Aran Islands
 

Has anyone been to the Aran Islands in February? I am going next year and I was just wondering what the ferries and accomodations are like in off-season. Also, I know it will probably be pretty cold. Does anyone has a suggested itinerary for an overnight or day trip?

Hi Rockslide. We were there in late November a couple of years ago for an overnight trip to Inis Oirr. If memories serve, the ferries maintain a limited schedule but are "weather-permitting" and, in Feb, you never know. Plenty of (empty) places for accommodation. I remember a marked lack of heat. Beautiful and haunting to be there at that time of year, but cold and windy and fairly brutal. You'll have the place to yourself and will have no trouble finding locals to make conversation in the pub. As for itineraries, hmmm...we dressed warmly and wandered the roads and hillsides, did the requisite "edge of the world" visit (definitely a gut-wrenching drop over the edge of that cliff), and spent a LOT of time in a pub I can't remember the name of with locals speaking Gaelic and waxing on about the Kennedy's and those "poor boys they lost". A beautiful memorable trip, and wonderful to be the only tourists they'd seen in weeks!

Have a look at
www.bamjam.net/ireland/aran.html
www.queenofaran2.com
www.aerarannislands.ie
www.aranislandsfastferries.com
these will give you all the information you require. You did not mention which island you are going to or will you visit the three of them?
Always go prepared for an overnigt stay.
Enjoy and brush up on your irish.
Slan agus beannacht agus go n-eiri an boher leat.

I was in Innishmore in February. I had to fly in as the ferries weren't running that weekend- sea too rough. I had no trouble finding a B and B though you must carefully check to see which are open at this time of year..many are NOT. cool if I remember but no snow- I think 2-5 C. The B and B was not heated to usual N am standard at night- actually I became quite fond of these lower temps after I bought a flannel nightie. hot water bottles were supplied by our hostess. The place was almost free of tourists.

The winter boat service is from Rossaveal in Connemara on the north side of Galway Bay. Island Ferries run daily services (www.aranislandferries.com).

Thanks for all your advice. I really appreciate it. We are really looking forward to our trip to the Aran Islands in winter, even if it will be cold and haunting. :)

I still don't know if we will visit one island or all. We will be in Ireland for 10 days and the Aran Islands will most likely be a day trip or an overnight trip. Does anyone have a preference on which island to visit? We are very interested in scenic views and historical sites. Also, does anyone have a suggestion on a B&B?

I would do an overnight and at that time of year, I think Inishmore would have the most activity in the evening.

Bill

I think we will head for the main island at that time of year. We have have also decided to stay on the NW, W and SW coast of Ireland. we will be there for ten days, but after reading others' postings, I think our itinerary was a bit too ambitious. Since we don't go overseas very much and have never been to Ireland, we were trying to squeeze everything into one trip. Also, we will be on our honeymoon and mainly want to enjoy a realxing time with the sights, sounds and people.

For all you require on your visit could I suggest www.goireland.com