (Also Known as Inis Mór)

Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands, and the most popular!

It’s also the quickest island to get to by ferry. Most ferries will head to Inishmore first before visiting the other Aran Islands. You’ll also find that ferries to Inishmore run more frequently!

Although the island is only 12km (7.4 miles) long and 3km (1.8 miles) wide, there are plenty of awesome sights to see. 

Some of the most popular sights include the seal colony, Dún Aonghasa, and the Wormhole. 

Inishmore is also famous for its beautiful beach, which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the epic scenery! 

There is accommodation available on the island, and ferries run from both Doolin and Rossaveal.

Inisheer Island (Also Known as Inis Oírr)

Inisheer Island is the smallest of the Aran Islands at only 3km (1.8 miles) long and 3km wide. 

The local community on this island still adheres to the traditional Irish way of life. Therefore, you’ll get a real feel of the culture here.  

Aside from that, Inisheer comes with plenty of awesome places to visit!

Some of the best places to visit on the island include the shipwreck of Plassey, O’Brien’s Castle, and the lighthouse. On a clear day, you’ll also get great views of the Cliffs of Moher. 

There are several accommodation options on Inisheer, and ferries run from both Doolin and Rossaveal.

Inishmaan Island (Also Known as Inis Meáin)

Inishmaan Island is the least popular of the three and has a population of approximately 200 people. 

However, that does mean you’ll get a more rural and authentic experience! Culture also plays a big part on this island with Irish dances and poetry courses available.

Not only does the island have beautiful landscapes and cultural sites, but it’s also got a great reputation as a diving spot.

The coastal area around the Inishmaan is home to some incredible marine life. This includes seals and dolphins and there are several awesome dive spots to choose from. 

Some of the most popular ones include Brocklinmore Reef, Inishmaan Cave, and Gregory’s Sound.

You’ll also get awesome views of the Cliffs of Moher from Inishmaan, just like from Inisheer! 

Ferries run from both Doolin and Rossaveal, and you can stay on the island too.

How to Get to the Aran Islands

There are a couple of ways you can reach the Aran Islands! 

By Ferry

Catching a ferry to the Aran Islands is the most popular (and cheapest way). If you’re planning to travel from Galway to the Aran Islands, then Rossaveal is your closest option. 

Rossaveal is about 37km (23 miles) from Galway city and the journey takes around 45-minutes by car.

However, if you don’t have your own transport Aran Island Ferries runs a shuttle bus from Queen Street in Galway. 

We got our tickets at the port the day before, but if you’re not staying nearby you can book tickets online. You can also book ferry transfers from Rossaveal to Inishmore here! 

It’s worth booking them a couple of days in advance too, as these islands are one of the best day trips from Galway, so seats can get booked up fast!

The journey on the ferry takes about 45 minutes and you might even get to spot dolphins if you’re lucky!

You also have the choice to do an Aran Islands day trip from Doolin, by getting the Doolin Ferry. 

It’s important to note that ferries to the Aran Islands don’t run very regularly, and the timetables differ depending on which island you choose to visit. Here is the timetable information!

By Plane

The most unique way to get to the Aran Islands is by flying!

Of course, it’s more expensive than catching the ferry, but getting to see the islands from above is truly a breathtaking experience.

An adult return ticket from Connemara airport to one of the Aran Islands costs €55 for an adult, and €27 for a child.

The flights only leave three times a day, and this is completely reliant on the weather so keep this in mind.

If you choose this method of transportation, you’ll be flying with Aer Arann Islands.

By Tour

If you don’t fancy organising your own Aran Islands day trip, then you can choose a tour! 

There are plenty of choices available, and some even include a cruise to the Cliffs of Moher. Many of them depart from Galway or Doolin, so it all depends on where you’re staying! 

If you’re looking to do an Aran Islands day trip from Galway, here are a few of the most popular tour options: 

• Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher tour with cruise – If you’re looking to do an Aran Island tour from Galway this is one of the most popular choices. You’ll visit the smallest of the Aran Islands (Inisheer), and then head out on a cruise to see the Cliffs of Moher. 
• Aran Islands & the Cliffs of Moher day cruise from Galway – This tour from Galway takes you on a tour of Inishmore – the largest of the three Aran Islands. You’ll go to all the popular spots on the island, and then finish the trip with a cruise that will take you to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Here are some tour options if you’re looking to do an Aran Islands day trip from Doolin. 

• Inis Oirr Island and Cliffs of Moher tour from Doolin – If you choose this tour you’ll head on an express ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr. Then you’ll have three hours to explore the island before taking the ferry back via the Cliffs of Moher.
• Inis Mor Island and Cliffs of Moher by Ferry from Doolin – This includes a return ferry journey from Doolin to Inishmore which takes about 1 hr 15 minutes. You’ll then be given a ticket for a Cliffs of Moher cruise, which can be used on a separate day.

