Aran Islands - pocket sized IrelandsThe Aran Islands are really special, pocket sized versions of how life used to in Ireland and you should take a trip out to either Inis Mor, Inis Meain or Inis Oirr if you get a chance. Born of a long tradition of fishing and farming these once isolated communities were self sufficient and oblivious to life on the mainland. The Irish language is alive and well out there, as are music and crafts and you will not get closer to nature than on the islands. And yet it is technology like broadband which is leading a revival and return to Irelands islands that had suffered huge exodus in the past. Such is the islanders connection with their earthly paradise is that they believe they will only get to heaven if they die on Inish Mor, which necessitated the building of a nursing home there not so long ago....
You can take a ferry from Doolin in the summertime or from Inverin all year round. A new service from Galway docks is expected to start operating this year. Or you can fly via Aer Arann (which boasts the most trans-atlantic flights in the world)from Galway airport. Once there, getting about is by ‘shanks mare’ ie walking or hiring bikes. Avoid high summer and the bank holidays if you can, as they get quite crowded. Winter is magical with wild Atlantic gales lashing the westerly coasts, when you can easily get all four seasons in one day, whereas on a good summers day you can laze on white sandy beach and swim in turquoise seas. Followed by fresh crab, mackerel, brown bread and butter, a cold beer or a pint of Guinness, heaven on earth....
The Galway Tour Company will be operating day trips from the docks in Galway from Easter till September. Phone 091-566566. Or you can travel from Doolin with Doolin Ferries?
For more information on the Aran Islands please click here 
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