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!
Many people think that you can only go glamping during the summer months, but there are 3 more seasons to the year! With glamping sites open all the year around, you can enjoy the great outdoors whenever you want.
Glamping is for all seasons
Everybody loves their summer holiday, and wants to make the most of the best weather possible, but summer is not the only season in which to take a vacation. Outdoor enthusiasts know that the spring and autumn months are excellent times of year for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and photographers love exploring the countryside in winter for those unique, crispy shots.
Glamping sites around the world stay open throughout the year, and Aran Islands Camping and Glamping is no exception. Our thoughtfully designed glamping units are warm and cosy thanks to their heating systems, and we welcome visitors keen on staying on Inis Mor during the winter months.
Not sure if glamping at any other time of the year than summer is for you? Let’s take a look at each season, and see if we can persuade you!
Winter
Winter is not a season that most people associate with camping. Perhaps it is because of distant memories from their childhood of trying to stay warm in the cold and the rain in an inadequate tent. Glamping is of course completely different to camping!
There is no need to worry about being cold or uncomfortable at night, as the special ‘Cochlans’ on Inis Mor are snug, warm, and cosy. The heating system will ensure you are never cold, and you will be completely shielded from the elements once inside.
This then gives you the perfect base from which to explore the island during the winter months. With far fewer tourists, it’s also an ideal time to really experience island life as the locals do. You can visit the main attractions as normal, but make sure to spend some time in front of the fireplaces of a pub or two, listen to some live music, and get chatting with people. It will feel a world away from your regular life!
Spring
New life starts to appear during the spring. The days start getting longer, the temperatures gradually improve, and flowers start to appear. If you had made a New Year’s resolution to be more active, Spring is the season where you can quite literally spring into action!
In addition to being able to get some hiking done, Spring is also the start of the festival season on the island. You can check out our other blog post about festivals on the Aran Islands, and see if you can time your holiday to coincide with one! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade (although technically in winter) is certainly one not to miss, and takes place on March 17th. Some people have described this as the most Irish thing you will ever see. You will have to experience it for yourself, and let us know what you think!
Summer
Of course, summer is the most popular time to visit the Aran Islands. This is when the majority of the day-trippers come over to Inis Mor, and also when the greater numbers of tourists seeking accommodation arrive. Aran Camping and Glamping is in full swing at this time of year, and it is advisable to ensure that you book your glamping accommodation well in advance.
All of the island’s main attractions are open, and the long summer days provide plenty of time to see them all. Explore the ancient stone fortresses, discover the locations of the Puffing Holes, take a look at the Worm Hole, and cycle from one end of the island to the other. You’ll love your time on Inis Mor during the summer, and if you are lucky, the weather might even be good enough to get a little beach time! No promises though.
Autumn
Finally, we come to the autumn, a time when many families choose to take their last vacation together during the half-term period. Nature is at her finest in the autumn, with a changing of colours and misty landscapes.
Wandering around the island on a fine autumn day really makes you feel at one with nature, and being able to return to the comfortable lodging at the glamping site is a just reward for an active day. You might still be able to have the last meals of the year outside on Inis Mor in the autumn, and enjoy a glass of wine or two underneath the stars.
What to do on Inis Mor in all 4 seasons
The island is open for locals and visitors alike all the year through. The main highlights and things to do on the island include:
Visiting Dun Aengus (Dun Aonghasa) – A stone fort positioned on a cliff edge, and semi-circular in design. There are spectacular views of the fort itself, the coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean. Dún Dúchathair (Black Fort) Similar in design and style to Dun Aengus, but much less visited. It is a good place to visit on bicycle as part of a tour of the island. The Worm Hole – A curious natural rectangle carved out of the rock below a cliff, which looks a little like a swimming pool. Several years ago, Red Bull sponsored a cliff-diving championship here. DOn’t try it yourself though! Aran Sweater Market – Where else in the world would you buy a quality Aran sweater from?! The Puffing Holes – Ask the locals for direction to the Puffing Holes. Water is forced up by the pressure of waves from sea level, and spouts out in large plumes. It’s quite a sight to see, but don’t stand too close, or you might get caught by surprise!
Inis Mor Camping and Glamping
Whatever time of year you decide to visit Inis Mor, we are sure you will have an enjoyable and memorable time. If you would like to find out more about the island and how to book a glamping pod, contact us today, and we will be more than happy to be of assistance.
