Things to Do in Galway
Galway city's essential sights, from the Latin Quarter and Spanish Arch to Galway Cathedral and Salthill promenade — what to see and why each one matters.
Aran Islands Guide
A roughly 3,000-year-old stone fort on a cliff edge, reachable by a 40-minute ferry from either Galway or Doolin — Inishmore as a genuine day trip, not just a ferry stop mentioned in passing.
By Ireland Spots Team
Photo: Pixinn.net / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Aran Islands come up on almost every Galway day-trip list, but usually as a single line about ferries rather than a real plan — here's what an actual day on Inishmore looks like.
Getting there
The year-round option is the ferry from Rossaveel, roughly 45 minutes' drive west of Galway city, with a shuttle bus from Galway usually bundled into the ticket — the crossing itself takes around 40–45 minutes. Doolin, over in County Clare, runs a seasonal ferry (broadly March to October) that also calls at Inisheer, the smallest of the three islands, on some routes. A seasonal sailing direct from Galway city itself is sometimes available too. Fares and exact schedules vary by operator and season — check current timetables before booking, particularly outside summer.
Kilronan, the main village
Inishmore's main village and the usual arrival point, with bike rental, a visitor information point, and the island's concentration of pubs and cafés. It's also where jaunting cars (pony and trap) depart for Dún Aonghasa if you'd rather not walk or cycle the roughly 7km out.
Dún Aonghasa
A prehistoric stone fort perched dramatically on a cliff edge, believed to date back roughly 3,000 years and the main reason most visitors make the trip. Tickets are bought at the visitor centre at its base before the walk up. It's genuinely one of Ireland's most striking archaeological sites precisely because of where it sits — a sheer drop to the Atlantic on one side of the fort walls.
Planning the day
A day trip is realistic but tight: a morning ferry out and an early evening ferry back is the usual pattern, which leaves a few hours on the island rather than a full day. Winter opening hours at Dún Aonghasa and its visitor centre typically run an hour shorter than summer, so check current times if travelling outside the main season.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Aran Island should I visit on a day trip?
Inishmore (Inis Mór) — the largest of the three islands and home to Dún Aonghasa, the main visitor draw. Inishmaan and Inisheer are smaller and quieter, better suited to visitors who already know they want less rather than more to see.
How do you get to the Aran Islands?
The year-round option is the ferry from Rossaveel, about 45 minutes' drive west of Galway city, with a shuttle bus from Galway usually included in the ticket. Doolin, in County Clare, runs a seasonal ferry roughly March to October that also serves Inisheer. A seasonal sailing direct from Galway city itself exists too — check current timetables for whichever option fits your trip.
What is Dún Aonghasa?
A prehistoric stone fort on Inishmore, perched on a cliff edge and believed to be roughly 3,000 years old. It's about 7km from Kilronan, Inishmore's main village, reachable on foot, by rented bike, or by jaunting car — tickets for the fort are bought at its visitor centre.
Practical details last verified 5 November 2026.
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Best Day Trips from Galway
The Aran Islands, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, and the Cliffs of Moher — how to actually get to each from Galway, by ferry, bus or car.
Doolin Guide
Ireland's traditional-music village, the usual ferry departure point for the Aran Islands, and the northern end of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.