Hey all,
My wife and our two kiddos will be heading to Ireland at the end of the month. We'll be in Galway for a few days and were thinking of taking a trip to the Aran Islands. Is taking an early flight there in the morning, riding bikes around during the day, and taking an evening flight back doable? I know the flight is pretty quick, but wondering opinions on if it might be a bit much. We tend to travel quick and do a lot, but this is our first big trip with our toddlers.
Thanks,
Charlie
Charlie,
I take it you're going to Inishmore, the largest island? It's probably doable, though why not spend a night and enjoy a bit of the local life? A visit to Dun Aengus is well worth the time - and the view from three hundred feet above the sea! It's about an hour's bike ride from Kilronan. There are also a number of B&Bs on the island.
In case you haven't checked it out, a more enjoyable - and leisurely - means of getting to there is the ferry from Rossaveel (23 miles west of Galway City). It's a rather large ferry with indoor seating and a snack bar. See the details at: www.aranislandferries.com/
Hey David,
Thanks for the reply. We actually have such a tight itinerary that we are unable to spend a night on the island! I didn't want to miss it though. Thank you for the information.
The ferry still might be your best bet. As I recall the ferry does run a shuttle service from Galway, which would make it an easy day for the 4 of you. Check the link David provided for more info.
One caution: Dun Aengus is spectacular, but there's no barrier between you and a 300 foot drop into eternity. Not sure it would be safe for toddlers.
Taking the ferry, while easy, might be a bit of a gamble. Bad weather (or rough water even when the weather appears OK), can cancel the ferry on any given day. Just have a Plan B in case the weather doesn't allow you to go out.
Charlie -
Ah, once you're there you may have to tear yourselves away! In any case, Dun Aengus is a don't miss site to visit. If you want to send me a PM, I'll see if I can send you a photo I took of it - with a friend of mine peering over that precipitous edge!
