Inis Oirr is the smallest and most beautiful of the three Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast and offers visitors a unique and truly authentic Irish experience.
Inis Oirr receives over half a million tourists every year from all over the world. This is because of its landscapes, the culture of the residents, and unique historical sites.
Planning a trip to Inis Oirr? In this guide, we’re sharing some of the most fun things to do in Inis Oirr!
Visiting the Inisheer Lighthouse
The Inis Oirr lighthouse was completed in 1857 and is still functioning. It is easily recognizable with its white and black stripes. Getting up close, you get to admire the architecture and lens of the lighthouse.
At night, it illuminates boats and guides them as they approach the island. Its location makes it great for enjoying the beautiful views of the Inisheer islands.
Cycling Around the Island
Inis Oirr, being a small island, you can easily cycle around. You can go to the island while biking and experience the beautiful breeze from the ocean.
Since the island is well preserved, it is easy to maneuver with a bike and not get lost in Ireland. Rent a bicycle from one of the several rental shops on the island and hit the road.
With its compact size, flat terrain, and captivating landscapes, cycling around Inis Oirr is a breeze.
Explore Creggankeel Fort
Creggankeel Fort is one of the most ancient and remarkable sites in Inis Oirr. This stone fort is a national monument in Inisheer. It is believed to have been an old ecclesiastical site.
When you visit the fort, you will get the opportunity to explore the enchantment and mysteries of Inisheer’s past and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cliffs of Moher, which can be seen in the distance.
See the Plassey Shipwreck
Plassey was a ship that sank in Inis Oirr due to the strong winds after colliding with Finnis Rock. The wreck is still the same to date and has become a popular tourist site.
It has been featured in an Irish TV comedy, which made it more famous. When you visit the Plassey shipwreck, you can enjoy the view and take photos for memories.
Visit Dun Aonghasa
Dun Aonghasa is the most popular attraction on Inisheer Island. It is an ancient stone fort which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has beautiful views of the island.
You can access it by hiking over loose rocks and rough terrain, so ensure you have hiking shoes. Enjoy the views from the edge of the cliff, and be careful since there is no fence or barrier.
Visit O’Brien’s Castle
The O’Brien’s castle was built in the 14th century and is on one of the highest points of the island. Its location was strategic for control of Galway Bay.
When you visit O’Brien’s castle, you enjoy the views of the island and the bay. You can see the ruins of this castle as your ferry approaches the island.
Enjoy Swimming at Traught Beach
Traught Beach is a quiet rural beach away from the busy Galway City. It is popular for swimmers because of its calm water. It is good for family visits because it is not overcrowded by tourists, especially during the off-season.
There’s a lifeguard service on duty throughout the summer months in case of any emergencies.
Visit St Caomhan’s Church
The church was built in the 10th century on Inisheer island. It is popularly known as the ‘Sunken Church.‘ This is because the church submerged due to the drifting sands blown across the island.
These ruins are preserved and easily accessible for people to explore. It is frequently visited by tourists.
Try Pony and Trap Rides
This is a unique mode of transportation to explore the island. You get to tour the island traditionally as you enjoy the scenery. You can enjoy talking and learning the culture of the island from the cart driver.
These rides are fun as you get to stop on the way for photos and local foods. The incredible thing is that, whether it is peak or low season, you can never miss these rides due to the high number of ponies and traps.
Check Out Cnoc Raithni
It is the earliest known settlement in Inis Oirr. Cnoc Raithni was covered by sand and exposed by a storm in 1885. When it was excavated, artifacts and graves were discovered.
You can visit Cnoc and learn how people were cremated and how the burned bones were buried in the bronze age. You will learn why they buried people with small food vessels and other facts.
Walking through the Island
You can walk around the island as you enjoy the sight of the ocean and landscapes.
The walk is easy as it is along the roads and good paths. You can take guided tours to enjoy more and feel safer, or you can walk as a group with other tourists.
Enjoy the Flora and Fauna
Inisheer Island has beautiful plants and animals. The island supports Mediterranean, alpine, and arctic plants due to its environment.
You can enjoy seeing insects like brown hairstreaks, marsh fritillary, wood white, transparent burnet, and the Irish annulet. You can enjoy seeing a variety of flowers often in May and June due to climate changes.
Participate in a Traditional Irish Music Session
Several pubs and cafes on the island host regular music sessions, where you can listen to local musicians play traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and bodhran.
You can sing along to classic Irish ballads, tap your feet to the lively jigs and reels, and indulge in a pint of the local brew while soaking in the atmosphere.
If you are feeling brave, join in on a céilí, a traditional Irish dance that is sure to get your feet moving. For a truly Inis Oirr experience, join a dancing class and learn the steps yourself.
Catch the Sunset View
In the evening, you can sit out with your bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset over the island. You can take photos as it is attractive to the eye and relax.
You can see the sunset at any point on the island. This can be a good chance to connect with other tourists enjoying the sunset view.
Try Local Cuisines
Inisheer Island has a variety of unique foods, such as traditional Irish foods, fresh seafood, vegetables, and traditional bread and cheese.
Fish is brought fresh from the sea, and the taste will have you going back for more. No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to a traditional pub, and Inis Oirr has some of the best.
Take a break from the sights and sounds and unwind over a pint of Guinness or a pub classic like Irish stew.
Final Thoughts
Inis Oirr is a beautiful small island to go on a vacation. There are many activities to enjoy on this island, such as swimming, cycling, birdwatching, and riding on a pony.
On Inisheer Island, you can’t run out of enjoyable activities for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or engage in some exciting water sports or cultural activities, there is something on this little island for everyone.