The Top Things to Do on Inis Mór/Inishmore

We chose to visit Inishmore out of all the Aran Islands, as there are so many awesome sites to see. 

As there is so much to do on this beautiful island, deciding which places to visit can be a difficult decision. 

To make things easier, we’ve come up with a list of the best things to see during your Aran Islands day trip. 

It’s impossible to see every site on the island within one day, but here are the places you NEED to visit on your day trip to Inishmore! 

Kilronan Village

Kilronan is the main village on Inishmore and is where the ferry port is located. That means it’s your first stop on the island. 

Its sole purpose used to be a fishing port, but today it’s home to several restaurants, traditional Irish bars, and small stores. 

If you’re wanting to grab some food and drink for the day, there is a spar located not far from the ferry port. Otherwise, you can head to Joe Wattys Pub & Seafood Bar which is one of the most popular dining options on Inishmore.

They serve a wide range of food including chowder, steak, and tasty burgers, making it the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat. 

Before you head off to explore the island, make sure you take some time to wander about the village. You’ll see plenty of cute colourful houses, beautiful flowers, and get scenic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. 

Kilronan is one of the most picturesque places we’ve ever been to, which is why it’s a must for your Aran Islands day trip! 

The Wormhole

The Wormhole is a very striking natural occurrence and is a must-visit on your trip to Inishmore. 

Due to the unique formation of the rocks in this area, a rectangular-shaped hole has been left at the base of the cliffs.

It almost looks like a big rocky swimming pool and is linked to the Atlantic ocean by underground channels. The water then rushes into this ‘wormhole’ when the tide is high!

If the tide’s in then this natural phenomenon can be very dangerous, so be wary standing right by it. If the current is calm, many people even choose to jump in and have a swim.

The Red Bull Diving World Series are held here sometimes and make for a very popular tourist attraction.

The Wormhole is also known as Poll na bPéist – after a reptilian monster from Gaelic folklore!

Visit the Seal Colony 

Visiting the seal colony was one of our favourite experiences on the island!

If you decide to travel around the island by bicycle, then it will only take you 10-minutes from Kilronan Village. 

Just head along the coast road of Inishmore, and you’ll see a viewpoint situated right on the side of the road. 

The seal colony is one of the most popular attractions on the island, and it’s not hard to see why! 

We were lucky enough to spot at least 12 seals swimming and bathing in the sun, and they aren’t too far away. 

You can easily see them with the naked eye, but we’d recommend taking binoculars with you to get a better look.

Seeing these beautiful creatures is a must for any Inis Mor day trip, so don’t leave this off your itinerary! 

The Seven Churches

The Seven Churches (or Na Seacht Tempaill as it’s sometimes known) were one of the earliest pilgrimage sites in Ireland.

It’s believed the churches were built during the 7th or 8th century, which makes them at least 1200 years old.

There are actually only two churches here, so there are several theories about the site’s name. 

Some people believe it’s a reference to the ‘pilgrimage circuit of Rome’, that seven saints could be buried here, and that there may have even been seven churches at some point throughout history. 

The two churches that are here today (or the ruins should I say) are Teampall Bhreacán and Teampall an Phoill.

Teampall Bhreacán is the largest ruin and gets its name from a saint, whilst Teampall an Phoill was built much later – roughly around the 15th century. 

Surrounding the churches you’ll find other ruins to explore. These are thought to have once been dwellings where pilgrims would have stayed. 

Kilmurvey Beach

Just 10 minutes up the coast from the seal colony (if you’re travelling by bicycle) is the stunning Kilmurvey Beach.

It boasts a blue flag status thanks to its environmental & quality standards and is known for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters.

Although it’s not a huge beach, it’s definitely worth spending some time here!

Spare half an hour of adventuring to relax, have a picnic and even take a swim if you’ve brought your swimming gear.

The currents here aren’t strong unlike some of the more secluded beaches in the region, so it’s a pretty safe beach to swim at. 

Once you get a look at this spectacular place, you’ll swear that you’re sunbathing on a beach in the Mediterranean.  

This place is another must for your Aran Islands day trip!

Dún Aonghasa

Dún Aonghasa is the most popular of all the hill forts in the Aran Islands. 

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the original construction of this fort is believed to have taken place around 1100 BC. 

You can’t cycle right up to Dún Aonghasa, so you’ll have to leave your bikes at the visitor centre. 

From there just head through and pay for your ticket, and then you’ll need to walk for about 15 minutes up to the fort. 

However, Dún Aonghasa sits on top of a 300ft cliff, so the walk up is pretty steep! 

Thanks to the restoration work that’s been done, you can still walk around the walls of the fort.

