Aran Island (Inis Mor) - Ireland
 

We are planning a week long trip this summer and plan to rent a cottage on Inis Mor. We would like to explore the northern coast of Ireland (from the Galway ferry side) as well as the Dingle Penninsula and Ring of Kerry (from the Doolin ferry side). Any suggestions for transportation to do this? We could rent a car and keep it at one of the ferry lots but then would not have it at the other ferry. Are there daily car rentals available at either ferry? Thanks for any ideas!

The ferry ride from Inis Mor to the mainland is a long one and can be an adventurous one during stormy seas. I adore Inis Mor and hope to go back, but I would never, ever use it as a base to explore the Western Coast. Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry are too far away for day trips anyway.

Inis Mor is magical although I think a week on the island might become boring after awhile.

Reconsider your plans.

I have to agree with Schuler about the ferry. We visited Inishmor 10/12 and the ride over left us all seasick. From what we understand, it was a fairly mild day to travel. I would not want to take the ferry more than once. For what its worth, the day trip to Inish mor was worth every penny. I could not imagine spending more that 2 days there though

We went there on a day trip while in Galway this past end of September. Ferry ride is quite long, though not too rough that day. Taxis and ponies with traps were waiting for island tours, but I'd be surprised if there were rental cars available. Galway ferry terminal is out of town with no sign of car rentals there either. Although worth a visit, the island would not be a suitable hub from which to explore.

Forget this plan all together Inis Mor is NOT a touring base.

The Doolin ferry is a longer ride than the Rossaveal, and is often cancelled for weather. Rossaveal is never stopped, as far as I know. I agree that the island, while delightful to stay on (we stayed at Man of Aran Cottage B&B), does not make an ideal base for exploring the mainland. I would suggest breaking up the trip into three sections. One for the north (staying in, say, Westport or on Achill Island), one for the island, and then one for the south (Dingle?).

Dingle is another Non touring base. Killarney is the best option for Kerry.

Or Kenmare :)