The '''Aran Islands''', [http://www.visitaranislands.com/] in County Galway, Ireland, are an archipelago of three small islands, the largest of which - Inis Mor - is only 12km by 3km in size. All are barren, rocky islands with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Islands
'''Inis Mor''' (sometimes called ''Arainn'' - the original and correct name for Inis Mor) is the largest and most visited of the three islands.
'''Inis Meain''', the middle island, also the least touristed.
'''Inis Oirr''', the smallest and southernmost island.
Understand
The inhabitants of these three rocky islands not only built incredible stone forts that have stood for thousands of years, built walls that crisscross every last inch of the islands, but also brought greenery to lifeless rock through centuries of digging dirt from cracks and composting seaweed from the oceans.
Though by no means the most popular tourist destination in Ireland, due to the small size and permanent population - only about 900 people on the largest island - it can seem like there are tourists everywhere. Surprisingly, this doesn't seem to spoil the place the way it does in other parts of the country, and the place is surprisingly relaxed and retains a very rural and isolated feel to it.
Talk
All three islands are ''Gaeltachtai'', areas of Ireland where Irish is still the primary language. English speakers will have no problem, as almost all islanders are fluent in English. However, surprisingly few signs are in English, so it's best to know the Irish name of your destination. However, Irish is spoken by most locals, Irish is spoken by over 95% in the Aran islands.The islanders are a friendly if insular group of people. I found www.aranisland.info a very informative site. I would recommend the Aran Islands as a perfect foil to city travel.Take a ferry trip from Doolin or Rossaveal and enjoy a day-trip or longer stay.
Get in
Both islander-operated [http://www.arandirect.com/ Aran Direct] and government subsidised [http://www.aranislandferries.com/ Island Ferries] operate from Ros an Mhil, in Connemara with bus connections to Galway City.
[http://www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com/ '''Cliffs and Aran Cruises'''] and [http://www.doolin2aranferries.ie/ '''Doolin 2 Aran Ferries''']operate a modern fleet of vessels from Doolin, Co. Clare (the shortest journey to the Aran Islands). They have ferry trips to Inis Oirr, Inis Mor, and sightseeing trips to the Cliffs of Moher.
[http://www.doolinferries.com/ Doolin Ferries] run boats from Doolin in County Clare.
For those short on time, but not on money, [http://www.aerarannislands.ie/ Aer Arann] operates flights from Indreabhan Airport in Connemara.
For a small fee, you can leave luggage at the first tourist shop you pass walking out from the port.
Some Ferry operators offer an inter-island service.[http://www.aranisland.info Aran Islands Ireland-Visitor Information]
Get around
There are mini-bus tours and taxis available on the islands. These are reasonably priced and usually come with a guide who has lived on the island for generations. Tourism is the main "industry" on the island (Inis Mor), and in exchange for supporting the locals, you not only get a dry tour of all the signigicant sites on the island, but also an entertaining and informative history lesson. Two drivers who are particularly recommended are Martin Mullen and Oliver Faherty. Both families have lived there for generations and will share their stories openly. You might even offer to buy them a pint at Joe Mac's, next to the hostel, as a tip for the ride... Arrange a tour with either of them with the ferry company when you buy tickets for the trip over to the island. Another way to see the islands is on foot or by bike. Wear good hiking boots, though, as once you leave the paved roads, you are on very rough rocks. If you cycle, wear a helmet, for the same reason. While you may balk at the seemingly 'touristy' nature of the pony carts which will be waiting for you in Cill Ronain, paying the little bit extra for one of these is often worth it -- striking up conversation with your driver may get you invited to dinner or a party.
If you have time, consider walking the islands to see the sights. It is easy to walk on the roads between sights and you are more likely to really begin to understand the scale of the islands and the feel of the place. But, keep in mind, it is best to plan to be back to your lodging before dark as the roads are not lit.
[http://www.aranisland.info Ferry Link]
Inter-Island
[http://www.aranislandferries.com/ Aran Direct] runs inter-island ferries during the peak season, but for most of the year the only way to get between islands is to return to Ros an Mhil and take a different boat out. Reportedly, a fishing boat takes the island priest between islands on Sunday, so you may be able to sweet talk your way onto that. [http://www.aerarannislands.ie/ Aer Arann] flights do operate between the islands, though they run a circular route and may not go directly where you want to.
See
Dun Aengus is a fort situated on the edge of a cliff at a height of 100 meters overlooking the Atlantic on the Aran Islands, Inishmore. It consists of a series of concentric circular walls, the innermost; the citadel encloses an area approximately 50 meters in diameter with 4m thick walls of stone. These walls have been rebuilt to a height of 6m and have wall walks, chambers, and flights of stairs as well.
O'Brien's Castle on Inis Oirr in the Aran Islands was built in the 14th century. The castle was taken from the O'Briens by the O'Flaherty clan of Connemara in 1582.
Dun Eochla and Dun Eoghanachta are ringforts located inland of the island and can be seen from the main road.
Clochan na Carraige is a beehive hut. The structure is unusual because the outside is circular but the inside is rectangular.
Buy
Though you can change money on all three islands, be aware that only Inis Mor has an ATM (Bank of Ireland), so be sure to plan accordingly.
There is well stocked Spar grocery store on Inis Mor, about a 5 minute walk from the main port.
Stay
Accommodation is easy to come by on Inis Mor, the most touristy of the islands. Inis Oirr offers a quieter stay. Tigh Ruari (no website, but locatable on several 'visit Arann' sites) is a wonderful bed and breakfast on the island, with a grocery store and pub attached.
'''Mainistir House''', [http://www.mainistirhousearan.com/]. This hostel is about a 20 - 30 minute walk from the main pier. The rooms and bathrooms were acceptable for the price. They serve a hearty breakfast for all guests: steaming oatmeal, toast, marmalade, and coffee/tea.
'''Ostan Arann/Aran Islands Hotel''', Cill Ronain, Phone: 099 61090, (''E-mail: info@aranislandshotel.com''), [http://www.aranislandshotel.com].
'''Pier House/Teach na Ceibhe''', Phone: 099 61417 ('''E-mail: pierh@iol.ie'').
'''Kilmurvey House''', Phone: 099 61218 (''E-mail: kilmurveyhouse@eircom.net''), [http://www.Kilmurveyhouse.com].
'''Kilronan Hostel''', Phone: 099 61255 (''E-mail: kilronanhostel@ireland.com''), [http://www.kilronanhostel.com].
'''Tigh Fitz''', Phone: 099 61213, ''E-mail: penny@tighfitz.com'', [http://www.Tighfitz.com].
'''Ard Einne''', Phone: 099 61126 (''E-mail: ardeinne@eircom.net''), [http://www.galway.net/pages/ardeinne.
'''Bay View''', Phone: 099 61260 (''E-mail: round@eircom.net''), [http://www.dragnet.systems.ie/eira/bayview].
'''Oatquarter House''', Phone: 099 61328, (''E-mail: mgtdirrane@yahoo.co.uk'').
'''Ard Mhuiris''', Phone: 099 61208, (''E-mail: ardmhuris@eircom.ie'').
'''An Crugan''', Phone: 099 61150 (''Web: www.ancrugan.com '').
'''Clai Ban''', Phone: 099 61111, (''Fax: 099 61423''). Open all year round.
'''Man of Aran cottages''', c/o Joe & Maura Wolfe, Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mor, Oileain Arann
Co na Gaillimhe, Phone: 099 61301 (''Fax: 099 61324 Email: manofaran@eircom.net''). Open all year round.
Get out