I want to go to the Aran Islands, but am thinking of Inishmaan, rather than Inishmore--sounds more authentic, less touristy. What are your thoughts? Anything I'd be missing? And how much time would you devote to Inishmaan (an afternoon? full day? overnight?). I'd welcome any suggestions/experiences. Thanks
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
We have only been to Inishmore, but we did not find it "touristy." Inishmore has Dun Aengus, a huge prehistoric fort right on the cliff edge, and another site with several ruined churches. There are a few (very few) shops at the ferry site. The island is pretty undeveloped.
We went there on the morning ferry from the town near Roundstone (Roseveal?) and returned on the late afternoon one. That was plenty of time for sightseeing. At the ferry dock, local people with mini-vans meet the ferry and offer "tours." They drive you around to the major sites and tell you about them. We did this a couple of years ago so I don't remember what we paid our driver, but it was very reasonable. Our impression of the island was that many people were barely making a living and really dependent on having tourists visit.