Top Things to do in Inishmore
Top Restaurants in Inishmore
Top 10 Things to do in Inishmore, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Inishmore, Ireland including Thomas Faherty Tours, Dun Duchathair, Dun Aonghasa, The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist), Kilmurvey Beach, Aran Bike Hire, Na Seacht Teampaill (The Seven Churches), Aran Sweater Market, Failte Bus Tour, Dun Eochla.
Restaurants in Inishmore
1. Thomas Faherty Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 115 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.
Reviewed By DAndrews_0316 - Woburn, Massachusetts
Niamh was a delight from booking and greeting us at the ferry throughout the tour! Her energy and enthusiasm for her home, the island, and her Mission of introducing her guests to the treasures there is infectious and welcoming. I have never enjoyed a tour more. Book with this talented, dynanuc native of Inishmore to immerse yourself in her world. Thank you, Niamh!
2. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By nutsgoalie - Norwich, Connecticut
This was our favorite place to visit while we were on the island. It is much more peaceful and less crowded than the other fort on the island. We only saw a couple people leaving, but explored for over an hour, without seeing anyone. The fort part itself is not as built up, but still neat to explore and all around the area are loads of rocks to walk around. You can just wander around and make your own way, all with beautiful views of the water. Very peaceful to just sit and relax. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to get a bit more off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
3. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 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 Christina M - Boston, Massachusetts
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times. One of my favorite things about Ireland is the amount of personal responsibility the Irish put on visitors. I'll explain...
The walk up to Dun Aonghasa starts at the visitor's center. There's a fee to enter, and there are explanatory panels around the center about the history of the fort and island. If you're entering the area with a group, *skip this* until after you've walked up to the fort. (Best tip of the day from our tour van driver, Patrick—he's the one in the red van parked at the ferry dock.) This will put you ahead of the crowd on the walk up, and give you some quiet time at the edge of the cliff.
The walk is along some rough terrain, so if you have accessibility issues, it may be tough going. The beginning in packed dirt, but then it does get uneven and rocky. Even if you're able-bodied, be sure to watch where you walk.
Once you go through the door of the fort, make your way to the cliff's edge. And this is what I meant by "personal responsibility." There are no ropes, no guardrail, nothing to keep you from going over the edge if you foolishly (or accidentally) get too close. In the States you'd be lucky to get within five feet of the edge. :) But there really is something just so... stunning about standing on the edge of the world, watching the waves crash into the rocks below. And if you're lucky enough for a clear day (I'll brag—I was), then it really is quite the experience.
Take your time taking photos and looking around (but no selfies on the edge!). At the visitor's center, you'll learn everything and more about the fort and how it was fortified.
4. The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By drtom100 - Idaho
This was one of the sight we saw on a tour of the island. It was nice to see, but I wouldn't have went to see it on its own. We liked the whole island, but just wasn't all that special.
5. Kilmurvey Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Lauren K - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The water was a gorgeous shade of turquoise! It was a cool day, so not many people out. Couldn't resist dipping my toes in the water. It's a nice place to stop to rest and relax in between all the biking you'll do on the island
6. Aran Bike Hire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By JeremyL428 - Rochester, New York
My wife and I arrived and were on the first ferry of the day right as they were opening. They charged us 10 Euros per bike (and a 10 deposit). We picked whatever bikes we wanted and headed on our way. The roads were not easy but we just kept a leisurely pace and road about fifteen miles throughout the day.
This is absolutely the way to see Inis Mor. Stay away from the tour trucks.
Pick a bike with a kick stand as you may want to be on and off throughout the day. My bike did not have one so I was left laying it on the ground a few times.
7. Na Seacht Teampaill (The Seven Churches)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By ThePBR - NE USA
Although termed ‘ the seven churches’ there are in fact only 2 churches with few domestic buildings. The title seven is possibly an allusion to the pilgrimage circuit of Rome which incorporated seven churches. St Brecan’s Church is a large multi period church c. 8th-13th century. It contains fine massive masonary with an impressive arch, nave and chancel. The Church of the Hollow is a smaller15th century church.
This was an interesting and worthwhile stop on our tour of Inís Mór (Inishmore).
