Connemara or Aran Islands
 

We will be in Galway near the end of our trip and have one day to spend touring Connemara or the Aran Islands. I would love to hear which one you would choose and why.

Thanks,
WSZ

Well I once went to the Isle of Aran but i'm not sure if that's the same one. Sorry. The Isle of Aran was lovely and you got an old paddle steamer across from Glasgow which takes about an hour. I don't feel like i've been much help here.

1 day? I might take a trip to 1 of the Aran Islands. Connemara deserves more time..as do the Aran Islands IMO.

we took a short flight to Inish Mor ( for
a day ) - it was the best experience
we had in Ireland

Not sure when you are travelling wsz, but factor in the weather if you are gong to the Aran Islands.

I agree with travelbunny that you can spend more than a day in Connemara. Still, there is a Connemara "loop" that will give you a flavor. You can take the N59 out to Clifden, then up Past Kylemore, circle down towards Cong and Oughterard. Alternatively, you could drop down to Roundstone. Mind you, this is a tour and a very full day if you like to stop a lot, but it can be done.

Likewise, you have to take into account that there is some time involved in merely getting to one of the Arans. I prefer to spend the night on Inis Mor as opposed to a day trip. I can't remember what time of year you are traveling. The boats leave (most months) for Inis Mor at 10:30 and it's about a 1 hour drive from Galway. Trip time is about 40 minutes and the last trip back is usually around 5:00. That gives you roughly 6 hours on the island. There will be a number of entrepreneurs waiting in min vans to give you a tour. Not a bad idea. You can also rent bikes.

The weather could be a determining factor. If it is bad, I would opt out of the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands take you back in time, though if it's crowded, that tends to get lost.

Bill

The Connemara loop is a beautiful day trip. The scenery is magnificent. You'll find nice little places for lunch..see bogs...mussel farms and lots more. And, you don't have to depend on an airline schedule and weather.

If its just one day, I'd fly from Galway to Inish Mor, the largest of the Aran islands, and visit Dun Angus, the ancient fort on the cliffs above the Atlantic. It's very dramatic. This is not to slight Connemara, but with short schedules, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck (or Euro).

Ferry vs flying?:

Ferry to Inis Mor departs Rossaveal Quay at 10:30 AM and returns from Inis Mor at 5:00 PM. There is a shuttle bus from Galway City that departs fromKinlay House Hostel on Merchant's Road, just off Eyre Square at 9:30 AM. Round trip cost for one adult is 31 Euro according to the Aran Island Ferries web site.

Aer Arann flies out of Connemara Regional Airport, 17 miles out from Galway City on the R336 Coast Road. They too, have a shuttle from Kinlay House. The plane departs for Inis Mor at 10:00 AM and the return flight is at 15:45. Cost, including the shuttle bus is 45 Euro for one adult, round trip, according to THEIR web site.

These dates/times info was valid for Jan. the Aer Arann website should have date appropriate updates.

Bob

Thanks everyone for your comments. They both sound lovely, so I guess it will depend on the weather and how much driving my husband will want to do at that point in our trip.
Wendy

I took the day trip to the Aran Islands out of Galway and it was the highlight of my trip! Rented a bike, took a horse drawn cart ride shortly before returning.