Overnight stay on the Aran Islands

We stayed at the Man of Aran Cottage in 2007 and loved it. It's a tiny place with friendly owners; could not be cuter thatched roof, beautiful flowers, and an inviting patio with beautiful views over the water to Connemara. It's an easy walk to the fort. We ate dinner there and of course breakfast and the food was excellent. Since this was a few years ago, you might want to check Trip Advisor to make sure it is still up to snuff. Also, if you plan to take a taxi for your return to the airport or boat dock, leave yourself plenty of time. They have a different sense of time over there. Our driver, who we had reserved in advance, was over an hour late. We took the plane from the Rossaveel airport. We didn't have tons of time, so I liked the idea of spending less time in transit. I also thought it would be a good option if the weather was bad. That proved not to be the case. It poured the day we were leaving and the flight ahead of ours had to return. It eventually took off again and made it. Our flight did as well, though it was a little behind schedule. They said the boats were leaving, so the waters must not have been rough. The problem was poor visibility for flying. Anyway, it was a quick, fun flight. We absolutely loved our time on Inis Mor.

I've stayed at The Pier House in Kilronan on Inis Mor. Clean, quiet, great restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. It's a 100 yard walk to their front door from the ferry dock and because of it's location its very easy to get transportation to other parts of the island quickly. you will never have to wait for a taxi or guided minivan. Pony & trap drivers are lined up nearby and there are also bike rentals outside Pier House. Have always taken the ferry over to the islands, so can't comment on the plane ride other than it's probably a great view of the cliffs from the air. However you travel, just have backup plans as bad weather can ground planes and ( even on sunny days) if the seas are too choppy some ferry rides get cancelled (particularly ferries in/out of Doolin - Rossaveal is generally the more reliable port for access from/to the mainland).

I stayed at Kilmurvey House B&B last August and loved it. It's a wonderful, large old house, just a few yards from the entrance to Dun Aengus. It's a good distance from Kilronan, but you could likely arrange with the owners of the B&B to pick you up when you arrive (I walked the few miles from the ferry dock to the B&B when I arrived, but they gave me a ride back to the ferry the next morning). They offered free rides into town for dinner and also collected us a couple of hours later. I only stayed one night on the island, and really wish I'd had one more there at Kilmurvey House.