The Ultimate Aran Islands Guide for 2025

The Aran Islands are three rugged islands off Ireland’s west coast, where stone walls weave across windswept landscapes, ancient forts perch on towering cliffs, and the Atlantic shapes every moment.

There are three Aran Islands and each offers its own unique charm:

• Inis Mór: The largest and most popular with tourists
• Inis Oírr: The smallest island
• Inis Meáin: The middle and quietest island

How to get to the Aran Islands

The most popular way of getting to the Aran Islands is via ferry. You can depart from Doolin, Connemara and Galway City (seasonal).

You can also fly to each island in as little as 10 minutes via Connemara Airport.

Getting to Inis Mor

• A: Via Galway City (this seasonal tour also sails by Moher)
• B: Via Doolin (35 minutes)
• C: Via Rossaveal (40 minutes – book tickets)
• D: Via Connemara Airport (10 minutes)

Getting to Inis Oirr

• A: Via Doolin (15 minutes)
• B: Via Rossaveal (55 minutes – book tickets)
• C: Via Connemara Airport (10 minutes)

Getting to Inis Meain

• A: Via Doolin (20 minutes)
• B: Via Rossaveal (50 minutes – book tickets)
• C: Via Connemara Airport (10 minutes)

How to decide which Aran Island to visit

One of the biggest task people face is deciding which Aran Island to visit.

If you can only visit one, it’ll depend on the type of travel experience you enjoy.

My graphic above outlines the pros and cons of each of the islands.

Things to do on the Aran Islands

There’s an almost-endless number of things to do on the Aran Islands, many of which are regarded as the best places to visit in Galway.

Although I go into the different attractions in detail here, I’ll give you individual Aran Island maps below with the various points of interest.

Inis Mor

Inis Mor is the most popular island for good reason – there’s plenty to see and do here.

Although you may recognise some of the attractions, many of the island’s greatest hits are likely new to you.

Inis Oirr

The smallest of the islands, Inis Oirr, makes a great day-trip. Its compact size means you can zip around it on a bike with ease.

The islands’ standout attractions, like O’Brien’s Castle, are steeped in history, but it’s the untamed views from Inis Oírr that truly linger in memory.

Inis Meain

The middle island, Inis Meain, is often overlooked by visitors to Ireland as it has less to see/do than the other two.

However, the true beauty of Inis Meáin lies in its simplicity—a place where time slows, the landscape feels untouched, and you can experience a glimpse of Ireland as it once was.

Key attractions on the Aran Islands

Below, I’ll take you through the main things to do, as outlined on my Aran Islands map above.

Several of the stops below are up there with the best things to do in Ireland. Enjoy!

1. Dún Aonghasa

While the Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League are Ireland’s most renowned cliffs, the dramatic fort of Dún Aonghasa commands attention atop its own strikingly impressive cliffs.

Dún Aonghasa is the largest of a number of prehistoric stone forts that can be found scattered across the Aran Islands.

The fort was originally constructed c.1100BC to impede attackers and was later re-fortified around 700-800 AD.

It’s a 15-25-minute walk from the visitor centre and it costs €5. Good walking shoes are recommended!

2. The Wormhole

We’re off to Poll na bPeist next, and a visit here is arguably one of the most unique things to do on the Aran Islands.

Also known as ‘the Wormhole’ and ‘The Serpent’s Lair’, Poll na bPeist is a naturally formed and other-worldly looking hole in the limestone that connects to the sea.

Arguably the best way to reach it is via the lower road from the pier (aim for Gort na gCapall). I’ve outlined the different routes on a map here.

3. Teampall Caomhán

You’ll find St Caomhán’s church in Inis Oirr’s graveyard, where it has been since sometime between the 10th and 14th century.

The church is named after the island’s Patron Saint – St. Caomhán, the brother of St. Kevin of Glendalough (you may have seen his ‘seat’ if you walked around Glendalough’s Upper Lake).

The sunken ruins here look a little surreal and they’re well worth a visit. 

4. O’Brien’s Castle (Caislean Ui Bhriain)

There are few castles in Galway where you can soak up a view comparable to the one on Inis Oirr (nearby Doonagore Castle in Clare in a contender, though!).

O’Brien’s Castle on Inis Oírr was constructed in the 14th century within a Ringfort called Dun Formna (it’s believed that the Ringfort dates back to 400BC).

This was once an impressive 3-story castle that was built by the O’Brien family who ruled the islands up until the late 1500s.

