From Wikitravel Shared

The Aran Islands, [1] in County Galway, Ireland, are an archipelago of three small islands, the largest of which - Inis Mór - is only 12km by 3km in size. All are barren, rocky islands with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

[edit] Islands

• Inis Mór (sometimes called Árainn - the original and correct name for Inis Mór) is the largest and most visited of the three islands.
• Inis Meáin, the middle island, also the least touristed.
• Inis Oírr, the smallest and southernmost island.

[edit] Understand

The inhabitants of these three rocky islands not only built incredible stone forts that have stood for thousands of years, built walls that crisscross every last inch of the islands, but also brought greenery to lifeless rock through centuries of digging dirt from cracks and composting seaweed from the oceans.

Though by no means the most popular tourist destination in Ireland, due to the small size and permanent population - only about 900 people on the largest island - it can seem like there are tourists everywhere. Surprisingly, this doesn't seem to spoil the place the way it does in other parts of the country, and the place is surprisingly relaxed and retains a very rural and isolated feel to it.

[edit] Talk

All three islands are Gaeltachtaí, areas of Ireland where Irish is still the primary language. English speakers will have no problem, as almost all islanders are fluent in English. However, surprisingly few signs are in English, so it's best to know the Irish name of your destination.

[edit] Get in

Aran Direct and Island Ferries operate from Ros an Mhíl, in Connemara with bus connections to Galway City. Doolin Ferries run boats from Doolin in County Clare. Cliffs and Aran Cruises (http://www.mohercruises.com) also operate from Doolin, and combine a trip to the Aran Islands with a one hour cruise under the Cliffs of Moher.

For those short on time, but not on money, Aer Árann operates flights from Indreabhán Airport in Connemara.

[edit] Get around

Though there are mini-bus tours and taxis available on the islands, the best way to see the islands is on foot or by bike. Wear good hiking boots, though, as once you leave the paved roads, you are on very rough rocks. If you cycle, wear a helmet, for the same reason. While you may balk at the seemingly 'touristy' nature of the pony carts which will be waiting for you in Cill Rónáin, paying the little bit extra for one of these is often worth it -- striking up conversation with your driver may get you invited to dinner or a party.

[edit] Inter-Island

Aran Direct runs inter-island ferries during the peak season, but for most of the year the only way to get between islands is to return to Ros an Mhíl and take a different boat out. Reportedly, a fishing boat takes the island priest between islands on Sunday, so you may be able to sweet talk your way onto that. Aer Árann flights do operate between the islands, though they run a circular route and may not go directly where you want to.

[edit] Buy

Though you can change money on all three islands, be aware that only Inis Mór has an ATM (Bank of Ireland), so be sure to plan accordingly.

[edit] Stay

Accommodation is easy to come by on Inis Mór, the most touristy of the islands. Inis Oírr offers a quieter stay. Tígh Ruarí (no website, but locatable on several 'visit Arann' sites) is a wonderful bed and breakfast on the island, with a grocery store and pub attached.

Here is a list of good accommodation as given by One Click Ireland.

Óstán Árann/Aran Islands Hotel Cill Rónáin Phone: 099 61090 E-mail: info@aranislandshotel.com www.aranislandshotel.com

Pier House/Teach na Céibhe Phone: 099 61417 E-mail: pierh@iol.ie

Kilmurvey House Phone: 099 61218 E-mail: kilmurveyhouse@eircom.net Web: www.Kilmurveyhouse.com

Kilronan Hostel Phone: 099 61255 E-mail: kilronanhostel@ireland.com

Tígh Fitz Phone: 099 61213 E-mail: penny@tighfitz.com Web: www.Tighfitz.com

Árd Éinne Phone: 099 61126 E-mail: ardeinne@eircom.net Web: www.galway.net/pages/ardeinne

Bay View Phone: 099 61260 E-mail: round@eircom.net Web: www.dragnet.systems.ie/eira/bayview

Oatquarter House Phone: 099 61328 E-mail: mgtdirrane@yahoo.co.uk

Árd Mhuiris Phone: 099 61208 E-mail: ardmhuris@eircom.ie

An Crugan Phone: 099 61150 Web: www.ancrugan.com

Claí Bán Phone: 099 61111 Fax: 099 61423 Open all year round

Man of Aran Address: Joe & Maura Wolfe Man of Aran cottages Cill Mhuirbhigh Inis Mór Oileáin Árann Co na Gaillimhe Éire Phone: 099 61301 Fax: 099 61324 Email: manofaran@eircom.net Open all year round

[edit] Get out

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