Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, makes a brilliant family day trip from Galway or Clare. Off the west coast, it’s known for its dramatic cliffs, ancient stone forts and a pace of life that feels a world away from the mainland. Here’s how one family spent their day exploring the island.
Getting to Inis Mór
The Aran Islands sit off the coast of Galway, roughly 20km from Rossaveal in Co. Galway and about the same distance from Doolin in Co. Clare. Regular ferry services run to the islands from both Rossaveal, with Aran Island Ferries, and Doolin, with the Doolin Ferry Company. Sailing times and frequency vary by season, so it’s worth checking directly with the ferry companies before you travel.
The crossing takes around 40 minutes and lands you in Kilronan, the main town on Inis Mór, where the island’s shops, tourist office and bike rental spots are all within easy walking distance of the pier.
Getting around the island
Once you arrive in Kilronan, there are a few ways to explore. Horse and cart tours are a popular option, with local drivers usually waiting near the harbour, and mini bus tours run for those who’d rather sit back and take in the scenery. We chose to see the island by bike instead, picking up rentals from one of the shops close to the harbour.
Cycling is a great way to explore Inis Mór at your own pace, though it’s worth knowing the roads have plenty of small hills, some tougher than others, so it’s not the flattest ride for younger cyclists or anyone out of practice.
Cycling to Dún Aonghasa
Our main destination for the day was Dún Aonghasa, the island’s famous stone fort perched on the edge of the cliffs and thought to be over two thousand years old. It’s about 10km from Kilronan by bike, and along the way we took a detour trying to spot Poll na bPéist, the striking rectangular “Serpent’s Lair” carved into the rock.
Dún Aonghasa itself is well worth the cycle. There’s a visitor centre at the foot of the hill, followed by a short walk and climb up to the fort. The views from the top are spectacular, with sheer cliffs dropping to the crashing Atlantic below, the next landfall to the west being America. If the weather turns, as it did on our visit, the visitor centre has a café where you can warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate before heading back.
The coast road back to Kilronan
Rather than retracing our route, we cycled back along the coast road, passing a lovely Blue Flag beach and a spot known for seal sightings, where we were lucky enough to see seals playing in the water. It’s a scenic way to finish the loop, even if the rain kept us from stopping for a swim.
Back in Kilronan, we returned our bikes and settled into our accommodation for the night. If you’re planning a day trip rather than staying over, it’s a good idea to check the ferry timetable in advance so you know your options for the return crossing. The tourist office in Kilronan is also a helpful first stop if you need to arrange accommodation on the island.
Is Inis Mór good for a day trip?
Inis Mór is easily accessible from both Galway and Clare, and with several sailings a day it works well either as a relaxed overnight stay or as a full day trip. Either way, it’s an easy island to fall in love with.
Article written by Etain, mum of 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Inis Mór?
Ferries run to Inis Mór from Rossaveal in Co. Galway and from Doolin in Co. Clare. The crossing takes around 40 minutes and arrives into Kilronan, the island’s main town.
How do you get around Inis Mór once you arrive?
From Kilronan you can hire a bike, book a horse and cart tour, or join a mini bus tour. Cycling is a popular choice for families who want to explore at their own pace, though there are some hills along the way.
How far is it to Dún Aonghasa from Kilronan?
It’s about 10km by bike from Kilronan to Dún Aonghasa. There’s a visitor centre at the base of the hill, followed by a short walk up to the fort itself.
Is Inis Mór suitable for a day trip with kids?
Yes, with several sailings a day from both Galway and Clare, Inis Mór works well as a day trip. Families who want more time to explore can also stay overnight, with help from the tourist office in Kilronan to arrange accommodation.
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Save this for your next family adventure
Not heading to Inis Mór right away? Bookmark this article or save it to your travel folder so it’s ready when you’re planning your next island adventure.
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