It’s a pretty impressive place, and trust us – you’ll want to allow yourself some time to explore. The views of the Atlantic ocean are stunning from here, and on a clear day, you might even get to see the Cliffs of Moher.

If you time your visit right, you can even have your picnic at the top. That’s what we did!

The entrance fee for Dún Aonghasa is €5 for an adult, and €3 for a child/student.

Other Places to See on Inis Mór/Inishmore

If you find yourself with some spare time or want to spend more than one day on Inishmore – there are plenty of other places to see.

Here are some of the other popular spots on Inishmore!

Dún Dúchathair

Dún Dúchathair is located on the cliffs at Killeany and is also known as the Black Fort.

This fort is much quieter than Dún Aonghasa and offers scenic views of the surrounding coastline. 

At Dún Dúchathair you’ll find a wall that surrounds several stone houses (also known as clocháns), well the ruins of them anyway. 

It’s a pretty cool site and gets its name from the dark-coloured limestone of this area.

The age of Dún Dúchathair is unknown, but what’s certain is that this site holds a lot of history. 

If you find that you’ve got some extra time during your Aran Islands day trip, then this is the next place you want to visit.

Arkins Castle (Also Known as Caislen Aircin)

Arkins Castle is another great place to visit on the island of Inishmore!

It’s thought to have belonged to the O’Brien family and has been around since the 16th century. 

Unfortunately, none of the original castle stands today, but you can still see remnants of the fort that was built in its place. 

You’ll still be able to see part of the north wall, one of the small towers, and the remains of a watergate. 

Although you can’t see the actual castle, the history of this place is pretty cool! 

Arkins Castle is just a 5-minute drive from Kilronan, so you won’t have to go out of your way for this one.

Dún Eochaill 

Dún Eochaill is a fort located in the middle of the island near the village of Eochaill (hence the name). 

It’s one of the lesser-known forts on the island, and its exact age is currently unknown. However, it’s thought to have been built later than Dún Aonghasa. 

Dún Eochaill is circular in shape and has two terraced walls. You’ll easily be able to see it from the road too, so it’s very accessible. 

During your time here you can also visit the remains of the lighthouse which is nearby.

Teampall Chiaráin

Teampall Chiaráin (or St. Ciaran’s Monastery) is located in the village of Mainistir. 

It’s thought to have been founded by St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise and has been around since the 12th century. 

If you have time to visit this site, then make sure you take a look at the cross-decorated churches that can be found on the grounds. 

It’s thought these crosses may be boundary crosses, and they are a pretty unique sight.

Dún Eoghanachta

Dún Eoghanachta is another of Inishmore’s historic forts. 

It’s thought to have been built during the Iron Age and is incredibly well preserved.

Although not much is known about this fort, it’s one of the most popular spots on the island. 

The fort consists of a two-terraced circular wall with the ruins of several stone houses found inside. 

The Aran Sweater Market

Heading to the Aran Sweater Market is a must for any Aran Islands day trip! 

Here you can grab yourself an authentic piece of Aran knitwear that’s been crafted using traditional methods. 

This company has grown from a small business to a world-famous craft industry, and what started as one store has led to several being opened across Ireland. 

Once you see the quality of the knitwear, you’ll understand why it’s so popular! 

Not only can you purchase items here, but you can also learn about the history of this craft. 

There is a range of exhibitions and displays at the Aran Sweater Market that will show the timeline of how this company became a global fashion piece.

How to Get Around the Aran Islands 

When it comes to getting around Inishmore, you have three main options:

Bicycle

Bicycles are a great way to get around the island and are relatively cheap to hire.

When you exit the ferry, you’ll see Aran Island Bike Hire right at the end of the port.

We travelled to Inishmore just before the pandemic, and prices at the time were €20 per bicycle. Although €10 of that was a deposit that we got back after returning the bike.

The majority of the roads on the island are flat, and many of them offer views out to sea. Even the hills on Inishmore aren’t a problem as they’re either very short or not very steep at all. 

Minibus Tours

There are plenty of operators on the island that do minibus tours, so you won’t have to book in advance. 

The tours usually depart from Kilronan too, and the price will differ depending on which operator you choose. However, expect to pay upwards of €10 per person. 

Private Driver

It’s possible to do an Aran Islands half-day trip, however, you won’t be able to see much of the island without hiring a private driver. 

This is one of the most expensive ways to get around though so isn’t the best choice if you’re planning a budget trip to the Aran Islands. 

Horse & Cart

Travelling by horse & cart is one of the most traditional ways to get around Inishmore. 

You’ll find several operators on the island who can take you around the island this way. All of the tours start from the village of Kilronan too which is right at the ferry port. 

Although you’ll get to see plenty of Inishmore no matter which option you choose,  it’s important to remember that you may have to follow someone else’s schedule. 

