Galway · Ireland
Three limestone islands in Galway Bay, where Irish is spoken: on Inis Mór, the fort of Dún Aonghasa on the cliff edge, the Seven Churches, Kilmurvey beach and dry-stone walls.
In the photo: Dún Aonghasa, Inishmore
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The Ilhas Aran are three islands at the entrance to Galway Bay, on Ireland’s west coast: Inis Mór, the largest at about 14 km long, Inis Meáin in the middle, and Inis Oírr, the smallest and closest to Clare. They form a continuation of the Burren limestone, visible as bare slabs cut by fissures, and the landscape is made up of small fields separated by dry-stone walls that together stretch for thousands of kilometers.
The islands are Gaeltacht: Irish is the everyday language, and the signs are only in that language. Residents make a living from fishing, cattle rearing, tourism and crafts, and the islands gave their name to Aran wool knits, with braided stitches developed by each family. Island life was recorded by writers such as J. M. Synge and in the 1934 film Man of Aran.
Inis Mór contains the main monuments. Dún Aonghasa is a prehistoric semicircular stone fort built on the edge of a cliff about 100 meters above the Atlantic. There are other forts, like Dún Eochla at the island’s highest point, the monastic ruins of the Seven Churches, the sandy beach of Kilmurvey and the Poll na bPéist, a rectangular natural pool in the rock. The port of Kilronan is where boats arrive, with shops, pubs and bike rentals.
Visitors do not bring cars to the islands: travel is by bicycle, minibus or pony-and-trap. The wind is strong and the sea can suspend sailings at any time of year.
This destination brings together 1 city: Kilronan.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Contornos: © Tailte Éireann, National Statutory Boundaries 2026, CC BY 4.0. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
✈ Aeroporto de Shannon (Shannon Airport) (SNN), in Shannon · 130 km to Kilronan
✈ Aeródromo de Inverin (Connemara Regional Airport) (NNR), in Inverin · 25 km to Kilronan
Confirm before booking. The main boat leaves from Rossaveal, about 37 km from Galway, with a shuttle bus from the centre, and reaches Kilronan in about 40 minutes. In season there are boats from Doolin, in Clare. Short flights operate from the Inverin aerodrome near Galway when in service. Schedules depend on the sea: confirm in advance.
The local experience
Prehistoric stone fort in a semicircle on the edge of a cliff about 100 metres above the Atlantic, with four walls and a field of pointed stones to deter invaders.
Ruins of an old pilgrimage centre on the west of Inis Mór, with two medieval churches, stone houses, graves and fragments of crosses, known as the Sete Igrejas.
A light-sand beach in a sheltered cove on the north coast of Inis Mór, at the foot of the climb to Dún Aonghasa, with clear water and views over Galway Bay and Connemara.
Natural pool of an almost rectangular shape carved by the sea into the limestone slabs of the south coast of Inis Mór, connected to the Atlantic by an underground passage, at the foot of the cliffs.
Circular stone fort at the highest point of Inis Mór, beside the old lighthouse, with two walls and views of the three Ilhas Aran, of Connemara and the Burren.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From May to September boats run more frequently, days are long and the sea is usually calmer. July and August are the busiest, with many day visitors. April and October tend to be quieter. In winter there are fewer sailings, stronger winds and some services close. Rain and wind can appear at any time of year.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
A full day covers Inis Mór, including Dún Aonghasa, the Seven Churches and Kilmurvey beach, on a round trip from Galway. With one overnight you’ll have time for Dún Eochla, the Poll na bPéist and the sunset on the west coast. Those wanting to visit Inis Meáin or Inis Oírr need an additional day, with inter-island boats running part of the year.
Kilronan, the port of Inis Mór, hosts guesthouses, B&Bs, a hostel, pubs and restaurants close to the boat pier. Kilmurvey, 7 km away near Dún Aonghasa and the beach, has quieter guesthouses. Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin have limited options and fill up in summer: book ahead.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Yes. Morning boats reach Inis Mór before 11:00 and return late afternoon. A day trip covers the main sights, but it’s rushed.
No — visitors do not bring cars to the islands. On Inis Mór rent a bicycle in Kilronan, take a tour minibus or a pony-and-trap. Those driving to Rossaveal leave their car in the port car park; in Ireland you drive on the left.
Inis Mór, the largest, has the best-known monuments such as Dún Aonghasa. Inis Oírr is smaller and walkable, and Inis Meáin is the quietest. For a first visit most choose Inis Mór.
The Rossaveal service runs year-round, with reduced schedules in winter. Boats from Doolin usually run only in season. Crossings can be cancelled in rough seas: check on the day.
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