Are the Aran Islands really worth it?

I don't know much about inishmore, which is the largest of the three so can't speak to that one, but I loved our day on Inis Oirr (Inisheer), which is the smallest of the three. There was plenty to see on the island including a very nice lighthouse that you can climb for fantastic views of the island, the ruins of an old castle (O'Brien's Castle), the remains of the shipwreck of the M V Plassey. The island is quite small and only has about 280 full time residents. It's very easy to walk around much of the island or to hire a pony cart to take you around. It was fun to talk to residents and get a feel for what it's like to live on such a small island and I didn't find it boring in the least. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I'm sure it's not something you NEED to do when in Ireland and often it's a bit difficult, and occasionally not possible to do the crossing. But if the weather's fine I would say it's worth it, at least to most people. There's really nothing that every tourist NEEDS to do anywhere.

I am a bit unsure of your question. Only you know what is important to you and what experiences are important to you. I loved my time there. Your personal preferences are what matters here.

Your personal preferences are what matters here.

I agree totally. "Worth it" is like "The Best ....." - completely subjective.

Just because everyone says "oh, you really must go..." doesn't mean you have to. There is lots to do and see in Ireland, so follow your gut feeling.

I probably ought to say, I've made several trips to Ireland and have managed without seeing the Aran Islands so far, so no you don't NEED to!!!

We were in Ireland 4 weeks ago and of everything we saw and did we liked Inish Sheer the most. Being on that island felt like a step back in time. We did go up to the castle, went to the shipwreck and rode on the pony and trap. We took a group tour from Galway where we traveled to Doolin , took the Doolin ferry to Inishsheer and then went to the Cliffs of Moher on the ferry. Seeing the Cliffs from the water was much better than seeing them from land which was the last stop on the tour.

We also did the tour out of Galway and really enjoyed the small island.
I will warn about 50% of people got seasick on the way back; the sea was very rough!

I believe it is worth visiting the Aran Islands. I've been to them twice, first in 1997 and next in 1999. I would have visited again in my 2002 and 2010 visits if time allowed.

I have an idea to stoke your interest: Read John Millington Synge's nonfiction book "The Aran Islands". It's quite readable and concise: Most editions are about 200 pages or so.

I couldn't wait to get there after I read the Synge book.

Several years ago we took the ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr and had a wonderful time. We spent about 3 hours on the island before heading back to the mainland. The Cliffs of Moher are also great to visit and just a short drive from Doolin!

Innis Mor was a highlight of my 3-week trip to Ireland last year. But I like old ruins and boat rides, and the weather was excellent. Not something anyone needs to do, and it might not have made the cut if I'd had less time in the country or the weather had been bad. But if it isn't giving you "the same vibe" as other islands you've enjoyed, then do something else with your limited time. Even a brief Aran visit pretty much fills a day, so it can be a big time investment compared to mainland alternatives.