You’ll be able to soak up some brilliant views from the ruins of the castle.

5. The Black Fort

Dún Dúchathair, or the Black Fort, is a remarkable stone fort perched on a rugged cliff edge on Inis Mór.

Though its age remains a mystery, its dramatic setting rivals the better-known Dún Aonghasa.

Sitting in striking isolation, it offers sweeping ocean views and an atmosphere that feels like the very edge of Ireland.

6. An Tra

Shortly after you leave the pier on Inis Oirr, you’ll arrive at a little beach.

If you rock up here on a fine day during the summer, you’re likely to see people in swimming. The water here is crystal clear and joy to saunter alongside.

If you fancy heading in for a dip, keep away from Dusty the dolphin.

You may have seen stories in the news back in 2014 when a number of swimmers were injured while trying to interact with him.

7. Conor’s Fort (Dun Chonchuir)

Dún Conor, at the heart of Inis Meáin, is a striking testament to ancient Gaelic craftsmanship and it is one of Ireland’s most well-preserved stone forts.

Dating back to the first millennium AD, its formidable 6-meter-thick walls and four terraces showcase early engineering at its finest.

Unlike coastal forts weathered by the sea, its central location has kept it remarkably intact.

Adding a touch of legend, its name links to Conor, the brother of the famed Celtic God Aengus.

Next up is the MV Plassey Shipwreck. Those of you familiar with the opening credits of Father Ted should be familiar with this old wreck.

The Plassey was a cargo vessel that operated in the Irish Merchant Service during the mid-1900s.

It was during a particularly stormy night in 1960 when the ship washed ashore.

Those living on the island ran to the rescue of those on board. The entire crew of the Plassey survived and the now-iconic ship sits proudly on a bed of jagged rocks not far from the sea.

Aran Island itineraries

If you’re planning a day trip to the Aran Islands, I’ve put together two handy itineraries to help you make the most of your visit.

There’s one for Inis Mór and another for Inis Oírr as both are well-suited to day trips. These islands pack plenty into a short visit without feeling rushed.

Itinerary A

The Aran Islands map above focused on Inis Oirr and it’s many natural and manmade wonders.

It starts from the pier and follows a nice, clear route with plenty to see and do along the way.

Itinerary B

The second on my Aran Islands maps is an itinerary for Inis Mor. This starts from the pier and contains several walks (the trails to both the Wormhole and Dún Aonghasa).

Rent a bike from the pier and then set off on your merry way.

Where to stay on the Aran Islands

There are plenty of places to stay on the Aran Islands, regardless of your budget.

It’s worth keeping in mind that 1, some of these may be seasonal and 2, many will book out during the busy summer season.

Inis Oirr

• Inis Oirr Hotel
• Lios Éinne House
• Rua Camping

Inis Mor

• Aran Islands Hotel
• Aran Islands Glamping
• Aran Walkers Lodge
• Ard Einne

Inis Meain

• An Dun Guest House & Restaurant
• Tig Congaile
• Inis Meáin Island Stays

Restaurants and pubs on the Aran Islands

You’ll find some of the best pubs in Ireland tucked away on the Aran Islands—perfect spots to warm up by a roaring fire after a windswept adventure along rugged cliffs and quiet coastal paths.

You’ll also find plenty of fantastic spots for a post-adventure feast, where, unsurprisingly, fresh seafood takes centre stage.

Pubs

Teach Ósta, Inis Meáin’s only pub, offers a cosy indoor setting with a roaring fireplace and a spacious outdoor area for pints or lunch in fine weather.

Inis Oírr boasts some of Galway’s best pubs, with Tigh Ned standing out for its beer garden overlooking the Atlantic, alongside Tigh Ruairí and Flaherty’s at the Inisheer Hotel.

On Inis Mor, there’s Joe Watty’s (live music every day during summer), The Bar (said to date back to the 1920s) and Tigh Joe Mac’s (has a lovely, ‘local’ feel to it).

Restaurants

Inis Meain Restaurant offers Michelin-recognised, island-sourced cuisine crafted with fresh produce from its own farm and gardens.

Step into the charming Teach an Tae Café on Inis Oirr where freshly baked scones, garden-grown salads, and seafood straight from local boats create a menu that’s pure Aran magic.

On Inis Mór, Teach Nan Phaidi’s flower-adorned thatched cottage serves up cosy vibes and traditional Irish dishes, while Bayview Restaurant delivers bold, elevated local cuisine by chef Byron.