15 Things to do on Inishmore (With 1-Day Itinerary)

Inis Mór Island (Inishmore) is a place where the echoes of Ireland’s ancient past resonate in every weathered stone and windswept hill.

The largest of the three Aran Islands (the other two are Inis Oirr and Inis Meain are the other two) Inis Mor can be accessed via ferry or plane.

Below, you’ll find:

• A: Things to do on Inis Mor (walks, cycles, the bus etc)
• B: A day-trip itinerary (map is at the end of the guide)
• C: Info on getting there by plane and ferry

Visiting Inis Mór Island (Inishmore)

For an island flung out in the mouth of Galway Bay, getting to Inis Mór is easier (and faster!) than you might think. Here’s some key info:

1. The Inis Mór ferry

You have two options to get to Inis Mór – you can fly or you can take the Inis Mór ferry:

• From Galway City: This seasonal ferry takes 1.5 hours
• From Rossaveal: The ferry takes 40 minutes (book ticket here)
• From Doolin: The fast ferry takes 35 minutes

2. Flying to Inis Mór

You can also fly to Inis Mór. Flights are operated by Aer Arann Islands. They’re based in the village of Inverin, just 30km from Galway.

They fly several times a day throughout the year as long as the weather conditions are good.

3. About the island

With a population of around 900, Inis Mór is the largest of the 3 Aran Islands. The island is full of prehistoric sites and structures, including some of the oldest in Europe.

The first people to populate Inishmore date back to around 3,000 BC. Since those first settlers, the island has been continuously populated, with artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as the Iron Age and the Celts.

Things to do on Inis Mór

There’s heaps of things to do on Inis Mór, from forts and long walks to seals, fine pubs, great places to eat and more.

A land of ancient stone forts, breathtaking rugged landscapes, and strong Irish culture, a visit to Inis Mór island is arguably one of the best things to do in Galway, as you’ll discover below.

1. Pick a mode of transport

Hiring a bike and cycling around is one of the best ways to explore Inis Mór.

The Inis Mór Cycle Loop takes in all the top sites and makes getting around on 2 wheels a piece of cake.

You can rent a bike right on the island and you’ll be given handy info on the best route to take.

If you can’t/don’t want to cycle, you can take a bus tour or you can climb aboard a jaunting car.

2. Visit Seal Colony Viewpoint

If you’re in search of unique things to do on Inis Mór, this should tickle your fancy!

Several seals call the shores of Inis Mór home, and they’re a beautiful sight to behold.

The official viewpoint near the beach of Portmurvy is a top attraction and a great spot for a picnic.

Of course, it’s also one of the best places to see these majestic creatures sunning themselves on the rocks.

3. Saunter along Kilmurvey Beach

Soft white sand and brilliantly blue seas make Kilmurvey Beach one of the best beaches in Galway – especially if the weather’s good!

On a sunny day, it’s a top spot for swimming — if you fancy braving the icy waters — picnics, or simply relaxing in the sun.

Its blue flag status guarantees cleanliness.

4. Step back in time at Dún Eoghanachta

Dún Eoghanachta stands as a sentinel of history—a place where stone walls, thick and resolute, encircle a world once teeming with life and legend.

This early medieval ringfort is thought to have been built around 900 AD.

It boasts circular walls rising up to 5 meters high and it was once a stronghold of the mighty Eoghanacht dynasty, who ruled Munster.

A silver penny, minted around 1300 A.D., tells us the fort’s story did not end with its early occupants—it adapted, enduring through the centuries as a refuge and a relic.

5. Admire the views at Dún Aonghasa

A visit to Dún Aonghasa is the most popular of the many things to do on Inishmore Island.

Perched atop 300-foot cliffs on Inis Mór, Dún Aonghasa is a prehistoric fort believed to date back to 1100 BC, with evidence of life from 1500 BC.

Built by the Builg during the Bronze or Iron Age, its four dry stone walls once stood 3,000 feet above ancient sea levels.

Excavations revealed burials, metalwork, and defensive stones, highlighting its significance.

A filming location for The Banshees of Inisherin, this ancient marvel offers a 1km hike with dramatic views, blending history, myth, and breathtaking scenery.

Related reads: See my guides on which Aran Island to visit along with the best things to do on the Aran Islands

6. Sample some of the pubs on Inishmore

While there are some mighty pubs in Ireland, it’s Ireland’s island pubs that are often the most unique.

And, luckily enough, there are some fine ones to be enjoyed on Inishmore.

Joe Watty’s boasts live music every day during summer, a cosy atmosphere, and a brilliant beer garden

The Bar is said to date back to the 1920s and it’s here you’ll find fresh seafood, tunes and harbour views.

