Hi, I'll be at a writers' retreat in Doolin for much of May, and would like to spend some time in the Aran Islands. Does anyone know which of these islands is the easiest for a walkaround, and might have a pub and/or gift shop?
Many thanks,
Marjie
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
576 posts
Inis Oírr (Inisheer) is the closest and smallest with plenty of easy places to walk, a few pubs and places to eat, and some gift shops. It is about a 15 minute ferry ride from Doolin. I enjoyed a tranquil somewhat rainy day there.
Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest, has the most amenities and sights including a prehistoric fort. It would probably have more pubs and gift shops as well as more places to see than the others. I believe it is the most visited of the three. It is about a 35 minute ferry ride from Doolin.
Inis Mean (Inishmaan) is in the middle in size and location and the least visited but I believe it has some pubs and gift shops too.
I put both names in for each island (hope I spelled correctly) because you see them each listed both ways.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
840 posts
My fondest memory of Inisheer was finding a border collie sitting outside every house on the wall. Good walking island with lots of ruins, sacred wells, crosses, etc.
My fondest memory of Inishmore was the magic of seeing the last day boat leave and seeing a different island. A lot bigger and more hills, so walking is a little more energetic. We rented bicycles to get to the Dun.
Haven't been to the middle island yet.
May weather is typically pretty good so you might be able to make multiple day trips.
Posted by
OP
Callaway, VA, US
109 posts
Thanks so much. Inisheer actually sounds perfect for this old gal. And you sold me with a Border collie at every door!
Posted by
Chicago
611 posts
It's awesome you will be participating in a writers' retreat in Doolin. It's a great setting to write.
One suggestion is to go to Inishmaan Island to see the Synge Chair: https://www.visitgalway.ie/explore/heritage-and-history/historic-buildings-and-places/synges-chair/. To deepen the experience, John Millington Synge's nonfiction book "The Aran Islands" is probably the best narrative travel book I have read.
Ironically, I've been to the Inishmore Island twice, but not Inishmaan, despite my reverence for Synge. I have hiked probably 10 miles and bicycled 25 miles on Inishmore. There are several bicycle-rental places in Kilronan, the port town. There are several pubs in Kilronan and a great museum with gift shop covering the Aran Islands.
Posted by
1170 posts
I would suggest going to Black Fort. Not as much visited and I thought better than Dun Aonghasa. The walk there is nicer too. Follow the road and then turn off and follow the posts to the fort across the stones. You can walk from town.