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Planning the day on Inis Mor

Posted by (Florida, USA) on

I generally avoid being locked into a fixed schedule, which means I book lodging as I go. That said, I looked at lodging on Inis Mor during the time we'll be in the area. We considered spending a night on the island and renting bikes to tour. What's available now aren't good choices. I plan to check again when I'm close but am now guessing we won't stay on the island.

If not staying on Inis Mor, we'd go over on the first ferry (In May that's 10:30) and return on the last (5 pm). That leaves relatively few usable hours on the island. Which means bikes are out and taxi is in. There are a handful of sights I'd like to see.

Has anyone hired a taxi on Inis Mor? Do you generally hire them for the day? Will they take you any place you want to go, including time to stop for lunch?

Also anyone run into issues with the ferry not running? It may be better to plan a day trip so we don't get stuck on the island if the weather is a problem.

Posted by
12172 posts

Also, how long is the ferry between Rossaveal and Kilronan? The plan is to park there (either over night or for the day).

Posted by
76 posts

Brad,

It's entirely possible to rent bikes and see most of the sites in one day.

We took the 10:30 ferry, rented bikes right by the quay on Inishmore, rode out to Dún Aonghasa, walked around there for about an hour, then we went to the Worm Hole (fantastic!) and then back to catch the 5:00 ferry. No problem at all. We actually had plenty of time to spare.

I really suggest going to the Worm Hole. It takes a little bit of an effort to get there, but wow, is it worth it!

-Russ

Posted by
2822 posts

I agree that you might still be able to this by bike. The island is small enough that you should be able to cover quite a bit of it in the time you have. Might also inquire at the bike shops about whether they offer a service whereby they transport you and the bikes to the far end of the island and drop you off - so that you only have a one-way ride coming back. Believe that the prevailing wind would also be behind you that way, making for a more pleasant ride.
Upon arrival at the pier in Inis Mor you'll see a number of vans, taxis, and pony traps all lined up waiting for customers. Am sure any of them would customize a tour of the island if you already know what you want to see. The whole experience is really pretty mellow - they'll take you anywhere you want to go and stay as long as you like.
The ferry ride itself is about 1+20 as I recall. The boats are reasonable large craft, ie 100ft+, so they can take rough seas if you catch a bad day. You can wait until a day or two before your proposed trip over to check the latest forecast before you confirm since the ferries typically don't sell out.

Posted by
12172 posts

Thanks for the replies,

I'd much prefer to do it by bike, for the exercise if nothing else. I like the idea of being dropped off at the west end of the island, then working our way back through the sights. That would save some time and effort. It's always nice having the wind at your back when you're riding.

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