8. Aran Sweater Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The Home of Aran, Since 1892 - The famous original Aran Sweater Market produces and supplies high quality Aran wool knitwear to the global market. Aran Sweater Market is on Inis Mor, Aran Islands & has outlets in Grafton St., Dublin and Killarney, County Kerry.
Reviewed By Erin M
Total scam when it comes to actually getting your purchases. We waited to make our purchase until we got to Inishmore. First, the store employees were way more interested in the latest island gossip than helping customers. (I’m so disappointed we didn’t purchase in the Dublin store. They were friendly, helpful and seemingly competent.)
We purchased close to $400 or 330 Euros worth of product and then decided to take advantage of the free shipping offer. We were promised Delivery in 7-10 business days. That would have been perfect! We arrived home in 8 days with plenty of time to receive the package and wrap and our our purchases as Christmas presents.
Sadly, we got home and waited patient LLC for another week. Still no package so my husband emailed them. All of a sudden we get a tracking number and our package arrives a week later (now 2 weeks later than promised.)
I could have overlooked that. I could have overlooked the fact that because it was so late some of our Christmas presents would be late. But imagine our disappointment when we opened the package to only find HALF of our order. I looked at label, thinking there must be another one coming, nope package 1 of 1.
It’s now almost 5 weeks since we left Inishmore, Christmas has come and gone, we’ve reached out to customer service only to get spotty and infrequent replies, the last one asking if we had heard from DHL. No, we haven’t heard from DHL because you only gave them half of our order to ship.
At this point, I think our only option is to file fraud charges with our credit card and hope to recoup some of our money that way. This place is way more interested in attracting your attention and taking your money than serving customers who already purchased. It’s the only place in all of Ireland that has made us feel completely taken advantage of.
Do yourself a favor, either buy, but don’t ship, from the Dublin store or if you are lucky enough to find yourself on Inishmore, buy from one of the other local shops. The will treat you better, it will probably be less expensive and unlike us, you may actually get the products you purchased.
9. Failte Bus Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By blueclaw13 - Toms River, New Jersey
We were fortunate to take the actual Fáilte Bus Tour around Inis Mor (largest of the Aran Islands) with driver/owner Gerald, not to be confused with other tour operators who somehow get lumped together in these reviews. I had heard specifically about the efficient and gracious service provided by Gerald from other reviewers that mentioned him and his company, and so, I went directly to his Fáilte Bus Tour website for photos and contact details. The price of the tour was very reasonable. Groups and individuals who book via email even get an extra break. You might as well book by email as it is so easy. Be sure to check photos from the website, so you can recognize the van.
Gerald wrote back immediately after I had emailed him. My wife and I were supposed to fly to the island and Gerald would pick us up at the airport. Generally, the van drivers wait at the docks to gather their passengers arriving by ferry, so pick up at the airport would be especially convenient. Due to low ceiling, however, that morning we needed to switch plans in a hurry and get to the island by ferry. Gerald provided all the information we needed by email and texting, and met us right at the harbor. We appreciated his quick, accurate communication which made our plans go smoothly.
If you rent a car in Ireland, you'll appreciate taking a relaxing break to be driven around the island carefully and precisely on narrow roads with Gerald as he maneuvers around bicyclists, walkers, and other vehicles. While driving, Gerald tells you about life on the island, which has been his home from birth, while pointing out the interesting details you'd certainly miss otherwise. Sometimes we would stop to take photos and explore a bit by foot. Other times, for the most spectacular sights like Dún Aonghasa (prehistoric fort at the very edge of sheer cliffs), we would agree to return to the van at a set hour.
Gerald of Fáilte Bus Tour is a kind, knowledgeable gentleman and quite flexible which makes your day flow nicely. Just know that the one trip of your life to Inis Mor will be a memorable, happy success without any work from you!
10. Dun Eochla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By AineFlorida - Florida
Got lost trying to find the highest spot on the island. We decided to take back graveled roads with bikes (not the best decision) to find the lighthouse. Roads were too difficult for riding bikes, it would have been much easier to take the main road. Although we saw a lot of beautiful scenery on our back roads tour. Sad when we arrived at the light house and it was closed. Quite a hike up the hill so we left the bikes along the side of the road. Beautiful views.
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