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Aran Islands

The Aran Islands or The Arans, are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a combined area of about 46 km2 (18 mi2). They form the historic barony of Aran in County Galway.

Type City

Why go

  • Group of three islands off the west coast of Ireland.
  • Served by Connemara Regional Airport (NNR).

History

The Aran Islands or The Arans, are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a combined area of about 46 km2 (18 mi2). They form the historic barony of Aran in County Galway.

Restaurants & places to go

Seafood, Restaurant · Seafood restaurant · inismeain.com
Indoor
Irish, Restaurant · Irish restaurant · inismeainbb.com
Indoor
Restaurant · restaurant · aranislandshostel.com
Indoor

9 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Inishmore Aerodrome (IOR) 3.8 km to the centre
Inis Mór, G, IE — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Inishmaan Aerodrome (IIA) 9.7 km to the centre
Inis Meáin, G, IE — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Inisheer Aerodrome (INQ) 14 km to the centre
Inis Oírr, G, IE — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Connemara Regional Airport (NNR) 20 km to the centre
Inverin, G, IE — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Spanish Point Airfield 36 km to the centre
Spanish Point, CE, IE
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Inis Mór
Ferry terminal · 2.6 km from the centre
Outdoor
Inis Meáin
Ferry terminal · 8.7 km from the centre
Outdoor
Inis Oírr
Ferry terminal · 14 km from the centre
Outdoor
Críochfort 1
Ferry terminal · 19 km from the centre
Outdoor
Críochphort 2
Ferry terminal · 19 km from the centre · Aran Island Ferries
Outdoor
Críochfort 3
Ferry terminal · 19 km from the centre
Outdoor
Inis Meáin - Inis Mór
Ferry route · Doolin2Aran
Outdoor
Ros an Mhíl - Inis Mór
Ferry route · Aran Island Ferries
Outdoor
Ros an Mhíl - Inis Meáin - Inis Oírr
Ferry route · Aran Island Ferries
Outdoor
Doolin - Inis Mór: Seasonal (Doolin Ferry Co.)
Ferry route · Doolin Ferry Co.
Outdoor
Doolin - Inis Mór: Seasonal (Doolin2Aran)
Ferry route · Doolin2Aran
Outdoor
Doolin - Inis Meáin: Seasonal (Doolin2Aran)
Ferry route · Doolin2Aran
Outdoor
Doolin - Inis Meáin: Seasonal (Doolin Ferry Co.)
Ferry route · Doolin Ferry Co. (O'Brien)
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Connemara Regional Airport (NNR); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 6 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Inis Mór, 2.6 km); routes include Inis Meáin - Inis Mór, Ros an Mhíl - Inis Mór, Ros an Mhíl - Inis Meáin - Inis Oírr.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Aran Islands. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Sightseeing