Aran Is or Connemara loop with 4 y.o. 80 y.o.

Posted by meganmsmith312 on 05/01/26 11:32 PM

We're staying two nights (May 7-9) in Oughterard with a 4-year-old and an 80-year-old and three more adults before moving on to Dingle for 2 nights. On May 8th, we can't decide between sightseeing in Connemara or taking the ferry to the Aran Is. My grandmother is open to a ebike rental on Inishmore, but perhaps a shuttle would be better.

I'm leaning more towards seeing some sights in Connemara but am worried about driving on the left. Will we regret not going to Inishmore? If you recommend Connemara sightseeing, what are the must-see or do, considering the age range of our travel party. I'm particularly excited about the school of falconry and waterfalls.

Posted by jjgurley

Mountains of S. Oregon

05/02/26 11:59 AM

1160 posts

Hard choice!

I'm puzzled how one choice involves driving and the other doesn't. How did you get to Oughterard and how are you getting to Dingle?

If I were a 4 yr old, Falcons (or sheepdogs) might be more exciting than a ferry to the islands, although a pony trap around the Island would also be memorable. Depends a little on what they've experienced so far in life.

As an 80 year old (I'm only 76), it's a toss-up. Both will want to involve some walking to see the best views.

Either choice will be fine, and you might have to make another trip someday to take the other option unless you can squeeze Connemara into the 7th or 9th.

Posted by Ruth

Ithaca, NY, USA

05/02/26 05:06 PM

986 posts

Another thing to consider is that the ferry ride to and from Inishmore could be extremely choppy or even really rocking on the waves. Is anyone in your group prone to seasickness?

We absolutely loved Inismore but we also got lucky and had a very smooth crossing.

Posted by wasleys

Lincolnshire, UK

05/03/26 10:35 AM

3017 posts

Will you have visited Aughnanure Castle near Oughterard?

I'm assuming the Falcon walk is the one at Ashfiord Castle. If so do visit Cong with its ruined abbey and don't miss the monk's fishing station on the river with the bell to ring to let the kitchen know when they have caught a fish.

The classic film 'The Quiet Man' starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara was filmed in and around Cong. The Quiet Man museum is a replica of the cottage used in the film. Grandma will probably enjoy the nostalgia of the cottage and the 4 year old intrigued by the lack of TV and all mod cons!

There is a lovely drive around the coast past the tiny Harbour of Roundstone to Clifden. On a sunny day, the Sky Road Drive from Clifden is possibly one of the best in the world. Just north of Clifden is the Renvyl penisula with some of the best beaches in Ireland (and yet to be discovered.)

There is also Killary Harbour and a boat cruise...

Connemara is wonderful and there are so many places to discover, that I still haven't got to the Arran Islands... and I've not regretted it - yet!