I'm trying to decide whether to spend a day (and possibly an overnight) on Inishmore on my way driving from Kerry to Connemara. Anyone taken the ferry from Doolin which seems to be right on the drive from Kenmare to Galway. I thought breaking the drive at Doolin by visiting Inishmore and then continuing on would be a good idea. Any recommendations about B&Bs on Inishmore? Is just doing it for enough or is it better to stay overnight?
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
If you do spend the night on Inishmore you will have to leave your car on the mainland.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Rossaveal is the other ferry port to the Aran Islands.
Posted by
New Hampshire
182 posts
Hi Jane
What an interesting idea. As Kim says, this is your call. Depends on what you're looking for. If you want the basics of the area, a day-trip will do it. If you really like to explore and see what an area is like, spend the night and really get the flavor.
We went to the Aran Islands a few years back as part of a typical bus-type tour and used the Doolin Ferry. We spent a rather brief time there doing the typical tour of Dun Aengus, the countryside, and did a few shops in Inishmore.
The tours are not a bad way to get the layout of the area, but never allow for extensive exploration and that's what I like to do, and sounds like you do also. Inishmore struck me as an interesting small town on a very intriguing island. If time wasn't a critical piece of our trip, I would have loved to have stayed, rent some bikes and hit the island.
Can't lose on this one no matter what you decide.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2712 posts
Jane, We went to Inishmore two years ago. We actually flew over from a tiny airport in or near Rossaveal (we were coming from Clifden and headed to the Burren). I can only tell you it was the highlight of our trip. I loved the island and especially Dun Angus (sp?). We stayed at the Man of Aran Cottage and loved it. It's a tiny place with a thatched room and surrounded by pretty gardens. The owners are quite charming. We had a neat little room in the main building. The owner took us out to the patio and served us tea after showing us to our room. The patio looks out over the bay and you can see Connemara beyond. Sitting there drinking tea was one of those magical moments you dream about. We walked over to Dun Agnus before dinner -- it is fantastic. We at dinner at the Cottage -- great dinner with only the freshest food. Breakfast was the same. Unfortunately it was raining the next morning, but we took a long hike anyway.
I think you get a lot more out of a place when you spend the night, and I was really glad we did. I would have loved to spend two nights, but we were short on time. If you can squeeze it in, I think you would enjoy spending the night. But it sounds like others enjoy it as a day trip too. I don't think there is a wrong choice here.