In reference to my previous post - http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34991649 is it necessary to purchase ferry tickets in advance? We will be going mid-May - and from what I have read on this forum, it sounds like it will be right before busy season.

You probably don't need to purchase in advance. You might want to give them a call from there. If you get there and the weather is terrible, you may want to change your plans, so I would lean towards not purchasing in advance.

Bill

Bill: I never thought of the weather factor - thanks for reminding me Sometimes I get so caught up in the excitment of the trip!

You don't need to purchase tickets in advance. However, if you are going to bring a car over, you should have a reservation.

It is cheaper, if you are just going for the day, to rent a car on Aran (reserve in advance) or take an island bus tour.

The weather warning is a good heads up for you -- when I crossed over to the islands (from near Galway) I made the mistake of hanging out on the upper deck, with a ton of other people. We all got drenched from the pitching and wave action, and some wave hit me so hard it washed my watch off my wrist--and I didn't even notice until we landed because I was holding on to the rigging to stay put! I went down below for the trip back.

I don't think you'll be renting a car on Inishmore. Faux may have been speaking of the Scotland Aran (Arran).

If the winds are high and you have a weak stomach, consider flying from Inverin. 10 minute flight.

Bill

Yes, I was speaking of Scotland. Silly me.