Inishmore
Travel Guide

Inishmore

Le Dún Dúchathair - © mark_gusev

The largest island of the Aran Islands archipelago!

Explore Inishmore

Tourist attractions

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Irish pubs

Irish pubs in Inishmore 2
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Inishmore : Must-See Attractions

Good to Know

Practical info

How do I get there?

By boat:

Inishmore is served by two ferry companies.

  • From Rossaveal: Aran Island Ferries. Daily connections (about 3 shuttles per day). €30 round trip per person. 45 minutes journey.
  • From Doolin: Doolin Ferry: €30 round trip per person. Journey takes 50 to 60 minutes depending on weather.

Be sure to book your ticket online to save time.

By plane:

Inishmore has its own airfield. The Irish airline Aer Arann operates between 5 and 7 flights per day. Convenient if you suffer from seasickness and prefer the efficiency of flying. Flights depart from Connemara Airport in Inverin. Prices vary depending on the season, but generally cost less than €70 round trip, with a flight time of about 10 minutes! Not very eco-friendly, but the view approaching the island is stunning!

Important!

On an island, food and essential goods are often more expensive! Don’t forget to do some shopping on the mainland beforehand to avoid being overcharged in the island’s stores.

Expect slightly higher prices in local pubs and restaurants… It’s the price to pay for a complete change of scenery!

Make sure to withdraw cash, as ATMs are rare. There is only one ATM on the entire island! It is located in a Spar near the port (so subject to the shop’s opening hours!).

Inspiration

Further Reading

Inishmore

Inishmore (or Inis Mór in Irish) is the largest island of the Aran Islands archipelago, located in Galway Bay. Measuring 14 km long and 3 km wide, it is one of the most touristy islands in Ireland… And it’s easy to see why! Endless stone fields, majestic wild landscapes, and archaeological remains await visitors, not to mention the opportunity to purchase the traditional Irish sweater made locally!

History of Inishmore

Prehistoric forts and monasteries

Aerial view of Inishmore - © Viktor Posnov

Aerial view of Inishmore – © Viktor Posnov

Inishmore has a history dating back to the Iron Age, when the inhabitants built three imposing forts across the island… In the 5th century, Saint Eanna founded a monastery on the island, built in 490: Killeany Abbey. This monastery was an important religious center of the time and trained future monks and evangelists who then traveled throughout Europe.

From 546, the kings of Munster and Connaught decided to consider the Aran Islands independent from their territories, freeing the islands from any allegiance to the kings ruling provinces of the Kingdom of Ireland… This geopolitical decision allowed Inishmore and the other two islands to gain greater autonomy and independence…

In 1081, Inishmore was ravaged by the Danes… Houses were looted, burned, and inhabitants were killed or assaulted. The island took many years to recover from this attack… However, Inishmore was again looted and burned by Sir John D’Arcy, Lord Justice of Ireland, who in 1334 sailed into Galway Bay with a fleet of 56 ships.

Today, Inishmore has over 800 inhabitants, living mainly from local tourism…

Visiting Inishmore

An island attached to its history and culture

Inishmore is a true wonder to explore. The island holds incredible treasures, starting with the beauty of its steep cliffs. These seem to plunge deeply into the ocean, offering a breathtaking view.

Another must-see tourist attraction is its ring forts (prehistoric forts). Starting with Dun Aengus, one of the most striking. It was built on the edge of the cliffs and seems ready to dive into the ocean. A magnificent sight!

Among the other ring forts are Dún Dúchathair, Dún Eochla, and Dun Eoghanachta. All testify to strong population activity during prehistoric times.

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