Galway/Aran Islands
Jul 4, 2015, 3:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Galway/Aran Islands
I'm getting ready to book the last portion of an upcoming trip and want to spend a few days in Galway. It's the only major city in Ireland I haven't been to previously.
One of the key things I want to do is take a day trip out to the Aran Islands. It looks like there is a company that offers this service.
What's the best way to get around once on the Island? Key things that I want to see are:
Next, what else should I make sure I check out once in Galway?
Finally, any hotel recommendations? I'm looking at the Harbour Hotel or Skeffington Arms at this point - is there something better, or a reason to avoid either of these? I'd like to stay close to the main pub area which looks to be on High or Quay Street.
Thanks!
One of the key things I want to do is take a day trip out to the Aran Islands. It looks like there is a company that offers this service.
What's the best way to get around once on the Island? Key things that I want to see are:
- Seven Churches
- St. Edna's Household
- World Heritage Site
- Old Light House
- Stone Forts/Cliffs
- Beach (Maybe)
Next, what else should I make sure I check out once in Galway?
Finally, any hotel recommendations? I'm looking at the Harbour Hotel or Skeffington Arms at this point - is there something better, or a reason to avoid either of these? I'd like to stay close to the main pub area which looks to be on High or Quay Street.
Thanks!
Jul 5, 2015, 9:58 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Posts: 2,210
It appears that company is only providing a bus to the ferry plus the ferry ticket, doesn't look like it does anything for you on the island. If you're going to have a car, you can drive yourself to Rossaveal and get the ferry yourself (http://www.aranislandferries.com/).
Once on Inishmore, there are bike rentals or minibuses or you can walk. I went for a day a few years ago and rented a bike, allowed us to see a little more.
Once on Inishmore, there are bike rentals or minibuses or you can walk. I went for a day a few years ago and rented a bike, allowed us to see a little more.
Jul 6, 2015, 5:21 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: USA
Programs: Virtuoso, Four Seasons PP, RC STARS, MO FanClub, Dorchester Diamond, Luxury Priv, Peninsula PenClub
Posts: 276
Aran Islands
Consider driving through the Burren to Doolin and take the ferry over to Inis Oirr, followed by a boat ride to the base of the Cliffs of Moher.
http://www.doolinferries.com/
http://www.doolin2aranferries.com/trips-and-cruises/combination-day-trip/
Bikes are available for hire. Reserve the right size bike in advance.
http://www.rothai-inisoirr.com/
http://www.doolinferries.com/
http://www.doolin2aranferries.com/trips-and-cruises/combination-day-trip/
Bikes are available for hire. Reserve the right size bike in advance.
http://www.rothai-inisoirr.com/
Jul 6, 2015, 9:19 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
Thanks. I don't plan on having a car, so the bus ride looks to be the best option to the ferry.
Now I just need to decide which hotel to stay at, and I'll be all set. Appreciate the info.
Now I just need to decide which hotel to stay at, and I'll be all set. Appreciate the info.
Jul 13, 2015, 12:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beacon Falls, CT, USA
Posts: 1,609
Aran Islands are great! We've stayed on Inis Mor three nights last trip, at the Man of Aran B&B (near Dun Aengus). The cottage was used in a movie in the 1930s about the fishermen of the Aran Islands, so it's got an historical background. The hosts (Joe and Maura) are delightful.
You can walk (the island is 5 miles long by 1 mile wide), rent bikes (check them - some are old and a bit rusty), rent jitneys (E5 will get you anywhere on the island) or rent pony carts. You can't bring your own car on the island.
I had a lovely walk from our B&B back into town to Joe Watty's Pub (great music and food) but I wasn't smart enough to use walking shoes - got blisters so I got a ride back after a night of great craic
You can walk (the island is 5 miles long by 1 mile wide), rent bikes (check them - some are old and a bit rusty), rent jitneys (E5 will get you anywhere on the island) or rent pony carts. You can't bring your own car on the island.
I had a lovely walk from our B&B back into town to Joe Watty's Pub (great music and food) but I wasn't smart enough to use walking shoes - got blisters so I got a ride back after a night of great craic
