WOW!
On our spring trip to Ireland, we visited County Clare and The Aran Islands’ Inis Mór. And what a treat it was to slow down and really take it all in.
From the colourful town of Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and a night on the island of Inis Mór… The Aran Islands are truly a special, magical part of Ireland.
I’ve been wanting to visit these unique islands for years and I am so happy that we finally made it to Inis Mór!
The Aran Islands are comprised of three very small islands grouped together in Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr.
The largest island is Inis Mór and that’s where I’ll be taking you in this post today! I would LOVE to spend some time on the other islands someday too, but alas, there’s always next time!
15 things to do in Inis Mór: The Aran Islands in Ireland
Catch a ferry to Inis Mor!
First thing first, we’ve got to get there! And Doolin Ferries are the best way to travel from Doolin to the Aran Islands.
I’d really recommend getting the ferry, it’s neat to check out the Cliffs of Moher along the way and take in the sights!
The ferry usually takes around and hour but can be ocassionally longer on rocky sea days!
Also, there are flights to the islands, but truthfully, I prefer the sea!
Rent bikes to explore the island
Trust me when I say you do not need a car. It’s the easiest way to get around so much fun!
I’d recommend Aran Islands Bike Hire. They have electric bikes which I would say DEFINITELY get as they make moving around so much easier and it is really fun!
Guided tour with Aran Hiking and Biking
Ok, while you can definitely explore on your own time, I’d also really recommend a guided tour with Fionn at Aran Hiking and Biking when you first arrive on the island.
You’ll go to the best spots (there’s so much to see ) AND hear the best stories!
While Inis Mór is a small island, it’s great to be taken around by a guide who knows EXACTLY where to go. Some of the sights require a little bit of wandering this way or that way, so having guided help is pretty amazing.
And like I said, you’ll get the best local stories too.
Inis Mor is full of local history and folklore, like the Cóiste Bodhar (Death Coach), fairy fogs, the red eyed dog, and the two witches feuding and their boulder.
Have you ever heard of the Cóiste Bodhar? The Death Coach brings souls who have departed to the underworld.
And when the sea fog comes to the Aran Islands during the changing seasons, it’s said the fairies are switching from their summer to winter homes!
Fort Dún Aonghasa
Inis Mór is home to the prehistoric fort Dún Aonghasa, perched high atop of the cliffs.
It’s a bit of a walk up to get to it, but it’s well worth the steps.
Once you reach the top, you’re in the fort and overlooking the jagged cliffs below.
Please be careful around the edges! I’m definitely not
Poll na bPéist aka The Wormhole
OK, one we LOVED as this was so neat to see in person.
The famous Worm Hole is a natural rectangular pool right on the water.
You’ll have to walk a little bit to reach it, but it is very well worth it!
Be wary of tide timings though as the water comes in quite quickly.
I would also NOT recommend to actually try swimming here. While the Red Bull had a Diving Competition had an event year a few years ago, this is absolutely not safe for the average person visiting to swim in. People have had to get air lifted out before! Don’t do it!
PS if you do visit, be sure to walk around the corner to see the cliffs! Can you spot Dún Aonghasa at the top of the cliffs?
So stunning!
The Seal Colony!!!
Oh my gosh, did you know that you can spot seals on the island?!
We had some unlucky windy weather so there weren’t quite as many seals out as usual.
But I would DEFINITELY recommend popping there!!!
Na Seacht dTeampaill aka The Seven Churches
The medieval ruins of the Seven Churches are in the northwest.
Clochán na Carraige
A very small stone structure with a beehive roof.
An interesting fact is that this technique was used across thousands of years, which means that it’s hard to place quite exactly when Clochán na Carraige was built.
Dún Dúchathair (Black Fort)
Now this is one that I wish we’d had a little more time (or perhaps better weather!) to get to!
Dun Duchathair means black stone ringfort. Called Black Fort because of the darkness of the limestone, a unique feature to the stone on Inis Mór.
Teach Nan Phaidi Café
The best tomato soup I’ve ever had in my life and soda bread at Teach Nan Phaidi café.
This is definitely in a touristy area, but I promise it’s worth the hype!
Shop local for an Aran Islands jumper or knitwear
I LOVE this gorgeous Kelly green jumper I bought from An Túirne which is right across from the Teach Nan Phaidi café.
I also miiiiiigggghhhht have bought a shamrock hat too because the weather was so stormy!
Minnie’s for coffee and cakes
A super cute pit-stop along your biking adventures.
100% recommend an oat milk latte and some yummy homemade cakes!
Cipin Saunas
And behind Minnie’s, you totally need to book into the sauna! I wish we’d had a little more time to do this, but what a beautiful view to take in the landscape.
Joe Watty’s for dinner, drinks and music
So you’ve got to pop in for an evening at Joe Watty’s!
We had a lovely dinner here. There’s live music too, which was so wonderful.
The perfect place to spend the evening.
Stay at the Aran Islands Camping and Glamping
A really cool place to stay during your visit is the Aran Islands Camping and Glamping!
Hotels and stay options are slightly limited on the island. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great stays.
We really enjoyed staying at the Aran Islands Camping and Glamping. Personally, I’d recommend the glamping pods (I’m not a camping kind of girl)!
It isn’t a super far walk from the pier (about 10 mins) and was a great place to stay while we were on the island.
And to finish your trip? Cliffs of Moher Doolin Ferries Tour
Ok, you’ll need to get a ferry back to Doolin / Ireland’s mainland. Why not add a ferry journey to the Cliffs of Moher?
I’ve always wanted to see it from the sea!
You essentially stay on the ferry from Inis Mór to Doolin and then the ferry continues on from there!
Make sure to bookmark this post as your ultimate guide to an unrushed visit to Inis Mór… with a little bit of Irish fairytale folklore too!
Thanks so much for joining me on an epic adventure to the Aran Islands!
Kelly xoxo