Aran Islands Travel Guide

Nestled off of the rugged west coast of Ireland lies the Aran Islands, which comprise three separate islands: Inishmore (Inis Mór), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), and Inisheer (Inis Oírr). The Aran Islands are collectively known for being an Irish-speaking region and for their unique and beautiful landscapes splattered with ancient stone walls and fortresses against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean.

From the hauntingly magnificent landscapes to the enchanting local traditions, a visit to the Aran Islands promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Irish heritage. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a culture seeker, this is your invitation to dive into a world where time seems to have stood still.

Take Me Straight To:

• Where are the Aran Islands?
• When to Visit the Aran Islands
• History of the Aran Islands
• Culture & Heritage of the Aran Islands
• Inishmore
• Inishmaan
• Inisheer

Travelling to the Aran Islands promises an adventure at any time of the year. However, the weather is usually better during the summer months. Travelling during the summer also allows you more flexibility regarding ferry times. However, this means the islands are busier with tourists and visitors. If you can visit towards the end of the summer season, you may be lucky and get the best of both worlds: fewer people and potentially dry weather.

Learn more about Ireland’s weather by season in our climate guide here.

And while it’s dry, there’s no better way to explore the islands than by hiking or biking around them. Bike rental is available on the three islands, but pre-booking a bike is advised. Walking trails and biking routes allow you to tour the islands at your own pace and soak in the heart-stopping views whenever it strikes you.

If you’re looking to stay the night on any of the islands, you have various options, including glamping or guest houses, depending on your preference. Pre-booking is advised for an overnight stay, as places can be limited.

If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of planning a trip to the islands, why not let us handle it for you? Join one of our cultural and island hopping tours along Ireland’s west coast. Learn more below.

Neolithic Age

It’s believed that people have inhabited the Aran Islands since 3,000 BC. We know little about these early settlers, although it is thought that they originally came from the mainland of Ireland. Monuments dating back to the Stone Age adorn each island, with a classic example being a still-intact wedge tomb on Inishmore. It is thought people used these wedge tombs as burial and ritual sites.

If you’re interested in Neolithic Ireland, learn more on our guide to Irish prehistory. 

Early Christian Age

Early Christians in Ireland were fascinated with the country’s wilder and rocky parts, viewing them as gateways to something otherwordly – often settling on islands rising out of the Atlantic Ocean. Such a philosophy made the Aran Islands an ideal place for solitude and prayer, and for this reason, the Aran Islands have been home to many saints throughout history.

St. Brendan the Navigator and St. Colmcille of Iona studied on the islands before establishing their own monasteries elsewhere. Remnants of this time are visible all over Inishmore, such as St. Benan’s Church, dating back to the 7th century.

Bronze & Iron Age

The islands boast ancient stone forts and remnants of early settlers, providing a glimpse into the lives of the people who thrived here during the Bronze and Iron Ages. From the impressive prehistoric fortress of Dún Aonghasa on Inishmore, perched dramatically along the cliffside, to the lesser-explored archaeological sites on Inishmaan and Inisheer, the Aran Islands preserve remains of an ancient civilisation. 

Bronze & Iron Age Stone Forts

The word Dún means fort in the Irish language, and the islands are famous for their stone forts. These forts are usually from the late Bronze Age (1,100 BC) to the Iron Age (300 BC – 500 AD). There are several forts found across the three islands. They are part of a complex of such structures found throughout the west coast of Ireland.

Over the past decade, many of these forts, including Dun Aengus on Inishmore, have been excavated as part of ‘The Western Stone Forts Project’. Similar to the Megalithic remains, the function of these forts isn’t clear. Some suggest that, aside from being used for residing, they may also have been used for ceremonial purposes. 

The islands have played a disproportionate role in world literature and arts, attracting various writers and travellers since the late 19th century and producing some of their own, like Máirtín Ó Direáin and Liam O Flaherty. Writers flocked to the Aran Islands in search of something lost in Ireland’s urban regions – a distinctive culture shaped by isolation, rough weather, subsistence living, and limited luxuries. 

J.M. Synge

One of the most well-known works to come from the Aran Islands is John Millington Synge’s series of essays, ‘The Aran Islands’. This collection outlines Synge’s experience on the island, fully integrating with the people and observing their way of life. Reflecting on the essays today, they offer deep insight into a way of life that has since disappeared.

Synge went on to write his famous play, ‘The Playboy of the Western World,’ drawing inspiration from a man hiding from the authorities and seeking refuge on Inishmaan. The character lived in one of the local forts before eventually taking a boat to America.

Martin McDonagh

Martin McDonagh, a renowned playwright and filmmaker, has based several of his works on the west coast of Ireland, where he spent a large chunk of his childhood, including a trilogy of plays set on the Aran Islands. ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ is a dark comedy that has been showcased since 1996 off-Broadway, London, and on Broadway. In 2014, the play received six Tony Awards nominations after its Broadway run. 

