Aran Island
 

Going to Ireland middle of Sept, has anyone traveled to the Aran Islands, stayed there or should we stay in Doolin? Where is the best place to catch a ferry? We're up for an adventure! Also thinking about the Skelling, worth an 11/2 hour boat ride to get there? It looks amazing but not sure if we need to do both islands?

You'll have more ferries if you depart from Rossaveel (20 miles west of Galway) or you can also take a short (10 minute) flight -- but we did it by ferry with no problem from Doolin. The Doolin sailings can be more weather-dependent. I had the sense that it gets pretty quiet on the island at night, once the day trippers leave...depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.

We were never able to do the boat trip to the Skelligs; it was bright and sunny but seas were too rough. I love ruins so would have loved to see the monastery -- on the other hand, it IS a hike up to the top and I don't like heights, at least if there a cliff or drop-off along the side of the path (I'm the one hugging the hillside), so part of me didn't mind not being able to go! Good film about the islands at the Skellig Experience at Portmagee; they can also tell you there whether or not the boats are going out that day.

We went to Innishmore (Aran Island)in May. We left from the ferry west of Galway. It took 45 minutes and then had a tour around the Island which was great. We took the 5pm ferry back. We had enough time to shop and hike to the top of Dun Aengus. We really thought it was worth it.

I would recommend going to Inishmore from Rosseveal (west of Galway) I have gone for the day and enjoyed a tour by minivan and also did an overnight. Had time to explore more in depth, visit the museum to learn more about the island life, and hit a pub with music that night. Went to mass in Irish.So it would depend on how much else you want to see in your trip whether you go overnight or for the day.

Also went for a weekend forty two years ago when the generator went off in the evening so it was off to bed by candle light and it was pretty quiet. It was also late fall so it was mostly islanders around.

we took a small plane from near Galway.

We went in March, taking the ferry from Rossaveal and staying overnight. One of the great travel memories of my life.

Husband and I are staying overnight this September (out of Rosseveal), our first trip to Ireland. Included it mainly due to high reviews on these boards.

Irishface - when you overnighted, where did you dine and enjoy music? I hear there are not many options, but interested in your choices.

I too would love to include Skellings, but dropped it from the plan for fear attempting to do too much - did not want to forget that it is a vacation. Never know, may not be able to resist once we arrive.

Thanks!