Aran Islands/Cliffs or Donegal?

Haven't been to Donegal, but staying overnight on Inishmore (Aran I.) maybe ten yrs ago was magical. Rented bikes & pedaled along fields & stone walls & the sea to Kilmurvey House (recommended, especially if Treasa is still the owner - sweetheart, talks like a tidal wave, bakes like an angel). In the misty morning, walked up the slope to phenomenal Dun Aengus, nobody else there. Treasured experience.

Slieve League cliffs in Donegal are even higher than the Cliffs of Moher and far less touristy.

If you are going to visit the Aran Islands, Connemara is a lovely remote area. The ferry to Inishmore leaves from Rossaveal. We also enjoyed Roundstone and Clifden which are also in County Galway.

Cliffs of Moher/Arans v Donegal ? Both are worthy but for us Donegal hands down. Not a huge fan of the Cliffs of Moher.....they ARE beautiful and stunning but unless you hit a good time it's VERY horribly touristy and even when not overrun is touristy. Slieve League, Cliffs of Kilkee and definitely Cliffs of Kerry light years better. Arans are fantastic. The dock on Inis Mor is also, sadly very touristy with buses, horse carts and souvenirs shops all aggressively trying to grab you or your tourist dollars. There is a sadness to it, we talked to our landlord, mini van driver and got to really talking and he is heartbroken he and his friends are reduced to "begging" and "not working like men" and most of the children leave the islands now. The old Aran culture is gone replaced by catering to us. That being said its history, Dun Anghosa and the island itself are rich with beauty and scenery. And despite an underlying sadness the people are very warm and welcoming.

Donegal was not overdeveloped and much more wild and "real". Not very many stupid leprechaun tourist gift stores and plenty of real Irish history and culture. Stunning scenery.....we loved Slieve League, Errigal, the coast and the people. You can walk for miles on coast or beaches with hardly a soul around. It's heaven to see nature so unspoiled then head to a pub filled with friendly locals, spectacular fresh food and enjoy a great night of music.

All are worth doing between the options. If tourism, sometimes hyper clogged tourism doesn't bother you then the Cliffs of Moher and Inis Mor do have a ton to offer......and even with that are still wonderful in their ways. Donegal is wild, remote and stunningly beautiful....great people and tons to do and no crowds to overwhelm a day or an areas culture.

We’ve decided to Donegal. Do you have a great place to stay?

We went to Inishmore for the day, loved it but next time would want to stay overnight

We are booked at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal. Right next door to Donegal castle. Seems a good location for touring. Good luck