6 Surprising Ways to Explore Inis Mór This Summer
1. Bike through history
Take a short walk from Inis Mór’s ferry terminal and you’ll find Aran Bike Hire, who offer a wide selection of bikes – including electric ones and models with kid-friendly buggies. It’s the ideal way to visit the historic Dún Aonghasa, and to explore the island in general. Prices from €11.
2. Dive straight in
Did you know that the Aran Islands are one of the best places to dive in Europe? Clear waters and a rich and vibrant underwater sealife means it’s the dream place to scuba dive or even snorkel. Dive Academy offers courses and day-long adventures, including a dive into the iconic wormhole, €80.
3. Go off the beaten path
A fun and immersive way to explore Inis Mór, hop aboard a 4x4 and literally take the road less travelled with the Aran Off Road Experience team, who pick up and drop off at the ferry terminal and will show you lots of the island’s hidden nooks and crannies, along with some of the best views. From €53.
4. Get a pony & trap ride
Explore Inis Mór in a trap pulled by a pony with Thomas Faherty Tours. Pony and trap tours can be dated back to the 1940s and are a family tradition for Thomas Faherty Tours. Throughout the tour, island history and stories will be told and there will be stops for visitors to explore, including hiking up to the Dún Aonghasa and seeing seals during low tides, from €59.75.
Megan Roantree
5. Take a bus
Fáilte Bus Tour offers a relaxed bus tour guided by Aran Island locals.
This roughly three hour tour, that starts at the Kilronan Harbour, will take you to Dún Aonghasa, the Seven Churches, Kilmurvey Village and more. While on your journey to each stop, you’ll be told local stories and history from the experienced guides. Prices vary by group.
6. Journey into the agricultural scene
Discover the art of cheesemaking and enjoy some too. Aran Island Goat Cheese and Food Tours give both history and nourishment on their family-run farm. Learn about the island’s history, sustainability and traditions all in small group sizes. Tours are led by locals who have deep knowledge of the island’s culinary traditions, from €440 for groups of two to six.
Getting to the islands
Aran Island Ferries will bring you from Ros an Mhíl in Connemara to all three of the Aran Islands. In peak season (April-October), the ferries also sail directly from Galway city to Inis Mór, with the return journey featuring a scenic sailing via the Cliffs of Moher.
Doolin Ferries will take you from Doolin Pier to Inis Mór and Inis Oirr three times a day in peak seasons.
Aer Arann Islands will take you by (tiny) flight to all three of the islands in just eight minutes. Be sure to book online in advance as the nine-seater plane fills up pretty fast!
Pro tip: Google Maps isn’t the most reliable when it comes to island roads, and information online isn’t always up-to-date, so don’t be afraid to ask the locals for their directions, recommendations and insider knowledge.
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