MeghannMix: Take me back to the islands

ARAN Islands guard the mouth of Galway Bay and are visible from the Clare coastline. They are known for their rugged landscape, golden beaches and ancient sites.

The islands are great for a day trip or weekend getaway. I’ve been visiting each of the islands since I was a young girl and the weather is mostly nice and warm. I’m sure there’s some geographical explanation for this but geography wasn’t my strong point in school.

Inis Oírr is the smallest of the three islands and is closest to the Clare coast. It’s a great place for a day trip and you can get around by foot.

Inis Meáin is the middle island and the quietest in terms of tourists. This is a personal favourite with my mother, we used to visit on a regular basis when we lived in Spiddal.

Inis Mór is the big island and is a hive of activity during the summer months. It’s worth getting a bike, a horse and cart or a mini bus tour to get around.

The handiest way to get to the islands is a ferry from Doolin. Doolin Ferries have daily crossings. It takes up to an hour to get to Inis Mór.

You can also travel from Galway city and Rossaveel in Connemara. Or you can fly with Aer Arann from the Connemara Airport in Inverin to all three islands. Flying is a fun and quick experience, not for the faint hearted.

This time round I visited the big island. The best way to see Inis Mór is by bike. Bike rental companies are available as you disembark off the boat and my top tip is to go for an electric bike, you’ll thank me after a full day of cycling up and down the island hills.

As mentioned, if you don’t fancy cycling, you can go by horse and cart or bus, all available as you arrive onto the island.

Dún Aonghasa was reportedly built during the iron age. The prehistoric hill fort lies at the edge of a 100-metre-high cliff. You can cycle to the base of it, park your bike and walk to the top.

It’s an uneven, uphill climb but well worth visiting. You’ve to pay to visit this site, €5 per adult. It’s breathtaking but be very careful at the cliff edge.

Poll na bPéist (wormhole) is another famous spot close to Dún Aonghusa. This is a natural pool where many people go for a swim and it’s also where the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series took place in 2019.

As you cycle from the main village, Cill Rónáin, towards Dún Aonghasa, take the coastal route and you'll happen upon the seal colony. These mammals chill in the water or on the rocks. Further on from here is the most beautiful beach, Cill Mhuirbhigh, well worth a dip.

There’s loads of food and drink options on the island, from coffee shops to restaurants and bars. At the foot of Dún Aonghusa there’s a thatch cottage where you can sit and eat.

Close to the village is the famous Tí Joe Watty’s which serves food and drinks. In the main village, you have The Bar, Bayview Restaurant and Tigh Joe Mac.

As for accommodation, there’s a hotel, hostel, B&B’s and a glamping and camping site that has pods and all the facilities you need for an enjoyable stay.

While the islands are a great place to visit during the summer months, Ted Fest is an annual event that happens on Inis Mór in March.

It’s to celebrate the cult TV show, Father Ted. The opening credits of the show are shots of Inis Oírr. Events across the weekend include Buckaroo and Movie Charades, a Jesuit Country & Western Hour and Priests v Nuns Beach Volleyball. And no Father Ted event would be possible without the annual Lovely Girls Competition!

There's something very special about the Aran Islands and it really feels like a break away to recharge, relax, explore and take in the local wildlife and biodiversity.

If you’re planning a day trip or staycation with family, friends or even a solo getaway, I would recommend the Aran Islands.

Rogha na Seachtaine

SKINCARE: Ghosts by Dolly Alderton. I love her style of writing. She really captivates the reader. Nina Dean, who is in her 30s, is a strong, formidable woman navigating her way through singlehood and her career.  

TASTE: Foxes Bow Whiskey is a Limerick brand of whiskey with a contemporary design and great taste. It was founded by Alice Carroll and Tony Foote who saw a gap in the market having worked in the whiskey industry. It’s perfect neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or as a cocktail. It also makes for a great gift for whiskey lovers. 

EVENT: Live at the Castle is serving up some great acts this summer. On August 25 Dec Pierce brings his electrifying Block Rockin Beats to King John's Castle followed by fan favourites The Coronas the following day. A great way to see out the summer in Limerick city. 

Contact Meghann by email - meghannmix@limerickleader.ie