The culinary landscape on the Aran Islands is a delightful mixture of traditional Irish flavours and contemporary foodie culture, making it a haven for gourmands. Local establishments showcase the islands’ specialities, with fresh seafood from the Atlantic, hearty stews, and artisanal cheeses taking centre stage. Pubs and eateries scattered across the islands offer a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can savour locally sourced ingredients prepared with a traditional twist. (Love pubs? Here is our list of cosy Irish pubs).

The interest in the Aran Islands food scene has grown so much in recent years that there is now a dedicated food tour to showcase the islands’ delicacies. Sink your teeth into Aran Island foodie culture, from a tour of a goat farm where visitors can watch goat cheese being made and, of course, have a taste of their creamy wares to trying out the different products made from local hand-harvested seaweed. 

From charming seaside cafes to family-run restaurants, the gastro scene on the Aran Islands provides an opportunity to connect with the island’s rich cultural heritage through its culinary treats.  

Love cheese? Why not discover our list of favourite Irish cheeses? Aran Island goat’s cheese features prominently – check out the others we’ve selected.

Dún Aonghasa clifftop fort

Dun Aengus (Dún Aonghasa)

Dating back to over 3,000 years ago, Dun Aengus is famed as being one of the best examples of an ancient semi-circular stone fort across Europe, and the largest fort across the Aran Islands. But what makes it really spectacular are the views overlooking the neverending Atlantic Ocean.

There is also a visitor centre about 1km / 0.6 miles from the stone fort where you can learn all about the fascinating history and archeoloogy of the ancient site.

St. Brecan’s Church

The Seven Churches (Dísert Bhreacáin)

For centuries, The Seven Churches was held as one of the most significant monastic settlements and pilgrimage centres along the west coast of Ireland. Despite the name, there are, in fact, only two churches on this site, along with several domestic buildings. The number seven is possibly related to the pilgrimage circuit of Rome, which includes seven churches. The remains of St. Brecan’s Church, which is said to have been in use between the 8th and 13th centuries, is a feat of impressive masonry with remarkable features still intact. The other church on the site dates back to the 15th century.

The famous Wormhole pool.

Wormhole (Poll na bPéist)

The wormhole of Inishmore formed naturally, although it may not look like it. There are a number of underground channels in the wormhole that connect to the Atlantic Ocean. Water rushes into the wormhole through these channels when the tide is in, which fills up the hole and pushes the water out over the edges.

Getting to the wormhole requires a good pair of walking shoes, as the ground is uneven and rocky. It also should never be swum in due to the strong and hard-to-predict currents, but it is undoubtedly a sight to behold and worth visiting.

Ferboy’s Fort wall

Ferboy’s Fort (Dún Fearbhaí)

What is intriguing about Ferboy’s Fort is the condition it is in and its unusual D-like shape. The shape suggests it predates Christianity, as forts tended to be more circular. Its location in the middle of the island means it doesn’t quite have the same natural appeal as the cliffside forts popular with visitors to Ireland, such as Dun Aengus on Inishmore. Nonetheless, this fort is in excellent condition and offers great insight into ancient Ireland.

J.M. Synge’s Chair

Synge’s Chair (Cathaoir Synge)

Irish writer J.M. Synge very much made this island famous in modern culture. He lived in Inishmaan for a considerable time between 1898 and 1902, drawing much inspiration from the island lifestyle. The small museum ‘Teach Synge’ (The House of Synge) is dedicated to the writer and is where Synge used to live. It’s worth a visit for anyone curious about Irish history and literature.

Aerial view of Conor’s Fort

Conor’s Fort (Dún Crocbhur)

Conor’s Fort is a must-see on Inishmaan with its intricate design, the mystery surrounding what the structure was used for in the past, and the question of who built it. Classified as a National Monument because of its elaborate design, Conor’s Fort is the largest stone fort on all three Aran Islands. It stands defiantly at the island’s highest point and is in full view no matter where you are.

The Plassey Shipwreck

The Plassey Shipwreck

The Plassey Shipwreck, nestled along the rugged coastline of Inisheer, stands as an iconic and poignant landmark on the island. The cargo vessel met its fate in 1960 when it ran aground during a storm and was pushed onto the rocks by the strong sea, where it has stayed since. The shipwreck has become a must-visit site, drawing visitors to explore its weathered remains and contemplate the stories that echo through its rusted metal—a reminder of the sea’s unpredictability.

Aerial view of Inisheer and its lighthouse

The Lighthouse

The lighthouse, first opened in 1857, is located at the island’s most southerly point, offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. The lighthouse lies adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher on the mainland, meaning you can admire the scenery across the ocean on a clear day. Its beacon radiates over 20 nautical miles and provides critical navigational and safety assistance for ships sailing along Ireland’s western coast.

O’Briens Castle

O’Briens Castle (Caisleán Uí Bhriain)

The fortress was likely built by the O’Brien family as a fortified tower house in the 14th century. The moss-covered remains of the castle are certainly a sight to see as they lie on the highest point of the Inisheer and offer scenic views across the island.

The sunken church of St. Kevin

St. Kevin’s Church (Teampall Chaomhan)

The main graveyard of the island shrouds the remains of St Kevin’s Church. Unusually, the ruins of this church are partially underground and interestingly feature an ancient stone carving of Christ.