Before you go

Your trip to Kilronan.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Kilronan – Galway about 50 km from Galway

How to get there

Aeroporto de Shannon (Shannon Airport) (SNN) Shannon · 130 km
Aeródromo de Inverin (Connemara Regional Airport) (NNR) Inverin · 25 km
Porto de Rossaveal (Ros a' Mhíl) Rossaveal · 18 km
Cais de Kilronan 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. The boat leaves from Rossaveal, 37 km from Galway, with a bus from Galway city centre to the port, and takes about 40 minutes to Kilronan. In season there are boats from Doolin. Short flights operate from Inverin to Kilronan aerodrome when in service. Confirm schedules, as they depend on the sea.

How many days

One day for Dún Aonghasa, Kilmurvey and the Seven Churches, by bike or minibus. With one night, include Dún Eochla, the Poll na bPéist and the evening in the village without day visitors.

When to go

From May to September boats run more frequently and days are long; July and August are the busiest. April, May and September are usually good for cycling. In winter the wind is strong, there are fewer sailings and some services close.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No — visitors cannot bring cars to the island. In Kilronan there are bike hires, tour minibuses and pony-and-traps. Dún Aonghasa is about 7 km from the port. Roads are narrow, with stone walls and gentle climbs.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Kilronan

Morning
Arrival and bicycles
Catch the first boat from Rossaveal, hire a bicycle at Kilronan pier and follow the north coast road to Kilmurvey.
Afternoon
Dún Aonghasa
From the Kilmurvey visitor centre, walk up to Dún Aonghasa on the cliff edge. Afterwards, have lunch in Kilmurvey.
Late afternoon
Sete Igrejas and Kilmurvey
Cycle to the Sete Igrejas on the west of the island, and return via the praia de Kilmurvey.
Evening
Return or overnight on the island
Take the last boat to Rossaveal or have dinner in a Kilronan pub and stay overnight on the island.

2 days in Kilronan

Day 1

Morning
Arrival in Kilronan
Morning boat, bikes on the pier and the north coast road to Kilmurvey.
Afternoon
Dún Aonghasa
Climb to Dún Aonghasa and lunch in Kilmurvey.
Late afternoon
Sete Igrejas
The Sete Igrejas and the west coast at the end of the day.
Evening
Pub in Kilronan
Dinner and music in a village pub.

Day 2

Morning
Dún Eochla
Climb Dún Eochla, at the island's highest point, near the old lighthouse, with views of the three islands.
Afternoon
Poll na bPéist
Walk over the limestone slabs to the Poll na bPéist on the south coast, and return via Gort na gCapall.
Late afternoon
Praia de Kilmurvey
Finish at the praia de Kilmurvey, sheltered from the wind, before returning the bike.
Evening
Return boat
Take the late-afternoon boat to Rossaveal and the connecting bus to Galway.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where to rent a bicycle on Inis Mór?

On Kilronan pier, right where the boats arrive, there are several rental shops. Electric bikes help on climbs and against the wind.

What language is spoken in Kilronan?

Irish is used day-to-day and the signs are in that language only. Everyone also speaks English.

Is there an ATM and a market on the island?

Kilronan has a market, shops and pubs. Services are limited; bring what you need and don't expect everything to be open in winter.

What is an Aran sweater?

A wool sweater with braided (cabled) stitches, associated with the islands, sold in shops in Kilronan and Kilmurvey.

Back to Kilronan