Decisions Decisions: Aran Islands: Inishmore/ Blasket Islands/ Skellig Michael Island

I would chose Aran Islands, just me. More to do. Dun Aengus is a nice trek and beautiful. Pony carts.

I have only visited the Aran Islands, but it was a very enjoyable day with beautiful scenery.

We did all three on our trip to Ireland last summer (which was not much longer than your trip). All three of these were the #1 top highlight of our trip (which also included a lot of other amazingly great stuff, so these were all really great).

We decided that for this trip, we were going to concentrate on the west/southwest of Ireland, arguably where the best concentration of things that most interest us are located. We decided to entirely skip Northern Ireland, the NW, the center, the SE and even Dublin (except for transport connections) for this trip. Our logic was that those other areas deserve time too, but were not compatible with a trip that included all the "wild Atlantic way" places that were at or near our top priority. I will add that the pace of our trip was fairly aggressive but we got it all done, had time to savor each of the places we thought we would love (we did) and it worked out great for us. We will go back and get to other parts of Ireland another time.

So...you asked about our three favorite places, which two to cut? Ouch, like losing fingers or children. I'd have to say...cut Northern Ireland instead, save it for another trip (no disrespect intended to Northern Ireland).

Practical considerations: If you are planning to do Dingle (which you probably are, if you're considering Great Blasket Island), and you're even thinking about Skellig Michael, that means you are going to spend time in the far southwest. It takes a bit of time to get there (and back).

The Arran Islands take less time to get to/from (but deserve at least one overnight - we spent 2 nights on Inish Mor which was perfect). They're close to Galway (which isn't that far from Dublin) and quickly accessed (take the plane, not the boat, for a dozen good reasons, not the least of which is that's far faster than the ferry and gives you more time there).

Skellig Michael is the geographic outlier (in all ways), and in fact is quite "iffy" - there's no guarantee the boat will go, they make that decision each day...but is well worth it if you can pull it off.

Great Blasket Island is a full day side trip from Dingle (and Dingle is already geographically somewhat of an outlier, too, just because it takes a while to get there).

So, I do not envy your dilemma. I'd only say that all three were amongst our favorite, most memorable places we have ever visited (and we've been around, so I don't say that lightly). It's hard to say since you have not posted details about the rest of your trip, but if it were me, I'd cut other things, and try to get to all three of these. I know that's not what you asked, but having been there 6 months ago, that's how I'd go. Good luck.

We're hoping to head to Ireland in the spring - covid willing - and to spend a night or two in Inishmor. Is there enough to keep us occupied and could you suggest a B and B or other lodging? thank you -

We did Inishmor and Skellig last June. I considered doing Blasket next year but rejected it because there isn't that much that is unique to the spot. Good hiking scenic spots, and famine houses.

If your talking May/June, Skellig is memorable for the nesting Puffins, Gannets, and Shearwaters. Later in the summer it's overwhelmed with mostly Star Wars fans. I wouldn't bother if the birds weren't there, but that's a personal interest choice. The beehive ruins are fascinating as an engineering feat.

If you head to Inishmor, try to spend the night. Even on the shoulder seasons, the character changes as the last boat takes the day trippers home. Also, I believe the Rossaveal ferry is shorter and more reliable than the Doolin alternative. We rented bicycles to circumnavigate the island, and enjoyed it immensely. No need for a car, given the distances and availability of bicycles, horse carts, and vans.

Our interests run towards nature, prehistoric sites, and music. We don't have much interest in lavish castles or kissing stones.

On Inishmor we stayed a night at Kilmurvey House, loved it. In the foggy morning we walked to Dun Aengus (easy peasey), were the only ones there for a good, nay, awesome, hour. Caveat, this was 14 years ago, so check recent takes on it. Great room & breakfast & hospitality in 2006.

Skellig M. was a life experience, though before Star Wars. Good luck!

I agree on the Kilmurvey House B&B. Lovely hosts, spacious rooms, super clean and great breakfasts. The hosts go out of their way for their guests, even taking one of our friends into "town" to see a doctor when she had a terrible case of bronchitis.

We did both the Aran Islands (stayed two nights on Inishmore) and also the Blaskets for a full day.

I think it depends what you like to do. We found the Inishmore fun, the cliffs are amazing, we rented bikes and rode away from the tourist crowd (yep! the ferry comes in and the people all arrive) we came across a wonderful very old cemetery that was amazing. We also took a horse and buggy ride after the day trippers were gone. There is more to do there. But, we did find it a lot more touristy then we expected.

The Blaskets were amazing! The views are incredible, the history very interesting. We spent the whole time hiking around the island and got a coffee at the only little place to sit down, a tiny cafe on the hillside. We loved it, but other than hiking and views, not much more, but incredible!

So, totally different experience. We hear that Skellig Michael is great, but we didn't go.