Inis Oírr (or Inisheer, pronounced just how it looks) is the smallest of the three Aran Islands. I can’t tell you that it’s my favorite yet as we’ve only visited 2 of the 3 islands so far, but I really do think it will be my favorite. Hopefully sometime soon we can round out the trifecta with a visit to Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and then I’ll report back.
HOW TO GET THERE
We departed on a ferry from Doolin Pier. I booked our tickets in advance as it was forecast to be a scorcher and I didn’t want to be disappointed when we arrived in Doolin. There are two ferry companies, Doolin Ferry and Doolin 2 Aran, and tbh I don’t remember which one we used. I think they’re equally good and reputable. The total for a return ticket is €85 for a family of 4. There’s plenty of parking at the pier, but give yourself plenty of time to 1) park, 2) pay for parking, 3) use the toilets and then 4) queue up to get on board the boat. It’s nice to sit on the top deck on a fine day and seats are first come first served. The ferry ride is a quick 25 mins.
It’s also possible to get a ferry to Inis Oírr from Rosaveel in Connemara or you can fly from Connemara Regional Airport which sounds super cool, we’ve never done that. The ferry from Rosaveel to Inis Oírr takes about an hour and 10 mins.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
We walked straight over the Rothái Inis Oírr (bike hire) right near the ferry port. I had emailed them the day prior to request bikes as I didn’t know whether they’d have enough. They definitely do, however it was nice because they had our bikes set aside, and they had the tag-along all set up already for our daughter. It was only a few minutes before we were speeding around the island on our bikes. The total for us for 2 adult bikes, a child bike and a tag-along was €50 for the full day, this was in 2021, so prices may have changed.
WHAT TO DO
We headed west on the bikes where we were told the seals like to sun themselves at low tide. We got lucky and saw tons of seals which was such a highlight for us. One of those core memories that I’ll absolutely never forget. We continued around the western side of the island and stopped every so often when we felt like taking a break.
We then looped back into the main village for lunch. We had sandwiches and treats at Teach an Tae, they had a nice outdoor eating area and the food was fresh and very good. There seemed to be quite a few restaurants, cafes and food trucks around so I don’t think you need to worry about making a reservation for lunch. If you’re staying overnight in peak season, it might be a good idea to make a dinner reservation, especially if there’s a specific place you want to eat.
After lunch we headed to the beach. At no surprise to anyone who’s ever been to Inis Oírr, the beach was awarded blue flag status this year, 2022. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and it’s safe for swimming and perfect for families. We played in the sand, swam and read for awhile before we hopped back on the bikes for the last leg of our adventure.
This time we explored the eastern part of the island. We walked around Plassey Shipwreck and ate some ice cream here. We then cycled by the lighthouse and looped back to the village where we stopped and played at the playground at the base of O’Briens Castle before our ferry back to Doolin. It was absolutely the best day. It’s not an inexpensive day out, but it’s a memorable one for sure and we’d highly recommend. If we were to do the day over again we’d try to add a visit to the castle into our itinerary.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
We hope to go back this summer to stay at Rua Camping Inis Oírr. You can pitch your own tent OR you can stay in one of their bell tents which look so cool!! Our summer is filling up, but I’m really hoping we can spend two nights in a bell tent here before the kids head back to school in the fall.
You must take the ferry that is listed on your ticket. If you book the 1:15pm return for example you can’t just decide to stay until 4pm! This happened on the day we were there, a few people thought they’d chance staying longer on such a nice sunny day and the poor things were left on the pier as the boat couldn’t accomodate them. I’m still not sure whether the ferry went back for them or whether they had to stay on the island overnight.
If cycling is not for you, you can also explore by horse and cart. The driver will bring you around to all the main attractions.
THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU’RE NOT FROM IRELAND
Inis Oírr is a gaeltacht region, so the main language is Irish. English is spoken, but it’s polite to have a few words/phrases of Irish, simple things like good morning, thank you, bye, etc. You tube is a great resource for this.
There are no cars on this island so it’s really safe for biking with kids.
Thanks for reading and as always, contact me with any questions.Kristina.bell.leonard@gmail.com @transatlantic_leonards on insta.
Transatlantic Leonards 