Any specific recommendations for the Aran Islands? Looking for place to stay and things to do. Thanks.

Joy,

It heartens me that you're planning at least an overnight on the Aran Islands. Most people make the mistake of limiting their stay to a day-trip.

As regards lodging, Kilmurvey House, located on Inishmore, is a good place to "hang your hat". It's nicely situated, right next to Inishmore's must-see site, the ancient cliff-side stone fort of Dun Aengus, and it features good dining. Kilmurvey is by no means upmarket, but it's comfortable and offers friendly service.

As a dining option, consider a short walk over to Man of Aran Cottage. Its namesake is the silent movie classic, by Robert Flaherty, and it offers quietly elegant dining in a rustic, "Quiet Man"-like setting. It's very nice.

Best of luck.

Took ferry to Inishmore(the largest of the Aran Islands). It is the one where the fort is located--what a wonderful experience. When we stepped off the ferry, several vans and horse-drawn buggies were lined up hoping to take us on an island tour. When I said we were spending the night and needed to check in to our B&B the van driver offered to drive by so we could drop luggage and check in and then continue the tour. We did just that. I believe it was about 10 Euros-he took us all over the island and pointed out the places of interest. We had plenty of time at the fort stop to climb to the top, have refreshments and wander through the two or three small shops near the fort and visitor center.
We stayed at Ard Mhuiris B&B--six rooms, very clean. Had a small patio where we could sit in the sun and look out over a meadow filled with cows and out onto the ocean. Very pleasant. It had a nice, small sitting room which no one else used. Very walkable to the village, maybe one-half mile or so--I'm not good at estimating distances. Go to pat Preston's site-she calls herself the Ireland expert and she is, as far as I can tell. www.ireland-withpatpreston.com. Go to her Ireland Guide and click on THE West. So much information and recommendations for accommodations and restaurants. Have a good time. We sure did. If you have the time, try to get out to Achill Island as well.It has an end-of-the-world feeling and is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

My vote is for Inish Mor as well. I was there for a few days this summer. I would spend the extra cash and fly over (I can't stand the thought of a long time on a boat. Its a 15 minute flight if even that and beautiful on a sunny day. Uou can get a taxi from here to the main area or walk over.

I don't have the B&B we stayed in but thay are all fine. Don't expect a posh hotel but very clean and nice.

Rent a bike if you are fit enought and cycle over to the Duchas site of an old for on the opposide side of the island. There is a nice cafe in the visitors Centre.

For Nightlife try the American Bar just outside the village (Not sure if it is really called that but thats what I am told it is called).

For food I was a bit disappointed in the prices and food. It was a bit tourist trappish. There is a hostel outside the village that is meant to have amazing food....and is a very quirky place. You can pay just to eat there and not rent a room. Its a buffet kind of Med style and the owner is a "character" not your typical Irishman. He was away when we were there but I am going back to see if he is as good as they say. He is not Irish and very eccentric so don't piss him off from what my pals told me as you would not want to miss his food.

If its hot cycyle back to the part of the island where the airport is. If the tide islow you wan wade to a quiet beach but leave your bikes behond at the fence. You may be swimming back if you are not careful!

How hilly is Inishmore? Thinking of renting a bike. Thanks

There's a bit of elevation in the biking route and a couple of "patches" of uphill, but there's nothing wrong with getting off the bike and walking it up! For the most part, it's an easy ride.

If you like solitude with the coziness of an authentic irish village, than I would recommend Inismaan. I stayed there last Sept for a few days and enjoyed immensely. The Dun B&B, which is located across the lane from Dun Choncuir(sp) was very good and served very good food. There is only one pub, but it is as genuine as you'll find. This island is not for the typical tourist as they choose not to promote themselves that way. There is good hiking and several good ruins, including JM Synge's cottage where he stayed while visiting the island. If you like scuba diving, they have a center located here. Inisheer is a nice place too, but neither provides the tourist more than the big island. Have a nice trip.