Aran Islands

Aran Islands - Secret Connemara

Take the short 8 minute scenic flight from Connemara Airport to Inis Oirr, the smallest and most easterly of the Aran islands. As you cross Galway Bay you will see the cliffs of Moher to your left and the other two Aran Islands of Inis Meáin and Inis Mór to your right. Landing above the Sandy Beach, the small airport which handles 3 return flights per day is only a short stroll from the main village which has a Hotel and two pubs and is home to Alissa Donohues Teach An Tae where you can sample her delicious home baking and other locally sourced produce. Making your way towards Áras Éanna, you can stop off at An Siopa Ceardaíochta and browse through their collection of Hand Knit Aran Sweaters and other local crafts. Áras Éanna is a striking building that houses a 70 seater theatre, craft studios and a small island museum where you will learn about the island history, culture and creativity. With a choice of lunch stops from pubs and cafes to Al fresco dining, you will have time to explore the underground church and burial site of St Caomhan, patron Saint of the island. With a number of ferries connecting the islands, you will take the short crossing to Inis Mór the largest by area and population of the three islands.
With a choice of accommodation from the island hotel to premium guesthouses and glamping pods, you will be spoilt for choice. A not to be missed activity on the island is the sunset tour with the Hernon brothers from Aran Off Road Experiences. You will be brought to a number of interesting locations not accessible by other vehicles culminating in the sun setting at the most westerly point of Inis Mór. On return to Cill Rónán, the main village on the island, you can enjoy a lively music session at Tigh Joe Watty with the many talented entertainers living on the island while enjoying a few creamy pints of Guinness or a beverage of choice. With ample time to check out a few more sites and shops of course, you will take the mid-morning or early afternoon flight back to Connemara having sampled the very best of West of Ireland island hospitality.