Title: Aran Islands Travel Guide: Best of Aran Islands, County Galway Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Aran Islands](https://expedia.co.uk/Aran-Islands-Hotels.d6177870.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Aran Islands](https://expedia.co.uk/Aran-Islands-Holiday-Rentals.d6177870.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Aran Islands](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Aran-Islands.d6177870.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Aran Islands Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Aran-Islands.d6177870.Car-Hire-Guide)[Aran Islands Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Aran-Islands.d6177870.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Aran Islands Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Aran Islands](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/8235f37f7d672526376d1b1048a78611.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Aran Islands](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/6d898e7233e244ed9ebfe75213c40864.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Aran Islands](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/e8725b3bca97862ab0f38253d30ab72f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo by Milestone Travels](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f93a9aa4f8a5084918d59cb0320a437b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Milestone Travels](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f93a9aa4f8a5084918d59cb0320a437b.jpg) ![Photo by Rokas Gau](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8ba38b995bfa3c6493a1af438861f6e6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo by Rokas Gau](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8ba38b995bfa3c6493a1af438861f6e6.jpg) ## Visit Aran Islands Things to do #### An undoubted highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way are the Aran Islands, and places don’t come much more wild, or immersed in the Atlantic waters, than this chain of three dramatically isolated land masses. Set just off Galway Bay in the west of Ireland, and visible from the coastline for miles around, the islands exert an irresistible lure to those with a taste for adventure and act like sirens of the sea to those with an urge to escape from it all. Adrift from the mainland, and buffeted by the crashing waves and winds of the Atlantic, the islands have a grandeur all of their own, and the locals still feel a very strong, proud identification with their Celtic past. Stepping onto the islands is like stepping back in time into a mythical land of Celtic folklore, an impression helped by the widespread use of Gaelic interspersed with the English tongue. A day trip to the islands gives you just a taste of their desolate beauty, but those who can stay longer can feast on the multifaceted charms that these tiny islands will gradually reveal. The Aran Islands seem much further removed from the mainland than the 45 minute ferry ride or 10 minute flight might suggest. Their surprisingly temperate microclimate, uniquely shallow topsoil that is strewn with wildflowers and their daunting, almost defensive, cliffs all help to set the islands apart. But, it’s the ancient forts such as Dún Aengus on Inishmór and Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan, some of the oldest archaeological remains in Ireland, that suggest another world entirely. The islands are perfect for walking or cycling and their small size encourages exploration. You can follow the trail of ancient stone walls that still line the archipelago to discover places of mystical beauty, pilgrimage sites steeped in Celtic myth and plenty of clocháns, or drystone beehive huts dating back to the early Christian periods. Each of the islands has its own character, and their distinctness is reinforced by the fact that for most of the year the only way to travel between them is to take the ferry back to the mainland and start again. ### Inishmór Inishmór is the largest and most popular. Its wealth of archaeological sites and accommodating choice of pubs and restaurants is a benefit that is somewhat counterbalanced by the number of day-trippers who are drawn to visit them. ### Inishmaan In Inishmaan you can escape all this and stay amongst a culture that has determinedly preserved its age-old traditions, nurtured artists and romantics but still welcomes anyone wishing to share in its solitude, staying in isolated bed and breakfasts amidst the stark and uncompromising timeless beauty of its landscape. ### Inisheer Inisheer promises traditional music and a small-town sense of living it up as night sets in. You can feel the warmth of the local community as it sings traditional songs at night and watch its fishermen repairing their nets by day. How can you best experience the distinct charms of the Arran Islands? Why not allow yourself time to stay on each and leave no stone unturned? - Top hotels in Aran Islands - Top Holiday Rentals in Aran Islands ![Connemara Coast Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/90000/83500/83441/ac63f6e8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Connemara Coast Hotel Spiddal Road, Galway, Galway £103 1 Oct - 2 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Galway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (951 reviews) "Had to carry bags up 3 floors…, get a lift !!! 76 years old man !!" Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F10%2F2025&endDate=02%2F10%2F2025&selected=83441&PinnedHotelID=83441&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6177870) ![Lahinch Coast Hotel & Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1700000/1695500/1695484/1676a104_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lahinch Coast Hotel & Suites Main St, Lahinch, Clare £94 1 Oct - 2 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Lahinch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (660 reviews) Lahinch weekend "Ideal location for everything, lovely Staff & a very nice room couldn’t really ask for anything else" Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F10%2F2025&endDate=02%2F10%2F2025&selected=1695484&PinnedHotelID=1695484&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6177870) ![Doolin INN](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/23000000/22640000/22633100/22633075/309a46ff_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Doolin INN 1 Fisher Street, Ballyvara, Doolin £204 6 Oct - 7 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Doolin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (398 reviews) "Wonderful stay. Breakfast was delicious with large portions. Room was very comfortable. I just have to say, they have great hair dryers. The staff was very informative and gave me great ideas for a day trip with restaurant recommendations. And easy walking from Gus O’Connors pub and the Cliff walk. ..." Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=06%2F10%2F2025&endDate=07%2F10%2F2025&selected=22633075&PinnedHotelID=22633075&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6177870) [See all 455 properties in Aran Islands](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F09%2F2025&endDate=17%2F09%2F2025®ionId=6177870) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Eco-friendly house beside the sea in the wildness and solitude of Connemara ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18780000/18770300/18770235/890401c9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Eco-friendly house beside the sea in the wildness and solitude of Connemara Glinsk, Galway Stay at this holiday home in Letterard. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lough Truskeena and Lough Numbrackkeagh ... 10/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews) Peaceful stay in Wonderful venue "Beautiful location over looking Bertraghboy Bay. Superb views and loads of space in this bright house." Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Letterard-Hotels-Eco-Friendly-House-Beside-The-Sea-In-The-Wildness-And-Solitude-Of-Connemara.h18770235.Hotel-Information) ![Exclusive new 3000 sq. foot vacation home with spectacular ocean views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29860000/29851300/29851228/1b3abfd4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Exclusive new 3000 sq. foot vacation home with spectacular ocean views Co. Clare, County Clare Stay at this holiday home in Doolin. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Pitch & Putt are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews) "Great location with a nice view. Very spacious for our 10 person family. Nice layout and very clean." Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Doolin-Hotels-Exclusive-New-3000-Sq-Foot-Vacation-Home-With-Spectacular-Ocean-Views.h29851228.Hotel-Information) ![Aran View Holiday Homes Doolin, home n. 1 - Ocean View ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/71000000/70760000/70755900/70755852/48352c51_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Aran View Holiday Homes Doolin, home n. 1 - Ocean View Doolin, Clare Stay at this holiday home in Doolin. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cliffs of Moher and Burren Stained Glass Art are located nearby. 9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews) "Beautiful property with great view. Check in was easy and hosts were very responsive." Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Doolin-Hotels-House.h70755852.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Aran Islands](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6177870&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Aran Islands hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16)[15 Sept - 16 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-15&endDate=2025-09-16) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6177870&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Inisheer Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/21a6abf4644dcf48a1363904967e2d2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Inisheer Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Inisheer Beach during your travels in Inisheer? Make time to visit the cathedral and monuments while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Inisheer-Beach-Inisheer.d6085949.Attraction) #### O'Brien's Castle After visiting O'Brien's Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Inisheer. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the golf courses. [](https://expedia.co.uk/OBriens-Castle-Inisheer.d6085951.Attraction) #### Dun Aengus Find out about the history of Inishmore when you take a trip to Dun Aengus. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dun-Aengus-Inishmore.d6085935.Attraction) #### St Enda's Monastery You can learn about the history of Inishmore with a trip to St Enda's Monastery. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Endas-Monastery-Inishmore.d553248621532988237.Attraction) #### Kilmurvey Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Kilmurvey Beach during your travels in Inishmore? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Kilmurvey-Beach-Inishmore.d6085943.Attraction) #### Synge's Chair You can learn about the history of Inishmaan with a stop at Synge's Chair. Amble around this quaint area's seaside or experience its live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Synges-Chair-Inishmaan.d553248621532988154.Attraction) ## Cities near Aran Islands ![Photo by Milestone Travels](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f93a9aa4f8a5084918d59cb0320a437b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Inisheer [](https://expedia.co.uk/Inisheer.dx1604) ![Inishmore](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/8235f37f7d672526376d1b1048a78611.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Inishmore [](https://expedia.co.uk/Inishmore.dx1614) - Cities near Aran Islands - Places of interest [Inishmaan](https://expedia.co.uk/Inishmaan.dx1579)[Inisheer](https://expedia.co.uk/Inisheer.dx1604)[Inishmore](https://expedia.co.uk/Inishmore.dx1614)[Kilronan](https://expedia.co.uk/Kilronan.dx6174981)[Inis Meain](https://expedia.co.uk/Inis-Meain.dx3000029161) - [Synge's Chair](https://expedia.co.uk/Synges-Chair-Inishmaan.d553248621532988154.Attraction) - [Teach Synge](https://expedia.co.uk/Teach-Synge-Inishmaan.d6085947.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)