Has anyone been to the Aran Islands outside Galway ?
What are they like ? Interesting things to see ?
2007-10-08 18:14:31 · 9 answers · asked by swenson0 5 in Travel ➔ Ireland ➔ Other - Ireland
First of all, the Aran Islands are a Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking area, but everyone also speaks English.
Inishmore is the most frequently visited, and I think that's the island with the huge prehistoric fort on it, half of which seems to have falled into the sea - Dun Aonghus, it's called.
Inisheer and Inishman are also good to visit, I hear, but have few facilities for tourists.
The boat trip out can be quite rocky, bring something to help deal with seasickness. You can go by boat from Doolin, or you can fly from Galway. The best time to go weatherwise is from June to mid-September. It's always windy there, so do bring layers.
And have a nice time.
2007-10-08 23:32:40 · answer #1 · answered by Orla C 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Having visited the Aran islands back in march this year I'd have to recommend at least visiting there for a daytrip.There are ferries running from Galway,Rossaveal and Doolin ,though the Doolin one only runs for the summer months.
Dun Aenghus is spectacular and well worth seeing though its a better trip on a sunny day.
Theres lots to see and there are several tourist mini buses that do guided tours showing the main attractions.
Its more a holiday destination for somebody looking to slow down than for somebody looking for lots of adventure and action though.
The scenery is breath taking but if you miss your ferry then youre pretty much stranded there til the following morning.
2007-10-11 08:31:44 · answer #2 · answered by kieranvealeelec 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live in dublin but i went to the aran island a few years ago and it was great, i went in a big group and we all went to a céle (k lee) i dont think i even spelt it right but the laugh we had, most do speak irish but they do know how to speak english, some of the real old folkies actually cant speak a word of english, there is great views there and u can rent bikes to cycle around the island, i never got to experience the pub life there as i was 15 when i went, wow listen to me saying i was there a few years ago, ten years now, im sure some things have changed but anyway i want to go back and look at the internet about it, trust me i would go again and i reackon u would like it also
2007-10-10 10:56:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
obviously the previous answerer is on the payroll of Achill tourism!!! Achill is lovely, but to say there's nothing on the Aran Islands is nothing short of heresy. Ok if you're looking for bright lights and world class shopping, you're going to the wrong place, but it's wild and beautiful, with some great Atlantic views, possibly the freshest air I've ever breathed (makes you really tired at night and makes you sleep like a baby it's great), some good food and nice people. The prehistoric sights are plentiful and interesting, but it's also a nice place just to plonk and sit on a chilly beach and clear your mind. Highly recommended.
2007-10-09 00:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by kerrywoman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to visit an Island off Ireland, please visit Achill Island, there is nothing @ the Aran Islands, you'll be wanting to return back on the ferry the nxt day...Achill is the place to explore, true beauty..
You can drive onto the Island. Keem Bay is beautiful andKeel Beach is by far the most beautiful beach in Ireland .. http://www.achill247.com/images/keem_bay.jpg
http://www.mulhollow.com/photo_album/achill_head_from_minauan.jpg
The Cliffs of Croaghaun are the highest in Europe..and a spectacular sight, as you can imagine, http://www.geograph.org.uk/photos/14/81/148102_12619898.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Atlantic_Drive.JPG
Visit here for everything you need to guide and assist you, hope you visit, you will be back again and again..
http://www.achilltourism.com/
2007-10-08 23:55:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I w ent there on a day trip. I found it very interesting. I was lucky and got good weather. I believe the weather can be very wet and wild. I hired a bicycle as soon as I got off the ferry and saw as much as I could, but not nearly enough in the time I had. I believe the islanders have a very hard life. I would advise you to skip the visitors centre, get a bike, and go and explore. Definitely go.
2007-10-12 03:43:27 · answer #6 · answered by David H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aran islands are quite beautiful but really not alot to do there, i spent a weekend there in the summer and have to say a weekend is long enough, we hired out bicycles and got to see most of the island, remember to bring some food and drinks if you are going out for the day as you wont come across too many take-aways, also plenty of warm clothes. we flew from spiddal to the islands with aer arran about 70 euro return, worth it for me as i hate sailing. enjoy.
2007-10-09 04:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by enaghtaamur 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never been, but i bet there really lovely! i live on the other side of the country!
2007-10-09 04:51:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ON FOOT OR BIKE... IS THERE ANY OTHER FORM OF TRANSPORTATION. WE ARE SENIOR CITIZENS
2015-05-26 05:55:47 · answer #9 · answered by Joan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