Did you really visit the Aran Islands if you didn’t get that Instagram worthy photo, not alone the memories that will make you wanting to come back year after year.
We have put together some of the best spots and things to photograph while visiting The Aran Islands. If you visit and take a photo tag us @aranglamping on instagram or use the hashtag #aranglam
8. The Wormhole- Where the Red Bull Cliff diving world championships was held! – Appreciate Mother Nature from a distance and please be aware of your surroundings.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHxskQFWl8/
9. Stone walls and the grass is green- Plenty of walls for everyone to get a nice pic!
Planning on taking your Irish staycation with your best friend? Inis Mór is the ideal location to head to. We know that your pet is an important member of the family and what’s a holiday without the whole family. It can be hard to find pet friendly accommodation or hotels but check out our guide below for the full low down on bringing your pet to Inis Mór. So how do you get to the island with your dog you say? Well, there are a few options…
There are 3 ferry companies that operate to Inis Mór that are also pet-friendly. Travelling from Rossaveal in Galway to Inis Mór and the other Aran Islands:
Aran Island Ferries Website: http://www.aranislandferries.com Phone: (091) 568 903 Aran Islands Ferries travel to Inis Mór all year around and set sail from beautiful Connemara.
Travelling from Doolin in Clare to Inis Mór and the other Aran Islands Garrihy’s – Doolin2Aran: www.doolin2aranferries.com O’Brien’s – Doolin Ferry Co https://doolinferry.com These ferries offer seasonal transport to the islands, get in touch with them directly to see their sailing schedule.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation Inis Mór Aran Islands Camping & Glamping have recently launched their pet friendly room options for October 2020 and it is the ideal location to bring your pooch on holidays. Offering unique and modern glamping accommodation, the site is located right beside the idyllic sandy Frenchman’s Beach which overlooks Kilronan Harbour, Galway Bay and the other Aran Islands (Inis Meain and Inis Oirr). The Clochán pet friendly rooms can accommodate up to 4 people and your dog guest. The rooms are en-suite, heated, powered, and come equipped with a kitchenette, towels & bedding.
Each pet guest will receive a pet pack to welcome them to their beachfront room which includes: Dog water and food bowls, doggy bags, walking leash, and some yummy dog treats that certainly won’t be the ‘dog’s dinner’. Each room is an independent unit separate from other guests for the ultimate comfort to “let sleeping dog’s lie”. There is a limited number of pet-friendly rooms available so book early to avoid disappointment by visiting www.irelandglamping.ie, or, if you would like further information please email info@irelandglamping.ie
All of the bars & restaurants on Inis Mór have outdoor seating options so you can bring your dog with you while dine out.
● Nan Phaidi’s at Dún Aonghusa – this adorable cottage offers eat in and take out options with outdoor seating for lunch. The perfect stop off on your trip to Dún Aonghusa. ● Joe Watty’s Bar & Restaurant – Offering traditional Irish meals and seafood, this restaurant offers a sheltered outdoor seating area, ideal for those oh so Irish rainy days. ● Madigan’s Bar & Restaurant – This hotel restaurant has an outdoor serviced seating area for meals & drinks. ● Spar Supermarket & Deli – There’s nothing like a packed lunch before you head off on your hiking adventure, you can get everything you need here. The Spar also has an outdoor seating area and has a range of pet food and treats for your dogs lunch too!
14km in length, Inis Mór offers unrivaled walking and hiking trails taking in historical sites and amazing views. See stunning jaw-dropping cliffs and the wild Atlantic ocean on one side of the island and the beauty of Connemara and Galway Bay on the other. There are a few different walking and hiking routes on the island which are suitable for all ages and all pets. Each route takes in different sites of historical important such as:
Seven Churches Temple Bennain (Europe’s Smallest Church) Dún Aonghusa The Black Fort Megalithic Tombs
There are also many natural wonders to enjoy and take in on Inis Mór such as the seal colony, the wormhole, the rabbit colony and the puffin holes to name but a few. No matter what route you take on the island you will always have magnificent views in every direction, from different areas of the island you can see The Twelve Pins, Connemara, Galway Bay, Inis Meain, Inis Oirr, The Burren and The Cliffs of Moher!