Charming Galway is an historic city located on the West Coast of Ireland, and an essential stop when traveling along the Wild Atlantic way. A popular tourist destination, Galway city has a lot to offer. With a youthful and even Bohemian atmosphere, this really is a place you need to spend time in if you want to soak up the atmosphere.
Perhaps the best way to experience everything that Galway city has to offer is by taking a walking tour. In the company of a local guide you will get to see all the main sights and also get an insight into what life is like here as a local. Along the way you’re sure to pass by most of the iconic sites which include the Cathedral, Eyre Square and of course the Spanish Arch. A walking tour of Galway city is also a good way to orientate yourself and plan out what to see and do if you’re spending more than a single day there.
The Spanish Arch is perhaps the most iconic of Galway’s landmarks. Constructed in 1584, it overlooks the River Corrib, and was once used to get to the quays from the town. In fact it was part of Galway’s medieval wall system, and in Galway’s trading heyday a lot of shipping passed to and fro to unload goods from Spanish and Portuguese ships. When Cromwell conquered Galway in the 17th century, the port lost its importance, and today the Spanish Arch is all that remains of the walls. No trip to Galway is complete without taking at least one selfie here!
A river boat cruises The River Corrib and sails along the river with lush countryside surrounding it to the left and right. During the cruise you will pass by ancient castles and ruins, and of course you can enjoy an Irish coffee on board!
A type of traditional fishing boat known as the Galway Hooker was in common usage in the 18th century. Today many of these boats have been restored by enthusiasts, and some can even be seen during a yearly festival. If you are a beer connoisseur you might also notice a locally brewed beer of the same name in almost every pub in the city.
As we’ve already mentioned beer once, we should probably mention that there is plenty of traditional music to be enjoyed with it in Galway City! Quay Street is the most popular place to go for pubs, restaurants and cafes.
The sounds of traditional live music fill the air in places such as The Spanish Arch Hotel and the Quays. Enjoy a Guinness or Galway Hooker and join in the craic!
Be sure to treat your taste buds during your visit to Galway City. Farmhouse cheeses at Sheridan’s, the amazing McCambridge food emporium, and the incredible bread from the Griffins Bakery which has been in operation since 1876 will ensure you never go hungry!
Kirwan’s Lane is named after one of Galway’s 14 so called ‘tribes’. The Kirwans had helped develop Galway into a busy commercial center during the 1500s, and so it is only fitting the lane has been restored, pumping new life into the city once more. Enjoy your time here wandering along, looking at the cafes, craft shops, and studios.
8. Spend some time at the Galway City Museum
If you really want to get to know about the city, you should spend some time at the Galway City Museum. Here, you can learn about the city’s history which stretches all the way back to the Norman invasion. There are a number of exhibitions both permanent and temporary which showcase the city and surrounding area’s heritage and archaeology. Spread out over three floors, the museum contains numerous artifacts, some religious items and an interesting maritime collection. It’s certainly worth a good hour or so of your time.
The chances are that you will pass by Eyre Square more than once during your stay in Galway city. Also known as the John F Kennedy Memorial Square, the two major landmarks here are the Browne Doorway and the Quincentennial Fountain. As a pedestrianised area, it is a central focal point from where to orientate yourself, and a nice place to simply take some time out to enjoy a nice sunny day.
Completed in 1965, Galway Cathedral is the last stone Cathedral to have been built in Europe. It is an impressive sight, and is jointly dedicated to St. Nicholas and Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. The cathedral is of course open to the public and there are Sunday masses.
On leaving Galway City…. Galway City is a good place to access the nearby Aran Islands. The regular ferry service leaves from Ros a’ Mhíl just a few miles up the road on a regular timetable that allows for both day trips and overnight stays. Whilst some people choose to visit for a day trip, spending a couple of days or longer on the islands is the perfect way to really get away from everything.
Inis Mor is the largest of the islands, and has a range of accommodation, including the excellent Camping and Glamping site. You could choose between taking your own camping gear or simply reserve one of the unique glamping units for the duration of your stay. Once on the island, you will feel a world away and much closer to nature. If you love the Great Outdoors and getting back to nature, spending some time on the Aran Islands will really help you to complete your Wild Atlantic Way adventure!
