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.
Firstly, If visiting Inis Mór and The Aran Islands is not on your bucket list for 2021, it needs to be added. Getting to Inis Mór and The Aran Islands is made easy in this blog.
Located off the West coast of Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way are the Aran Islands. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, and a rugged coastline you are sure to unwind and switch off, while appreciating all that nature and Ireland has to offer.
Visit us by boat from Rossaveal Co. Galway and Doolin, Co. Clare, both ports have car parking available, as these are passenger ferries only.
Aran Island Ferries:
Aran Island Ferries operates a ferry service from Rossaveal Co. Galway to Inis Mor, all year round. Rossaveal is located about a 1 hour drive west of Galway City, If you are not driving there is a shuttle bus from Galway city to Rossaveal port. With sailings twice a day year round and extra sailings in the Summer months.
Aer Arann operates the plane service from Inverin Co. Galway to Inis Mor all year round, weather dependent. The airport is located in Inverin, which is located about 40 mins west of Galway city.
Ferries arrive and depart from Kilronan village, while the plane service arrives and departs from Killeany, located 1 mile from Kilronan village. Aran Camping and Glamping is about 8 minutes walk from the main ferry port on Inis Mor, where you can find shops, bars and restaurants. Grab a bike and explore Inis Mor at your own pace, take in the scenery, and enjoy all nature has to offer.
Top tip: Check in with your ferry or plane operator before your holiday. Ensure that the service is operating as normal, as it may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions.
Check out our blog for more information on The Aran Islands.
Are you looking for accommodation on The Aran Islands? While camping may not be for everyone, Glamping may be right up your street, With beds, showers, microwave and fridge. Frenchman’s Beach at your door step there is accommodation to suit the entire family. Check out www.irelandglamping.ie for all your luxury Glamping and Traditional Camping needs.
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected].
Glamping Galway. Few experiences offer the same rewards as camping or glamping in Ireland. Far from bustling city and deep in the midst of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, glamping in Galway is the perfect way to take time out of the busy world in which we live and embrace the natural surroundings in the West of Ireland. That said here are ten more reasons to go glamping in Galway:
10 Reasons to go Glamping in Galway
1. Glamping is a relatively new experience Are we stating the obvious when we say that glamping is different to staying at a hotel? Maybe, but at the same time the rewards of choosing to go glamping in Galway as opposed to staying in a hotel cannot be understated. You will find reasons on this list as for why glamping can be such an appealing option but simply put, glamping is a relatively new prospect for many people, and this should be one of the first reasons to go glamping in Galway. After all, travel is all about new experiences.
2. Escape distractions and feel centred It should go without saying that camping and outdoor adventures are easy ways to leave busy or city living behind and immerse yourself in nature. Staying in a hotel has advantages of course, mostly in terms of comfort, but glamping in Galway will leave you feeling centred and far from distractions.
3. The perfect location for a break in the west of Ireland Galway city is a very musical and cultural destination but in terms of location, Galway County is perfectly located to visit many nearby destinations. Take the Burren for example, the cliffs of moher or Connemara; these are some of Ireland’s most incredible places to visit and they are all within easy reach while glamping in Galway.
4. Glamping in Galway is affordable Not only is glamping a comfortable option, but affordable too. Forget the five star hotels in which you spend a minimal amount of time and feel confident in the value of a glamping trip. Prices are often a fraction of nearby hotels although that being said, price is just one of many reasons to go glamping in Galway.
5. Galway is on the ocean Let’s face it; the location of Galway next to the ocean is a certain reason it has become so popular. Take away the culture, arts, medieval streets or friendly locals, and you are still left with a wild coastline which is part of the longest and one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world.
6. Ease of access Galway’s is easy to reach from all corners of the emerald isle. Just a two hour drive from Dublin and almost every other part of the country, Galway is blessed with an excellent road infrastructure and transport system which ensures a short travel time and straight forward navigation.
7. Glamping is surprisingly comfortable We mentioned how hotels are sometimes chosen for the sake of comfort but if the truth be told, glamping can be just as comfortable. Yes, not everyone wants to sleep in a tent or live without showers; glamping facilities can provide luxurious beds, appliances and modern facilities which would not look out of place in a quality hotel in Galway.
8. Recharge and refresh We don’t need statistics to support the benefits of getting outside as much as possible. Exercise and the great outdoors is only a good thing concerning health. In this sense, glamping is a great opportunity to refresh, recharge, and regenerate amidst natural surroundings before returning to the busy and modern life we live in.
9. Experience the minimalist lifestyle Statistics and studies show that reduced possessions and materials can drastically reduce stress and increase happiness. Leave the electronic gadgets and luxury items at home, as you experience a minimalist lifestyle with few distractions and an entirely stress free environment.
10. It’s the same as camping, but different Many people love the idea of getting outdoors more often and explore the surrounding nature trails, but it is often the prospect of putting up a tent or sleeping without basic facilities that put them off. If you go glamping in Galway, you can have the best of both worlds, including a shower and cup of tea in the morning, before getting outside for a few hours trekking in the afternoon.
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.
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!
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