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.