Beaches
There are some stunning beaches on Inis Mór all of which are dog friendly, the famous Kilmurvey Beach is a blue flag beach and perfect for swimming. If you’re looking for solitude to get away from it all Trá Mhór is a small and quiet beach at the end of the island overlooking the cliffs of Inis Meain and a perfect spot for a picnic with your pooch.
As with all destinations we recommend carrying dog bags to clean up after your pooch and always follow the leave no trace code when off on your adventures. If you would like assistance planning your holiday let your dog have its day and call us today on the dog and bone at (086)1895823 or email at info@irelandglamping.ie.
Considered one of the most instagrammable places in Galway (if not Ireland), The Aran Islands offer a special magic and treasured memories to all who visit them. With incredible views from the islands in all directions of the wild Atlantic ocean, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay, for a location that is so small there is so much to discover. The islands are steeped in cultural, religious and maritime history offering an overwhelming amount to be explored by visitors.
Located in the heart of the gaeltacht region, the Aran Islands consist of three islands, together spanning over 25km; Inis Oirr (Inisheer), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and the largest, most well known island, Inis Mór (Inishmore). When coming to the west coast of Ireland to visit the Aran Islands it can be hard to know where to start on your journey. To get the most out of your visit the best recommendation would be that you get a tour of your visiting island.
There are several tours you can join while visiting the Aran Islands. For example, when visiting Inis Mór, depending on your interests, you have the following available:
When coming to the west coast of Ireland to visit the Aran Islands it can be hard to know where to start on your journey. To get the most out of your visit the best recommendation would be that you get a tour of your visiting island.
– Walking & Hiking Tours – Self-guided Cycling / Biking Tours – Tour Guide led Cycling / Biking Tours – Horse Riding Tours – Pony & Trap Tours – Guided Bus Tours – Underwater – Snorkeling & Diving Tours – Boat & Fishing Tours – Goat’s Cheese Factory Tours – Seaweed Production & Environmental Tours
Walking & Hiking Tours:
If you need to shake off the cobwebs, taking a tour on foot of the Aran Islands is sure to invigorate and refresh you. The best thing about these kind of tours is that you can move independently through the roads less travelled on the Aran Islands, which is especially good if your looking for solitude and tranquility surrounded by amazing natural features in all directions. These types of tours can also be taken all year round and there are many routes to take, especially on Inis Mór where they are currently developing a camino style walking map.
Cycling Tours
Whether taking a tour guided or self guided cycling tour of the islands, this is the most popular tourist activity on the Aran Islands. Inis Mór for example has a world renowned cycle route which runs the length of the island and takes in all sites of importance along its track (Not to mention the beautiful scenery). No need to worry about how to lug your bike to the island, Aran Bike Hire is located right on the ferry pier and have multiple options of all ages and sizes, including electric bikes for those who want to cruise across the island in style.
Pony & Trap Tours
This is an amazing option for those who want to step back in time and get a really authentic Irish experience. With local Irish speaking tour guides, pony & trap excursions will have you feeling like Maureen O’Hara from the Quiet Man as you jaunt across the island with a blanket on your lap and a smile on your face.
Bus Tours
Travelling as a group? The bus tours on Inis Mór are a really fun and convenient way to tour the island. You will get an in depth history of the island as well as having mighty craic with your friends. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this less strenuous tour option is a great option for those who need a rainy day activity or want to pack in as many sites as possible in one day.
Snorkelling & Diving Tours
Visiting Inis Mór and need to plan an activity for your friends or even something to entertain the kids? Inis Mór’s newest Dive Academy will be opening in March 2020 and is offering snorkelling and diving tours, training and excursions! With options suitable for all ages, this a truly unique and special opportunity to try something new in some of the most unspoiled and crystal clear waters along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Boat & Fishing Tours
Love fishing or want to try it for the first time? Set sail for adventure with guided sea angling with Calypso Sea Angling tours. Get a real feel for the wild Atlantic ocean and learn about the west coast waters and underwater life with an experienced crew.
