Cattail

Thanks so much to all who have helped me to put together a car-less trip for my in-laws. It was quite a challenge, but I think we have a great itinerary. One area has me stumped, and that's Inishmore. I'd love to hear from seniors or those with with limited mobility who have visited this island.

I have booked a room for them near the fort, at Kilmurvey House. Are there alternatives to accessing the fort itself, other than climbing a steep driveway? Do tours take folks right to the fort, or is it still a climb?

I considered a spot closer to town, but the scenery just doesn't sound as wild and remote on that end of the island.

Is the walk to the beach fairly level, or lots of hills?

Is it hard to get a cab back late at night if they stay to listen to music at a pub in town?

Any tips that I haven't thought of?

Thanks, you guys!

longhorn55

We spent the night on Inishmore in May. We stayed in town and we didn't go to the beach, so I can't help with the questions about the beach or taxis. However, I can tell you that there is no other way to get up to Dun Aengus fort other than by walking that steep walkway. The tour buses stop at the Visitors Center at the bottom of the hill as there is no road to the top. Your parents could look through the Visitors Center, but it's really small with only about 10-12 panels of photos and descriptions of the history/building of the fort. There are also 3-4 shops at the bottom of the hill that they might like to look through. (I got a nice silver barrette at one for a very reasonable price.) However, if they have limited mobility, I don't know how they could get to Dun Aengus and walk around inside as the ground is uneven in places inside the fort too.

I hope something can be worked out as it is an amazing site.

Cattail

That's what I was afraid of. ): Thank you very much, longhorn. At least now they'll be aware that the fort is likely out for them, and not quite as disappointed.

wojazz3

My suggestion would have been to stay in town, especially because of their access to the fort. The tour that all of the drivers do covers a good part of the island, not just the fort so they will get to see a lot. It was my impression that some of the drivers were willing to act as a taxi service. I know the driver we had picked us up at the B&B the next morning and took us to the airport.

By the way, the plane instead of the bus might be a good option if the weather is rough. It's not terribly expensive and takes about 10 minutes once the flight takes off. There's a bit of weighing in that is necessary and you don't want to take a lot of bags with you.

Hope that helps and they have a great trip.

Cattail

Thanks, wojazz. They'll be on the island for three nights. My thinking was that they could take a tour as they got off the ferry, or catch a ride or taxi into town the next morning, and simply enjoy the ocean calm other days (provided they can get to it!). This may or may not be practical. ?

They'll be leaving most of their luggage behind at their bandb in Galway, so that's not an issue. Thanks for the plane idea.