Kat0005

After all the advice on these boards, I think we would regret not adding a trip to to one of the Aran Islands. We are staying in Fanore while touring the Burren and then traveling to Galway for two days. I am thinking of a combo ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr (with a cruise of the Cliffs of Moher) then driving to Galway. Has anyone done this? Does that put us in Galway too late? I was hoping to see Corcomroe Abbey on the way to Galway. Alternatively, should I give up a day touring Galway and take a ferry to Inis Mor the next day instead? Thanks for all advice! Also, what is the general cost of a pony cart tour on the islands, and is is common to negotiate cost?

irishface

I have done the day trip to Inis Oirr but at that time it did not include the tour to the bottom of the Cliffs.(Did the tour around the bottom of the cliffs from Liscannor (sp?) on another trip and it was fantastic to see them from a different perspective!) The boat left us off about 10 am and returned about 2 pm. Don't remember the cost, but a couple of tractors pulling wagons met the boat and you could take a ride around. I rented a bike. What really struck me was the absence of human sounds. As I rode along the quiet roads I could hear bees buzzing in the hedges, an occasional moo or baa, birdsong. Innis Oirr is very small and there is not much to see or do other than walk or bike, but the quiet was just what I needed on that trip.


I have done an overnight on Innis Mor (the largest island) and a day trip from Rosseveal (near Galway). Both times we parked at the pier which was safe. When we did the overnight thing, we left most of our luggage in the car and just took the minimum in a tote bag. Both mini vans and pony carts meet the boats and there is a bike rental place at the end of the pier. I don't know about negotiating the price; we paid what was asked which seemed to be the going rate. We were taken to most of the ruins and then explored more by bike in the evening. Going from Rosseveal there are several ferries every day so you can sort of come and go as you please.

Tony2phones

Combo trip and on to Galway would get you in well before 7pm even on a late sailing seeing some sights on the Burren Cliffs area first,, with a couple of nights in Fanore you can get to see a fair bit of whats around http://goo.gl/maps/xMOHV

Inis Oirr get my vote over Inis Mor being only a short trip, smaller, quieter and with the Cliffs cruise being a good perspective this is a regular option when we have friends and family over
http://travelhag.com/2013/04/15/inis-oirr-aranislands/

Kat0005

Thanks irishface and Tony. I think I will plan on Inis Oirr from Doolin and head on to Galway. This is our first time in Ireland, and staying in B&B's, so I just want to be sure about B&B "etiquette". If I let the B&B know what time I will be coming and as long as I don't arrive too late at night to check in, arriving at 7 or 8 pm would not be unreasonable would it?

Tony2phones

8pm might be a bit late unless you clear it with your hosts for the night 1st.. It won't be a problem (we have pulled in at 9pm and once met the landlady in a local bar at gone 10) Always polite to let your hosts know a rough time of arrival no matter what time 2pm 3pm etc they may have things going on and plans to adjust.

flpab

I have done both and loved both. The cliffs were great from the boat and loved the puffins. We just walked in Inis Oirr but took Flaherty tours from Galway for the Inis Mor trip. It was 45 but included a bus to Rosseveal from the Galway bus station, a bus tour around the island and tour and the cliffs were the best from the fort. Return trip included. Michael Flaherty was raised there and I think related to half the island so was a great guide.