Goats Cheese Factory & Seaweed Production for Food & Beauty
Want to learn about how unique industries operate on our tiny island? Are you a dedicated foodie searching out authentically local and fresh produce? Then visiting Inis Mór’s micro factories is a must!
● Time saving – less planning so you can maximize your experience on the islands if you’re on a deadline ● You don’t miss any important points of interest ● You are offered local and knowledgeable guidance of the history and culture of the islands ● You can discover hidden gems that you can revisit independently ● Your guides are very experienced and can help you with any issues or queries ● You get the best tips on how to enjoy your time on the island and the best places to eat ● Home to some of the friendliest people in Galway, you are bound to make new pals along the way ● Convenience! There are plenty of options that are easily accessible, touring takes the stress out of your trip ● Inis Mór offers tours for both solo travellers and groups and those of all ages
Most importantly you get to have a unique experience as there is no where in the world quite like The Aran Islands. So whether you are seeking out ancient forts, a cycling trip, Irish folklore, christian history or simply looking to have an interesting and adventurous day out, touring on the Aran Islands is a must.
If you would like more information about staying on the Aran Islands and booking a tour for you or your group, get in touch with us at info@irelandglamping.ie. If you’d like to see what accommodation options are available you can visit www.irelandglamping.ie for further information.
Want to go on a holiday but don’t feel like you have enough time? Why not make the most of the free time you have and take a staycation! A staycation is a vacation spent staying in your own country and we’ve got some great reasons why you should consider the Aran Islands as your staycation destination:
Less Planning & More Quality Time
You will have more time to spend relaxing and hanging out with friends when you don’t have to jump from airport to airport catching connecting flights, trains and buses. A staycation is also perfect for a weekend getaway.
No sitting in traffic for hours wasting time and losing the will to live, on Inis Mór you can move freely while taking in the fresh sea air of the Wild Atlantic Way.
No need to lug around big suitcases, a backpack is pretty much all you need! Inis Mór has a selection of stores including clothing, craft and grocery all within a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal.
Adventure
Inis Mór is just a short ferry ride away from the mainland but you can still have the experience of leaving it all behind as you set sail to the islands.
Always wanted to visit Dún Aonghasa or The Wormhole? Now’s your chance, get yourself a tour guide and explore the history and beauty of your own country.
Whether that means heading off for a hike with friends to the scenic Teampall Bheanáin or finding some blissful solitude reading a book at Tra Mhór, there is an abundance of mother nature all around.
There is great fun to be had on the island with pubs offering live music nightly, Inis Mór is a great place for socialising and meeting the locals (whom you can get tips from for the best things to see and do).
You can save those pennies by choosing to take a staycation and not blowing all your money on flights and expensive hotels. At Aran Islands Camping & Glamping we have accommodation options for every budget. Check out our October special offer as inspiration for your next staycation.
You’ve booked your glamping holiday at Aran Camping and Glamping, and can’t wait to go! First, though, you are going to need to pack. The question is, what should you take with you? This quick guide goes over some of the essentials.
Glamping in Ireland
If you are counting down the days until your glamping holiday in Ireland, you might want to think about some of the things you should take with you. As you will be staying in a fully equipped glamping unit, you don’t need to bring as much as you might on a regular camping holiday, but with that said, there are perhaps one or two items you might not have thought about. Whilst this list isn’t exhaustive, it does give you a good base from where to start on what to bring and not bring with you.
You are obviously going to need to pack some clothes, and normally you would pack clothes depending on the season you are visiting. It’s fair to say, that Ireland can be a bit different though! Sure, you might have a nice hot Summer’s day when you arrive, but the next day the temperature could drop, rain could appear, or the wind could pick up. Knowing about this change of weather is particularly important especially if you plan to do any hiking during your holiday.
