Aran or Giants

I unfortunately won't have the opportunity to visit the Giants Causeway while I'm here but I did visit all three Aran Islands earlier on my trip so I can provide some of my own experiences.

I went on the first ferry over to Inis Mór and spent the night on the island. I decided to rent a bike and rode it around on the island - I haven't been on a bike in 20 years and for the most part it was an easy ride. I went the opposite direction of the day visitors and for the most part was alone in my explorations. After the ferry left at 5 I rode along the oceanview rode and was essentially alone in my trip. I had to turn around due to a change in weather so I never made it to the famous fort but it was absolutely incredible riding my bike around the island - it is a beautiful place. The following day I took the ferry to Inis Meáin and walked around there for a few hours. It is the least touristy of the three islands and probably the most rugged. There is a large contrast of the scenery with Inis Mór. I only had a few hours there but I had enough time to walk up to the fort, enjoy a bowl of the best potato soup of my trip, and walk back don to the ferry.

I visited Inis Oír as part of a day tour with the Galway Tour group. It is described as the most "Irish" of the 3 islands. The landscape is similar to Inis Mór but has a more quaint feel. I took a trap (horse and carriage) so I could chat with the driver and learn more about life on the island.

All thee experiences were interesting and different and they were one of the many highlights of my trip to Ireland. The ferry ride was a bit choppy here and there so if you get seasick that might be something to consider. Also I was fortunate to have beautiful weather though at times a bit windy on each visit. I'm not sure what the experience would be like if it rained the entire time since the highlight for me was exploring the islands.

Although I found both sites to be very interesting and enjoyable I'd definitely pick Aran Islands over Giant's Causeway for scenery and opportunities for exploration, unless I was pressed for time. A stop at Giant's Causeway can be accomplished in one to two hours whereas a trip to Inishmore (the only one of the islands I visited) takes most of a day. In addition, sometimes the ferries don't run due to weather or seas so it's best to allow some leeway in planning the exact date you want to visit the islands.

Agree that would go to Aran Islands over Causeway. We spent two hours at the Causeway and thought that was enough. Spent one full day on one of the islands and would certainly go again. Second time we tried to go the ferries were not going at all the water was so rough.

I haven't been out the the Aran Islands yet, but did visit Giant's Causeway and was rather underwhelmed. The most significant thing about it is the enormous visitor's center and huge number of people visiting. If you want to see this kind of geologic formation (columnar basalt), there are many better examples around the US, Canada and elsewhere in the world that are much, much less crowded and much more impressive in size. I'd rather spend my limited time in Ireland on sights that are truly unique. Instead, next time you're in CA go see Devils Postpile NM, or see Devil's Tower NM in WY. Have a grand trip.

I agree with the others that it's really no contest - the Aran Islands for sure.
The ferry landing at Rossaveal is about 55 minutes by car from Clifden. Can probably check the weather forecast a day or two in advance to ensure that you have a sunny (and relatively calm) day, then make your booking. The ferry crossing is weather dependent. They'll cancel if sea states get too high, and you wouldn't want to be on the boat anyway if conditions were marginal.

If you are just going to drive to the causeway to take a look then I would agree with the others that a trip out to Inishmore would be better. But, if you are going to drive up the Antrim Coast, make a stop at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, maybe Dunluce Castle, tour the distillery then it would be a good day. I would still choose the trip to Inishmore as long as the weather cooperates.

The islands by all means! Peaceful, remote, Irish-speaking and you get a ferry ride to boot! The Giant's Causeway is well worth the visit, though - as unique as it is for Ireland - but there's much less there to see than on the islands.