We have a full day in Galway and was thinking about taking a day trip to the Aran Islands, or a guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher and Burren. They would both run about the same price, but what would be the best expierence? Any input from people that have been to both? Thanks!
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
67 posts
Christie,
I will probably be in the minority with this one but I would take the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren over the Aran Islands any day.
I thought the Aran Islands were pretty but mainland even more so and mostly saw stores to buy handmade sweaters (which you can also get on the mainland, I think)
On a nice day, the Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking to say the least. It's a ways up a hill and then some walking depending on how much of it you want to see. When I was there in 2006 the new visitor's center was under construction so I don't know about that. The cliffs are a wonderful way to see just what wind and weather can do to a coastline.
The Burren, in my opinion, is not to be missed. There is so much to see there and unlike any other part of Ireland. I plan to go there again on a future trip.
Have a GREAT time in Ireland (you will no matter where you end up)!
Dale
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Aran Islands are great but if I had to choose I'd take the Cliffs and Burren because of the unique landscapes. I'm sure you will also hear from some votes for Aran Islands.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I would absolutely agree with the above posters and choose Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. There are walking tours with a naturalist available in the Burren, which is an environment completely unique in the world. And the Cliffs have a beautiful new interactive visitors' center. No visit to western Ireland would be complete without seeing the Cliffs and the Burren.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
Although not as sheer or as long as the Cliffs of Moher the Slieve League sea cliffs in Donegal not far west of Donegal Town as three times as high,almost 2,000 feet, and not nearly as overrun with tourists a the cliffs of Moher. If you are in that area they are definitely worth a visit.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
The Cliffs and the Burren are great, but so are the Islands. It depends upon the weather.
If it is a lousy day, you may not even be able to catch a ferry out to the Aran Islands - Doolin is notorious for cancellations (even when the weather seems ok) which leaves only Rossaveal (reliable unless ocean extremely choppy) and I hear a new service is supposed to start from Galway this summer, but have no idea what this will be like as haven't taken it yet.
If you go to the largest island and hike to the Dun Aengus, you can get a great view and it's far less crowded than Cliffs (probably because it is a much longer hike up to the top).
The Islands are actually best enjoyed if you stay overnight - few tourists actually do this, so it's just you and the locals.