Plan your clothes around a ‘layering’ system, and this way you have every eventuality covered! A warm fleece or coat for the evenings is advisable, as is a rain jacket if you intend to do any hiking. In the summer you will want a sunhat, and if you are feeling brave, something to swim in. During the other months, a warm hat and maybe even gloves might be good options. Spare footwear is also a smart choice in case you get a pair wet, and spare clothes for the kids in case they get wet and muddy is always advisable. The rule of thumb – Pack for the worst, and hope for the best!
Shoes
We’ve touched briefly on shoes, but if you plan to do any hiking a comfortable pair of walking shoes is always an advantage. Whilst hiking on the Aran Islands is not technical in nature, a dedicated pair of comfy shoes is always a bonus. In the Summer, you might want to pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals. Having a spare pair of shoes is always a good idea in case one pair gets wet during the holiday.
Towels and Bedding
All bedding is provided in the glamping units at Aran Camping and Glamping, so there is no need to bring any additional sheets. Comfortable pillows and duvets are provided, and the units are all heated in case you are staying when the nights get a little chillier. You’ll need to bring your toiletries with you, but that’s it!
You can also make use of the shared kitchen and BBQ that are on the glamping site. Photo Credit: Katy Snyder
Food
Inis Mór has plenty of shops, stores, and places to eat, so you are never going to go hungry! However, if you have any special dietary requirements, you might want to make sure you bring some items with you which you might consider ‘non-standard’. A full range of gluten-free products might not be available, for example. You can also make use of the shared kitchen and BBQ that are on the glamping site if you prefer to make your own meals. Eating alfresco is perfect on a warm Summer’s evening!
This is one place on earth to bring a pair of binoculars
Binoculars
This might seem a bit random, but hear us out! If there is one place on earth to bring a pair of binoculars, it’s Inis Mór. They will help you more than ever when looking down expansive stretches of coastline. You’ll be able to pick out nesting birds from a distance and can even see more clearly back to the mainland. At night, why not use them to look up at the stars? You will be amazed at how big our universe feels when you are enjoying time on the deck outside your glamping pod looking up at the sky at night. A glass of wine at the same time is purely optional!
A Smile
No holiday is complete without a smile, so bring one along with you! We’re sure you are going to love it on Inis Mór and take away many happy memories with you.
— Aran Islands Camping and Glamping (@AranCamping) June 3, 2019
Gadgets
We would say that you should leave behind as many gadgets as you can. Who wants to be looking at Netflix when you have an amazing star-filled sky to look at? Who wants to check email, when there are new friends to be made and music to be listened to at a traditional Irish pub? Sure, take your phone and use it for videos and photos to share with your family and friends, but enjoy your time ‘in the moment’ more. The laptop can stay at home!
The Car
You will need to leave your car behind at the ferry port at either Doolin or Rossaveal outside of Galway before travelling to Inis Mór as the ferries do not carry cars. The great news though, is that Inis Mór is compact enough to get around either by hiking or by hiring a bicycle. This will bring you even closer to feeling at one with nature. An important point to remember is that any items that you want to bring with you, will need to fit in luggage you can carry yourself. Parking is available at both ports for your vehicle.
Further Information
If you have any further questions as to what you should or shouldn’t bring with you for your glamping holiday at Aran Camping and Glamping, please get in touch with our team. We will be happy to answer, and also provide any further information about the island you require. Here’s to planning your perfect getaway break on the Aran Islands!
5 Reasons why the cliffs on the Aran Islands are drawing more and more people to visit
The huge Cliffs of Moher have long been recognized as a major Irish attraction, but the cliffs on the Aran Islands are drawing in more and more people each year. Read on to find out why.
The Cliffs of Inis Mor
The cliffs of the Aran Islands are savage and wild. They are natural beauty at its finest, and one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. You won’t find many caution signs or safety rails here. The cliffs get just a fraction of the tourists their more famous counterparts attract, and at some points during the year, you might find yourself to be the only person up there.
