How to Travel to the Aran Islands in Ireland

When visiting or traveling to the Republic of Ireland you can book a tour or rent a car and plan your own holiday excursion. If traveling to Ireland consider adding a side trip to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a small group of rocky islands off the west coast of Ireland. The three island are Inis Mor, Inishmaan, and the smallest of the three Inisheeer. These beautiful rugged islands are known for breathtaking vistas. Visit the Iron Age fort, Dún Aengus, buy a unique, handcrafted Aran sweater, bike the islands or stay in a bed and breakfast, hotel or hostel on the islands. If you're lucky enough to travel to the Aran Islands on a clear day you'll have many beautiful photos of this unique historical landscape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A plane ticket to Ireland
• Ground transportation to the ferry
• Information on the ferries available online
• Good weather
• Patience, lines to the ferry can be long
• Desire to see the beautiful, scenic Aran Islands and experience more of Ireland

1. 
   A sunny day in Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Ireland

   Travel to Ireland in the off season to take advantage of off season airline rates, hotel or hostel specials or tour packages.

2. 
   The ferry to the Aran Islands

   Plan ahead and pre-book your ferry trip to the islands. There are many ferries that travel to the Aran Islands but the conditions vary, check the internet for options and prices beforehand. You can also fly into the Aran Islands but this can be an expensive option. Be prepared that bad weather could mean canceled trips. Give yourself a window of time or a weekend.

3. 
   On the deck of the ferry

   Consider taking motion sickness pills; the crossing can be choppy and you don't want motion sickness to interfere with your travels.

4. 
   Pony and trap await the next group of tourists

   Bikes are available for hire to tour the islands or you can take a mini-bus tour, a pony and trap tour or a taxi. The tours will not be cheap but you can negotiate during slow times. The history and local stories you will learn on the tour are well worth the expense.

5. 
   One of the cottages available for rent on the big island, Inis Mor

   You can stay on the islands but plan ahead as high season might be booked weeks or months ahead. Rooms may include breakfast but don't expect luxury. Clean and cozy rooms reflect the simple island life. Be respectful of the locals and do your research. Hostels, small hotels, and bed and breakfasts offer a tourist a longer stay to explore the beauty and rugged simplicity of the islands.

Tips & Warnings

• Irish is spoken on the islands but most locals also speak English. Be aware that most signs are in Irish.
• If hiking the islands be prepared with good walking shoes, water and time. Don't try to rush through a visit, part of the charm of island life is taking your time.
• Although there is a fully stocked supermarket on Inis Mor and plenty of restaurants you might want to bring food from the mainland to save money.
• Don't forget your camera and rain gear! Ireland is famous for unexpected rain showers.

Resources

• More About the Aran Islands
• Rick Steve's Ireland
• Frommer's Ireland
• Traditional Aran Knitting
• Man of Aran

[radicalmystic]

on 11/7/2009 I great way to begin dreaming.

[vallain]

on 8/27/2009 I'll add this to my Irish dream trip.

[boatst]

on 5/2/2009 Sounds like a great trip to Aran Island.

[bethandlee]

on 4/19/2009 Beautiful country! Thanks for the reminder of how wonderful the Aran Islands are in Ireland. 5*

[sonni57]

on 4/13/2009 Good tips on how to travel to Aran island sounds like a fun vacation.