Spend the day enjoying the serenity of island life, breathing in the fresh sea breeze, and learning about the history and nature of Ireland's west coast on a day-trip to Inis Mór by Aran Island Ferries. Become transfixed with the beautiful scenery of island life as you pedal across the largest of the Aran Islands.
Departing from the Galway Docks at 9.30am, the ferry trip provides the perfect beginning to what is a day encompassed by gorgeous scenery. As you cruise Galway Bay, Galway's coastline is to your right with the wonderful Clare Hills to your left. About an hour into your boat ride, the three Aran Islands reveal themselves before you. Once 11am arrives, you dock up at Kilronan - Inis Mór is your oyster for the next four hours.
Transport options come in the forms of hop-on hop-off buses, or for those who wish to have more freedom, you can avail of the number of bike hire services. To hire out a bicycle for the day costs €20. A hugely popular trip being to cycle to Dún Aonghasa, a unique and impressive stone fort at the edge of a 330ft cliff. The cycle is close to 9km from Kilronan, and takes about 30 minutes.
Once you arrive at the foot of Dún Aonghasa, park up your bike and head on up the trail. Admission ranges from €3 to €5, but the view from the top is priceless. The trail is 1km over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock, and care is needed when descending. All in all, it is manageable for all age groups. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff, so approach with caution. From the top, you are greeted with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic, with a view back across the karst landscape of Inis Mór.
Once you have completed the hike, get back on your bike and drink in the open road. Green fields, views of the west coast, and fresh air become the centrepiece of your cycle.
After all that cycling, you are sure to work up an appetite. Joe Watty's, which is placed right at the crossroads before Dún Aonghasa and the Seal Colony proves for the perfect pitstop before your ferry back to the mainland. Serving everything from light bites to fresh seafood, it has something for everyone. You'll be forgiven for feeling like you have earned yourself a refreshment too.
You must return to the docks at the village of Kilronan for 3pm. You then set sail at 3.30pm and depart for your journey home. But the trip is not done just yet. The ferry heads for Galway Docks via the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. You are given an unrivalled view of experiencing the cliffs from below.
You can see Ireland’s largest sea bird colony, 'An Branán Mór Sea Stack' and a sea cave used in filming 'Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince'. Watch out for puffins, dolphins, seals and basking sharks that call these waters home.
Once the tour of the Cliffs of Moher is concluded, you begin the direct route back to Galway Docks, landing back at 6pm.
The Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Return Tour is an absolute no-brainer along the Wild Atlantic Way. So easily accessible beside the Harbour Hotel, and running seven days a week until September, it is a wonderful way to spend a day with family or friends.
For more information, and to book tickets, visit www.aranislandferries.com
If you are not going from Galway, you can also visit the Aran Islands from Doolin, with Doolin Ferry. Visit www.doolinferry.com to book tickets.
