Located on the coast of western Ireland, the Aran Islands are made up of three rocky Isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay. More of an obscure location in the past, this hidden Irish gem has gained more notoriety thanks to the success of a certain award-winning movie!
The Aran Islands are made up of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr, and there’s plenty to explore! Whether you’re planning your next summer getaway or you’re curious to learn more about Irish tourism, you’ve come to the right palace! Here’s everything you need to know about the Aran Islands to make sure you have the best stay!
Check out the famous filming locations
The first thing you need to do in the Aran Islands is to check out some of the iconic movie filming locations. As mentioned at www.aranislands.ie, Inishmore (the main island Inis Mór) was used to film the award-winning The Banshees of Inisherin and makes for a great start! If you’re a movie buff or lover of good cinematography, you’ll love the picturesque landscapes on the Aran Islands!
Bike around the Islands
If you’re more of a nature lover than a movie lover, you’re going to love the Aran Islands! The best way to view this characteristic Irish scenery is by bike! All three of the Islands are bike friendly with plenty of opportunities for mountain bikers of any experience level. It’s a great way to get around while getting some exercise and fresh air. For this to work, you’ll need to either be there when the weather is favorable or bring plenty of rain protection!
Search for seals
If you’re looking for a more unique way to spend your afternoon, why not check out some of the local wildlife? Seals, as well as dolphins, are common on the Aran Islands, and watching them makes for a great afternoon activity. On Inis Mór, there’s a spot known as the ‘Seal Colony Viewpoint’ where you’ll find upwards of 20 seals at any given time! Whether you’re looking to snap some picks for the gram or a unique experience, this is a must!
Dún Eochla – ancient ruins
Next on the list of fun things to do is get a bit of a history lesson at the ancient ruins of Dún Eochla. This is one of the more popular ancient sites, located at the highest point of Inis Mór that is breathtaking to see. The Dún Eochla is a near-perfectly preserved stone fort built between 550 and 800 A.D. that offers a great view of the whole island. From the Dún Eochla, you can also see the Cliffs of Moher from the mainland on a clear day too!
Na Seacht dTeampaill (The Seven Churches)
Another great ancient relic to check out while you’re on the island of Inis Mór is the ruins of the seven churches. The Na Seacht dTeampaill, contrary to the name it’s known for, is the ruin site of two ancient medieval churches. Paying a visit to this preserved, prehistoric land and site is best done by bike. If you’re a lover of ancient history or would like a chance to feel the holy spirit, then this is the location for you!
Dún Dúchathair – The Black Fort
If the stone fort and church ruins were not enough, there’s one more ancient relic to check out on the isle of Inis Mór! The Dún Dúchathair, also known as The Black Fort, is a striking stone fortress set up on the cliffs of Cill Éinne (Killeany). There’s a sheer drop near the fort that leads to the wild and unforgiving ocean below that makes it a beauty to behold. The black fort makes for a great excursion for the whole day and is peaceful, secluded, and quiet.
Poll na bPeist – The Wormhole
If churches and ancient ruins are not your cups of tea and you’d like to see something more unique, then head to Poll na bPeist! Poll na bPeist, known also as The Worm Hole or Serpent’s Lair is a naturally formed portal-looking limestone pool of water connected to the sea. Located east of the cliff from Dun Aonghasa in Inis Mór, this magical pool is a great spot for swimming and diving if you’re feeling brave! If you love surreal and otherworldly natural rock formations, then this one’s for you!
Kilmurvey Beach
Next on the topic of the ocean and the shores of Inis Mór is Kilmurvey Beach! This white sand oasis stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean and comes as a bit of a contrast to the rest of the island. Thanks to the surrounding bay, rocks, and rolling green pastures, this beach is perfectly safe for families with small children. Before setting off, check the weather, and if it’s on your side, head on over to Kilmurvey to catch some sun and waves!
