The Aran Islands, known in Irish as Oileáin Árann, are three limestone islands lying at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland. The islands are Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, and together they form one of the country's best-known heritage sites. They are reached by ferry from County Galway, and the crossing itself is part of the appeal.
What to see
The islands are valued for their traditional Irish culture, which has been kept alive here in the Irish language, in local customs and in the way of life shaped by the bare limestone landscape. Visitors come to walk the quiet roads, to see the stone walls that cross the fields, and to take in the open views over the Atlantic.
The islands also hold ancient stone forts, the most famous of which is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort set on a cliff edge on Inishmore. Alongside the forts, the islands contain archaeological sites dating back around 4,000 years, which give a sense of how long people have lived on this rocky ground.
Planning a visit
- Each of the three islands has its own character, so it is worth deciding whether to stay on one or to move between them.
- Inishmore is the largest and has the most sites to visit, including the fort at Dún Aonghasa.
- Inishmaan and Inisheer are quieter and suit a slower, more reflective day.
- For ferry times, fares and other details, contact the islands' information line on +353 99 61104 before you travel.
The Aran Islands suit visitors interested in history, archaeology and Irish culture, as well as anyone who enjoys remote, windswept scenery. Galway city, on the mainland, is the natural starting point for a trip, with its own cultural life and places to stay before or after the crossing.