This is why hiring a bicycle is the BEST way to get around Inishmore in our opinion! 

Not only do you have complete control over how long you spend in a place, but you also get to see the true beauty of the island. 

If you choose to go for a private driver or a horse & cart, be aware that you’ll be running on their schedule. You may only be able to stay in certain places for 10 minutes or so before you have to move on again!

Where to Stay on Inishmore

If you decide a day just isn’t enough to explore this beautiful island, then there are a few places you can stay. However, the options are limited and accommodation isn’t cheap so keep that in mind. 

Here are a few of the top picks on the island!

Inishmore Hotels

Pier House Bed & Breakfast

Pier House Bed & Breakfast is just a 2-minute walk from the beach and overlooks Kilronan Harbour.

All rooms at the property have an en-suite bathroom, a TV, and free WiFi. There is also a resident’s lounge for guests to relax in, a sun terrace, and a free breakfast!

Kilmurvey House

Kilmurvey House is located a 5-minute drive from the beautiful Kilmurvey Beach and just 4 miles from Kilronan. 

Not only does each room have an en-suite, but breakfast is included and the iconic Dún Aonghasa is located within the property grounds. That means you get complimentary access to one of the most popular sites on the island.

Clai Ban 

Clai Ban is situated in the scenic village of Kilronan so in a great location to explore the island.

Guests can enjoy a full English or Irish breakfast at this B&B, and there is a shared lounge for you to relax after a long day of exploring.



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Camping on the Island

As accommodation on the Aran Islands is few and far between many people choose to camp on Inishmore instead. 

The best place to camp is Aran Islands Glamping & Camping. It’s just a short walk away from Kilronan Village so is in a great location to explore the island. 

You’ll have the choice of glamping units, or you can simply pack a tent and pitch yourself right by the coastline. 

If you’re planning a day trip to the Aran Islands from Galway, you’ll need to look at Galway accommodation options instead.

Inishmore FAQ

How Long Do You need on Inishmore?

Some people prefer to head out on an Aran Islands tour or just visit Inishmore for a couple of hours. However, we recommend spending a full day on the island!

It’s best to get the first ferry out to the island, and then the last one back in our opinion.

That gives you plenty of time to explore all the popular sites before heading back to the mainland.

Can I Bring My Car to Inishmore?

Unfortunately, no car ferries currently run to Inishmore, so you won’t be able to take your own car onto the island.

You can only catch a passenger ferry to the Aran Islands.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Around Inishmore?

You can also choose to walk around Inishmore but we wouldn’t recommend it, as there is so much to see! 

Walking around the whole island would easily take 1-2 two days, so it’s not a productive way to get around. 

Aran Islands Day Trip FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Aran Islands?

The cost of your trip will all depend on where you catch the ferry from, your mode of transport, and whether you decide to visit on a tour or not.

If you’re simply catching the ferry from Rossaveal as we did, here is a quick breakdown of your costs! 

Return ferry from Rossaveal to Inishmore: €30

Bike hire: €20

For a full Aran Islands day trip to Inishmore, you’re looking to spend at least €50, and then whatever costs for food and drink expenses. If you dine out, you’ll want to have at least €30 extra, but otherwise, you can just take a picnic. 

How Much Time Do You Need to Explore the Aran Islands?

We’d recommend at least a full day to explore the Aran Islands, and that’s the same for whichever island you choose to visit. 

If you decide you want to visit more than one island, you’ll need to stay overnight or near the ferry port for a couple of days. 

Which Aran Island Is Best For a Day Trip?

Each of the Aran Islands offers something unique, but we’d recommend heading to Inishmore.

It’s the largest of the three islands and has an endless amount of historical sites to visit. You can also spend some time relaxing on the beach, and looking out for wildlife!

Can You Bring a Dog to the Aran Islands?

Dogs can absolutely go with you to the Aran Islands as long as they’re on their best behaviour! The passenger ferries have no issues with you taking them along.

With beautiful beaches, endless fields, and plenty of space – these islands are the perfect place to let your dogs run free. 

Which Experiences are Best for Tours in the Aran Islands?

As we’ve mentioned previously, there are plenty of tour options when it comes to the Aran Islands.

One of the most popular options is to go on an Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher day trip. This way people get to see both places in one day, which is great for people who are short of time. 

These tours generally either include a visit to Inisheer or Inishmore. 

Final Thoughts on Your Aran Islands Day Trip

So, this concludes our guide on the perfect Aran Islands day trip!

Whether you’re wanting to visit Inishmore on a day tour, or would prefer to visit on your own – we hope this article has helped you plan your trip. 

No matter which island you decide to visit, you’ll have a fabulous time. 

However, we strongly recommend heading to Inishmore as there is so much to see! 

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