Tigh Joe Mac’s has a lovely, ‘local’ feel to it and it’s a short saunter for the ferry departure/arrival point.

7. See the Wormhole

Poll na bPéist, or the Wormhole of Inis Mór, is a natural, rectangular tidal pool near Gort na gCapall.

Formed through underground ocean channels, it fills dramatically with water from below and above during high tide.

Though its sharp edges appear man-made, this unique attraction is entirely natural.

Steeped in folklore as a serpent’s lair, it gained fame from the 2017 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

WARNING: While you’ll see photos of people swimming here online, I’d strongly advise against it!!

8. Enjoy the views from Dun Eochla

One of several places to visit on Inis Mor that many tend to missis the 7th-century stone fort of Dún Eochla.

It’s located on an elevated site (one of the islands highest points) and, on a clear day, offers views out over Connemara.

Once home to a local chieftain, Dún Eochla’s ruins boast two circular walls, with the inner one towering 5m high and 3.5m thick.

Perched between pastures and cliffs, it was perfectly placed to protect livestock and keep rivals at bay with its massive, intimidating walls.

9. Drop by Tempall Bheanain

Perched above Kilronan on Inishmore, Teampall Bheanáin is an 11th-century oratory, believed to be the tomb-shrine of Benen, a follower of St. Patrick.

Its walls, crafted from enormous stone slabs expertly fitted together, feature a narrow north-facing doorway and a small east window that seems to keep watch over the mainland.

Set high on a ridge overlooking Galway Bay, the oratory’s unusual squared gables give it a silhouette that’s as striking as it is unexpected.

And here’s a twist: the altar faces south, breaking the usual east-west tradition. Why? That remains a mystery lost to the winds.

10. Pick a good base to explore from

Although there are countless things to do on Inishmore, many only visit on a day trip.

This means that, while doable (see itinerary at the end), a visit can often feel rushed.

If you fancy extending your stay, hop into my Inis Mor accommodation guide!

11. Head out to Eeragh Lighthouse viewpoint

Eeragh Lighthouse, built in 1857 on Rock Island in the Aran Islands, marks the northwest entrance to Galway Bay.

Designed by George Halpin Jr., its tough limestone tower originally sported white and red bands, later updated to black.

This 31m tall structure, automated in 1978, has seen power sources evolve from paraffin and thermomechanical generators to solar energy in 2006.

Its light now flashes every 15 seconds, guiding ships up to 18 nautical miles away. There’s a viewpoint (here on Google Maps) but note that it’s way further away that it looks in the photo above.

12. See the Seven Churches

Don’t be misled by the name—Na Seacht dTeampaill features just two churches, with other buildings likely serving as pilgrim accommodation.

A key pilgrimage site in medieval times, it received a plenary indulgence from Pope Paul V in 1607.

The centerpiece, Teampall Bhreacáin, evolved from the 10th to 13th centuries, showcasing ancient masonry, a 13th-century west wall addition, and an inscription for two canons.

Nearby are saints’ graves, including Leaba Bhreacáin with a cross-inscribed slab.

The still-active graveyard holds cross slabs and fragments of an 11th-century 4m high cross, including the famous VII ROMANI slab, likely marking Roman pilgrims’ graves.

13. Soak up more history at the Black Fort

Dún Dúchathair, or the Black Fort, is another impressive stone fort on Inis Mór.

Its exact age is currently unknown, and while it’s not as big as Dún Aonghasa, it’s equally awe-inspiring.

Tranquil in its solitude, it balances precariously on the edge of a rugged cliff, where some say Ireland truly ends. You’ll be treated to stunning ocean views from here.

14. Grab a bite in one of the restaurants on Inis Mor

Teach Nan Phaidi, set in a picturesque thatched cottage adorned with flowers, is a photo-worthy spot you won’t want to miss.

Inside, you’ll find cosy vibes and wholesome homemade meals, from traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist to light snacks, coffee, and tea.

At the Bayview Restaurant, Guatemalan head chef Byron elevates local cuisine with bold flavours and stunning presentation.

Expect classics like steak and Guinness stew alongside vibrant, reimagined seafood dishes.

15. Follow this Inishmore Itinerary

Now that you’d a sense of the different things to do on Inis Mor, it’s time for a plan of action.

Above, you’ll find an Inishmore itinerary that’ll suit those of you visiting on a day trip.

Ideally, you’ll want to rent a bike for this route as it’ll save you time!

Exploring Galway? Here’s a Galway road trip itinerary to follow!