Guide to the Aran Islands - Tours, activities and more!
Plan your perfect day trip or island escape from Galway—discover the culture, scenery, and experiences that make the Aran Islands unforgettable.
The Aran Islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr—are among Ireland’s most unforgettable destinations. Located just off Galway Bay, they are famous for rugged landscapes, stone forts, traditional culture, and breathtaking Atlantic views. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip from Galway or a longer island escape, the Aran Islands offer a truly unique experience. Reaching the islands is simple. Ferries depart from Rossaveel Harbour (about 40 minutes from Galway city), and in summer, direct ferries operate from Galway Dock. Tours often combine the islands with highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, making them a perfect adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way. For visitors, Galway city is the ideal base, and the Connacht Hotel makes the journey even easier. With comfortable rooms, excellent dining options, and a location close to transport links, it’s perfectly placed for those planning an Aran Islands excursion. Staying here allows you to enjoy Galway’s vibrant nightlife before heading out the next morning to explore windswept cliffs, ancient ruins, and quiet island villages. If you’re searching for the perfect Aran Islands tour from Galway, this is where your journey begins.
Getting there: Ferries and Day Tours
Ferries from Rossaveal
The most frequent route to the islands departs from Rossaveal in Connemara, about 40 minutes west of Galway. A return ticket to Inis Mór costs about €40 and includes free cancellation. The luxury ferry from Rossaveal sails for roughly 40 minutes; passengers are welcomed aboard with a bar service and the chance to book bikes or minibus tours on arrival. Once on the island you can rent a bike, join a local guided minibus tour or explore on foot to see ecclesiastical ruins and prehistoric forts like Dún Aonghasa. The ferry returns at 5pm from Kilronan Pier, giving you about six hours ashore
Direct ferry & cruise from Galway City
Between April and September, Aran Island Ferries operate the only boat that sails directly from Galway city. This day trip combines a visit to Inis Mór with a cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher. The tour departs from Galway Docks (a 15‑minute walk from the city centre) and includes an audio guide. You sail past Connemara and Clare to Inis Mór, where you have 4½ hours to explore sandy beaches, stone forts and the serenity of island life. On the return, the boat hugs the soaring Cliffs of Moher – 200 metres high and formed 300 million years ago – and you may spot puffins, dolphins and seals. Prices start around €60 per person and include a round‑trip ferry ticket and audio guide. Travellers note the convenience of departing from Galway and praise the knowledgeable guides.
Inis Mór – The Big Island
Inis Mór, the biggest of the Aran Islands, is the most popular choice for visitors taking day trips from Galway. The island’s top attraction is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort dramatically perched on 100-metre cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Most tours and ferries include time to explore this UNESCO-listed site, and it’s a highlight of any Aran Islands itinerary. Getting around Inis Mór is easy—bike rentals are available near the pier, while guided minibuses and pony-and-trap tours offer relaxing alternatives. Along the way, you can spot colonies of seals sunbathing on the rocks, visit the famous Wormhole (Poll na bPéist), or pause at local craft shops for Aran knitwear. The island also has traditional pubs serving hearty meals and live Irish music. If you want the classic Aran Islands experience, Inis Mór is the best place to start.
Inis Meáin – The Traditional Middle Island
For travellers seeking tranquillity and culture, Inis Meáin offers the most authentic taste of Aran life. Known as the quietest of the three islands, it is ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds and experience Gaelic traditions. The island has scenic walking and cycling trails that bring you to ancient stone churches, forts, and secluded beaches. One of the most striking features of Inis Meáin is the network of stone walls that divide its fields, creating a unique patchwork landscape. Visitors often highlight the slower pace here—perfect for those who want to disconnect, enjoy panoramic Atlantic views, and immerse themselves in the Irish language, which is still spoken daily. Unlike Inis Mór and Inis Oírr, there are fewer tourist facilities, but that adds to its charm. If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path Aran Islands tour, Inis Meáin is the island for you.
Inis Oírr – Small Island with Big Character
Compact and lively, Inis Oírr (Inisheer) is the smallest of the Aran Islands but offers plenty to see on a short visit. The island is best known for the Plassey shipwreck, made famous in the opening credits of the TV show Father Ted. History lovers will enjoy exploring O’Brien’s Castle, a 14th-century ruin perched on a hilltop with sweeping sea views. The island also has a working lighthouse, sandy beaches, and the Áras Éanna Arts Centre, where you can discover local creativity. Getting around is easy—horse-and-cart rides, bicycles, and walking tours are popular ways to explore. Inis Oírr has a vibrant village atmosphere, with traditional pubs and cafés serving fresh seafood and homemade treats. Because it’s so compact, it’s a great option for a half-day Aran Islands trip from Galway, while still delivering everything people love about the islands: history, culture, and natural beauty.
Why Return to The Connacht Hotel?
A day (or several) exploring the Aran Islands immerses you in Atlantic scenery, Gaelic heritage and the simple pleasures of island life. When you return to Galway, The Connacht Hotelprovides all the comfort you need. It emphasises local knowledge and friendly staff, and positions itself as “your home base for discovering the very best of Galway”. The hotel’s leisure centre, pool and gym offer a relaxing way to wind down, and its central location on the Wild Atlantic Way means you can easily continue exploring other regional attractions. So plan your island adventure, bring back an Aran sweater, and savour a well‑earned drink in the Connacht’s welcoming bar – the perfect ending to a day on the islands.