Aran Island pub crawl
After a long day of exploring ancient ruins and biking, you may be in the mood for some good food and drink. The largest of the three islands, Inis Mór has the most to offer in terms of pubs serving up delectable local grub! Joe Watty’s Pub is an excellent starting point to grab a bite to eat and have a pint after your adventuring. Listen to some live music, chat with some locals, and wind down the Irish way!
Stop for tea at Teach Nan Phaidi
If the pub scene is not your scene but you’d still like to wind down, then maybe a nice tea room is more your fancy! Teach Nan Phaidi, also known as the charming tea room is a cute café and tea room located near Kilmurvey Beach on Inis Mór. Its homemade treats, refreshing teas, and charming atmosphere have made this an award-winning and must-see tea room!
Take a jaunty around Inis Oírr
Next on the list of things to do on the Aran Islands is to visit the smallest of the three islands and head on over to Inis Oírr! This tiny island is a classic isolated Irish fishing village with a strong local community. One way to experience the traditional local way of life there is by taking a jaunty ride to get around! You can also hear plenty of local stories, folk tales, and anecdotes from your jaunty guide! Take a chance and take a ride on the wild side around Inis Oírr!
An Trá Beach
As soon as you step off the pier at Inis Oírr, you’ll arrive at a mighty little beach. This nifty little beach is called An Trá Beach and it’s famous for its crystal clear waters. Again, if the weather gods are on your side, on a fine day in summer, you’ll be able to join the locals for a little swim. If you’re in the water swimming out further away, be mindful of the dolphins if you come across any. While they may look cute, they’re not the friendliest to tourists!
Plassey Shipwreck
If you’re looking for a blast from the historical past on Inis Oírr, you can check out the Plassey Shipwreck. Keen-eyed viewers will recognize this cargo vessel from the opening credits of Father Ted. After it washed up on the shores of Inis Oírr in 1960 locals living on the island had to help rescue those on board. On a sunny day, the Plassey Shipwreck is the perfect spot for a picnic and gazing at the sea!
Inis Oírr Lighthouse
Another historical site by the sea to check out on this island is the Inis Oírr Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on the southernmost part of the island and has been around since 1857. The lighthouse has gone through a few iterations until it was finally lit for the first time in 1818. If you’re looking for a little snoop around this historic structure, peddle over to the lighthouse to have a nosey around from the outside.
Walk through the Lúb Dún Fearbhaí
Finally, it’s time to check out some of the must-see locations and things to do on the last Aran island: Inis Meáin! While physically not the smallest, Inis Meáin has the smallest population of only 200 locals! This tiny Island offers a more authentic escape from the modern world and the best opportunity to connect with Irish traditions. The best way to explore the beauty of Inis Meáin is the Lúb Dún Fearbhaí Walk. Over this 4-5 hours looped walk, you’ll see everything this quaint island has to offer!
Teach Synge
Something you might not see on your walk through Inis Meáin is the Teach Synge museum! This local museum is the only one like it on the island and is a must-see for any history lovers! It’s set up in a 300-year-old restored, thatched-roof cottage and is dedicated to Irish playwright John Millington Synge, his life, and his work. Take in some historic Irish art and culture while you check out this quaint cottage!
Take a seat in Synge’s chair
Last but not least, if you’re in Inis Meáin, you can’t go without checking out the famous Synge’s Chair rock formation! Located on the west end of the island, a mere 15-minute walk from Dún Chonchúir, this lovely lookout offers a unique vantage point and seating arrangement. Synge’s chair sits on the edge of a limestone cliff but is nicely sheltered from the powerful wind, making it a powerful place to take a seat.
So there you have it! With this guide and these 17 points in mind, you’re ready to have the best trip on the Aran Islands ever! From iconic filming locations in Inis Mór to the Plassey Shipwreck in Inis Oírr, to Synge’s chair on the top of Inis Meáin. Whether you’re looking to escape the modern world, experience authentic Irish culture, or simply bask in gorgeous sights, the Aran Islands have it all!