Stretching for about 8 kilometres along the western side of Inis Mor, exploring the Cliffs of Aran is all about witnessing nature at its most tranquil and powerful, and enjoying stunning views. Here’s 5 reasons you need to spend some time visiting the Cliffs of the Aran Islands during your glamping holiday in Ireland, and what you can see there.
1. Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands
Dún Aonghasa is the most famous of the prehistoric forts on Inis Mor, and its origins are thought to date back to 1100 BC. It sits right on the cliff edge at over 100 metres above the ocean, and is a magnificent archaeological site with stunning views. Dún Aonghasa (pronounced Dun Angusa), consists of 4 concentric walls, part of which have been rebuilt and are over 6 metres high. The walls are arranged in a semi-circular shape, with the rear of the fort being the very cliff edge itself.
How to get to Dún Aonghasa
Many people choose to cycle to Dún Aonghasa, as there are other attractions to be seen along the way. Bikes can then be left at the Dun Aonghasa visitor centre, before walking up the final 1km to the fort itself. Another option is to include a visit to the fort as part of a hike. The site is busiest when the ferries from the mainland arrive and is virtually empty in the evenings.
2. The Black Fort
Dún Aonghasa might be the most famous attraction on the island, but the Black Fort (Dún Dúchathairt), is in some ways more intriguing. Whilst the design of the more well known Dún Aonghasa does give rise to the question was it a ceremonial structure or defensive, the Black Fort raises those questions further. This walled enclosure surrounded by cliffs on three sides features some intricate designs, and is so positioned that it looks absolutely stunning at sunset. A coincidence? Maybe.
3. The Worm Hole
The cliffs on the Aran islands are constantly assaulted by the elements, creating all sorts of incredible natural oddities. One of these, is know as the Worm Hole. This is a rectangular hole at the foot of the cliffs, into which the tide waters ebb and flow. Observers are often intrigued as to how this is not manmade, but geologists assure us that this is a consequence of weathering along joints in the rock which then collapsed.
The Worm Hole can be found be walking east along the cliffs from Dún Aonghasa, or by following the signs from the village of Gort na gCapall. Once you have seen it below, there is also another trail which will take you a little lower onto the ridge. Many people have chosen to spend hours here simply admiring this feat of nature. Interesting fact which has propelled interest in this site: – Red Bull regularly hold a cliff diving championship here. A sport for the truly brave!
4. Spectacular views
The cliffs on the Aran Islands are most appreciated by people who like stunning views. Which is everyone really! Whether on a bright sunny day, or a misty afternoon, the sweeping majesty of the views and cliffs themselves is something truly wonderful to behold. You can either cycle to various points along the cliffs, or even hike them. Whereas tours to the Cliffs of Moher often involve prolonged periods of sitting on a bus, and then being surrounded by other tourists, it is much easier to enjoy the Aran Island cliffs in solitude, especially if you are staying on Inis Mor itself. This way, you can pick which areas of the cliffs to visit that miss the ‘rush hour’ arrival of day trippers to the island who have turned up on the ferries.
5. Hiking Trails
Inis Mor is an ideal destination for people who enjoy hiking. Whether following quiet country lanes, or walking along the cliff edges, it is an excellent way to appreciate the natural beauty all around. One suggested hiking trail takes in some of the above attractions, and lasts for between 3-5 hours.
The walk forms a loop starting and ending in the village at Kilronan. It first visits the Black Fort, and then continues on to the incredible ‘Puffing Holes’. The walk follows no official path as such, but rather continues along the cliff edge. Exercise caution as you go, especially when nearing the Puffing Holes. These get their name from the waves crashing into the cliffs below, and forcing water up and out of the holes. A truly spectacular sight!
The walk could then continue along the cliffs and coastline, stopping by at 3 isolated beaches and an abandoned ancient church, before finishing in Kilronan once more. This hiking route is a great way to see the southern part of the island, and you can find out more by asking the team at Aran Camping and Glamping who will be more than happy to help.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
