As a New Yorker, I am petrified of bicycles. I’m more likely to die from bike accident (even as a pedestrian) than I am from a car accident, contagious disease, or terrorist attack. Bikers in NYC are ruthless whether they’re a hobbyist out for the thrill of speed or trying to make a food delivery in record time. It’s nearly impossible to ride a bike without encountering any cars, so I just don’t do it. If I had my own bike, I’d still have to cross several streets to reach a proper biking path which will then intersect with busy highways from time to time. Unfortunately, biking is great exercise and a pastime enjoyed by many people I know. Sometimes I feel like I’m missing out. And now, I haven’t been on a bike for years, so I’m sure I’d make a fool of myself. But part of traveling is about pushing your boundaries, trying new things, and overcoming fears. So when I read about the Aran Islands, three islands with very few cars, best seen by bike, I decided to give it a go. I’d be solo traveling, so there was no one around to poke fun when I would inevitably fall, but someone to come my rescue if I sustained an injury. I psyched myself up for this idyllic experience. And then Ireland did what it does best. Rain, rain, rain. I definitely wasn’t going to bike in the rain. My bike ride would have to wait.
You can reach the ferry to the Aran Islands by a short bus ride departing from Galway’s city center. Once you arrive on the island, there are tourist vans to shuttle you around the island, or you can explore some regions by foot. Being short on time, I planned to only visit Inis Mor, the largest of the three islands, and signed up for a bus tour to take me to the highlights on the island.
A beautiful road on the island of Inis Mor in the Aran Islands.
Must See Stops on Inis Mor, Aran Islands
There are several wonderful places to see in the Aran Islands. I missed a few, so don’t hesitate to spend more than a day there.
Dun Aonghasa. a fort built in the Bronze Age.
An entrance to the famous fort, Dun Aonghasa on Inis Mor.
The Cliffs
The beautiful coastline of Inis Mor.
Teampull Bheanáin
The inside of Teampull Bheanáin, you can see what is believed to be a shrine to beloved St. Patrick.
The historic 11th century Catholic Church built by Benen in honor of St. Patrick.
The Village
You might want to stop by the sweater shops in the village to purchase something a little warmer and more fashionable than this coat. Even in July it is quite cold on the cliffs!
While there are accommodations for all budgets on the island, restaurants and pubs, I stuck to sight seeing and a little shopping. You might want to pick up an Aran sweater while visiting because they’re beautiful….and it’s very COLD!!!!
Due to the weather, the ferry ride back to the mainland was extremely choppy. It was not for the faint of heart or those who get seasick. It was by far my worst boat ride ever with the bow rising up with the waves and slamming back down to the sea every few seconds.
If you make it to the Aran Islands, hope you get a little bit nicer weather than I experienced. But don’t let the weather deter you. As you can see it is a beautiful place to visit, rain or shine. And after all, what is a trip to Ireland without a lot of rain!?!
Oh there’s nothing like those Irish cliffs! I share your fear of NYC cyclists, but I actually never learned how to ride a bike at all. We did not have room in our apartment for one. Now I think I will never learn. I’ve never been to the Aran Islands, but I’d love to go next time I’m back in Ireland.
Maybe a bicycle built for two is the answer! I’ve never tried those actually!
I was terrified of biking before moving to Amsterdam. No reason to push yourself when there’s an alternative around! Great photos.
I too avoid big city biking! It’s just as scary in London with the cars coming from all sorts of wrong directions! Your pics are lovely but I don’t think I could have survived that boat ride!!
Make sure to go on calm seas. It was rough for sure. You can also fly, but I’d opt for a boat over a tiny plane most days. 😉
Hey Stephanie!
I’ve read several of your Ireland posts, and I am glad you got to experience so much of Ireland besides Dublin. I visited Ireland for a month, rented a car, and made the loop around the whole country and I can’t tell people enough how glad I am I got to experience more than Dublin! It was my first country on an epic solo tour, so Ireland has its own place in my heart.
That being said, I never visited the Aran Islands! I did see the Islands from the shore in Dingle, though, because I remember seeing the one that looked like a sleeping giant! I am surprised how identical some of these photos are to Dingle and Slea Head Drive. Many people bike Slea Head Drive (which I wrote about – have you been?) so maybe next time try your hand at biking that (also called Dingle Way)!
Pssh, I am crazy. I definitely did not see the Aran Islands from Dingle, it was the Blasket Islands I saw. Nevertheless, the similarities between Aran & Dingle is strange!
I haven’t been to Dingle! I’m headed back this summer for a few days and trying to decide what to do! So many options and so little time. I’ll be with a friend with a car though, so should have plenty of chances to get off the beaten path!!
Oh this looks positively heavenly! I was terrified of riding a bike for most of my life as I broke both my arms when I flipped off one when I was a kid, but I had to relearn how to ride one in Japan when I lived there. Now I miss riding a bike! Need to get here to do some cycling and exploring for sure.
Looks stunning! I was just wondering about how cold it was then saw you mentioned it! Wise tip to bring something warm with you. Thanks!
I am so glad i pulled up these old photos to remind myself to pack accordingly for the next trip!! I will definitely need some nice layers for my future Ireland adventures.
I have only ever been to Dublin but cannot wait to explore and this had made me wanderlust a lot! Lovely photographs (: especially Teampull Bheanáin!
Aww, thanks. Ireland is really a beauty. And as you’ve noticed many of my photos were shot in overcast weather. I can’t even imagine how stunning this would be with a little sunshine!!
Love the cliffs! I’m also terrified of bikers. As a pedistrian, as a driver – I’m either scared they’re going to run me over or I’m accidentally going to run them over!
It’s the truth!! I’ve been nearly hit by so many delivery men in NYC. They are reckless. I really need to try to find a peaceful place to bike one day.
It seems to be a good trip. Thanks for letting know about dressing warm while traveling Aran Islands. Happy travels!
I would love to visit Aran Islands sometimes. I spent some time traveling around the Isle of Skye about two years ago and this reminds me of that.
I’ll have to look into the Island of Skye, sounds like it could be a great future trip!
Those pictures look lovely and a great place to discover by bike. You have to come to Holland and try your first biking experience here. It’s impossible not to bike in Holland so a good way to get over your fear. Although I wouldn’t want to bike in a city as busy as NYC either!
Hmm…would people stare if I traveled wearing my helmet? Can’t exactly pack it…wastes too much space! Would have to wear it for air travel!
I really need to get to Ireland, so stunning!
Most definitely!
The island indeed looks good for biking. I would love to give it a try to if I go there. 😀
They could have turned on some sunshine for your foray by bike! Bloody Irish weather! But at least you got to see those stunning cliffs, and hopefully reassured you that bikes are a good thing!
I think this year they’ll have some sunshine for me. I am optimistic.
I had no clue biking in NYC was that dangerous. Woah! The Aran Islands sounds amazing, maybe you’ll go back for that bike ride.
Many people do it, but even the most careful helmet wearing bikers I know have been involved in accidents. Maybe one day I’ll get back on a bike. But it will be in a peaceful place like this, not NYC.