We are leaving for our trip to Ireland on Sunday!! We are starting our trip out in Galway with some day trips. Tuesday we plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher and we had planned to visit the Aran Islands on Wednesday but as of now the weather sounds like it will be heavy rain most of the day. Is it still worth it to make the trip to the islands or would be better off taking a bus day trip elsewhere (possibly Connemara?)? As I understand the weather is very changeable so maybe we will risk it but just wondering how the islands would be if it does rain most of the day.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2774 posts
When we went, we stayed overnight. The day we arrived it was a beautiful sunny day. It was magical. The next day, it poured rain the entire day. We weren't going to let that deter us, so we took a long walk. After about two hours, we admitted defeat and returned to our B&B. We were miserable. We actually went to the airport two hours early because there was just nothing to do. I had on jeans, and they were soaked. I was so uncomfortable until we got back on the main land and I could put on dry pants. (We had left most of our clothes tin the trunk of the car.)
I would say that if it is really pouring, it is not worth it. On the other hand, if it is just light showers or on and off rain, it would probably be worth going. Not sure how good the forecasts are.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
19 posts
I agree with Carol. Heavy rain would deter me from going because almost everything you would do on the Aran Islands is outside. Connemara would be a great second choice.
Posted by
Lewisburg, PA, USA
346 posts
Well, we have made reservations to stay ON on the island. Rain will be a detraction. However, I think you always need to prepare for weather and emergencies. I think in Ireland, that will mean you assume it rains every day-then sunshine is just icing on the cake. Cash, Band-aids, dry socks, power bars don't take up much space. I even plan to take an underwater camera-just in case the rain sleeves and waterproof bags for the DSLR's aren't enough. Hope you have a great trip.