Top Things to do in Aran Islands
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Aran Islands, Western Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Aran Islands, Ireland including Dive Academy, Aran Celtic Tours, Dun Aonghasa, Dun Duchathair, Thomas Faherty Tours, Inis Mor Horse Carriage tours, O'Brien's Castle, Plassey Wreck, Dun Eochla, The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist).
Restaurants in Aran Islands
1. Dive Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 232 reviews
Discover Atlantic Ocean on the ARAN ISLANDS. Learn to scuba dive on the beautiful Inis Mór Island! Here in Ireland the great current Gulf Stream, as well as warming the ocean, brings nutrients to our water, which results in unique and rich marine life. Besides the pretty sea anemones and corals, sea citizens range from dolphins and seals to dogfish and basking sharks...
2. Aran Celtic Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
We are a Mini Coach service that offers tours to the many cultural and heritage sites on the largest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Mór. The tour service is locally owned providing you with a tour guide with keen insight into the islands history & lore. We strive to make your trip very memorable, and offer a wide range of packages & services at competitive prices. Individual and Group rates available.
3. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
4. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
5. Thomas Faherty Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 165 reviews
Take a trip with Thomas Faherty around the island in a pony & trap, and see the beautiful sights of Inis Mor the old-fashioned way. Pony & trap tours are a family tradition and date back to the 1940s. You will hear wonderful stories and interesting island histories, all while taking in the amazing surroundings at a picture friendly pace. Stops are made along the route to let visitors explore. You can look for seals during low tide and hike up to Dun Aonghasa. But what makes Thomas and his tours so different? He likes to point out what other tourists may never get the chance to see, or have even heard about. Like the wormhole. No matter the length of your stay on the island, whether you wish for a private tour for two or an afternoon jaunt for ten, a tour can be arranged. that accommodates to your plans.
6. Inis Mor Horse Carriage tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Transport yourself back in time and visit the Island the way it was meant to be seen, A beautiful place with amazing scenery which is peaceful and Tranquillity a relaxing ride. shorter tours from anything from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes longest tour is over 3 hours. The magic of the horse drawn carriage ride starts when the horse trots off to show you the many sights throughout. You will enjoy this trip to the harmony of clip clopping, the rolling wheels and the tinkling sounds of the harness. Our driver is your guide and will talk you through many of the beautiful sights the Island has to offer and a typical trip presents Tours to the famous Cliffs dun aonghasa. old churches, kilmurvy beach, Aran seal colony and much more this beautiful island of Inis Mor has to offer.
7. O'Brien's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By GaryO148
One of many O’Brien castles near Galway Bay, the one on Inisheer is crumbling but central to the island. Built on the highest point on Inisheer, the hike up is steep but the views are stunning. From the tourists who were climbing up the walls and posing to the busker who was playing guitar, the range of experiences are many.
8. Plassey Wreck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By family-a-z-adventure
What a cool find on Inis Oirr, the kids loved poking their heads into the shipwreck. Surrounded by stunning coastline, Inis Oirr is a great place for kids to explore. Hire some bikes on the island and off you go. Once on the island all the sites are free to visit and explore.
9. Dun Eochla
10. The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By Tjorne18
In July 1971 my girlfriend and I dived into the swimming pool. We had no idea it was linked with the ocean. When we told locals, they were appalled. Inishmor 1971 was before electricity and cars. Ferry out of Galway once a week. Today’s visitors have no idea what a wonderful place it was. Tripadvisor seems not to like trips down memory lane. Hence July 2020!
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