Islands of Galway

The Islands

Islands of Galway and the West of Ireland

Any holiday in the west of Ireland should include a visit to one of the 7 islands off the West coast which consist of the 3 Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr and further north to Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and beyond to Achill Island off the coast of Mayo. Island life is difficult to describe and impossible to forget. Life moves that little bit slower on these islands, and stress is much less than on the mainland. However, there is still many activities to do. You can visit historical sites, go cycling, horse riding or walking, take in the breathtaking scenery and spend time in the many visitor centres, and take part in local music, art, craft and walking festivals.


Advice for travelling to the islands ⛴

Check sailing times and book your trip
It is always advisable to check sailing times with the ferry or boat operator before travelling. It is recommended to book your passage in both directions in advance, or as as per the advice of the ferry operator. The boats may be large or small vessels, as indicated on this website. All sailings are weather dependent and often subject to demand.

Travel prepared for every weather eventuality 🎒
Wear layered clothing and sensible shoes and prepare for the particular island journey you are planning. For instance, while some of the islands are populated, easy to reach and have a full range of services from accommodation to catering facilities, others are uninhabited and remote with no services. This website should give you a general sense of what to expect, but your licensed boat operator is your best source of information and advice. Generally, if travelling to an island with little or no services you should bring your own food and necessary supplies.

Best time to visit
Some of the islands are very busy in high season (July and August in particular), so the fringes of the season are often the best time to visit.

Care for the islands’ environment
Please leave the islands as you have found them, taking nothing but photographs and leaving nothing but footprints. Please respect monuments, habitats, dwellings, stone walls, plant and wild life. Please dispose of any litter in bins, recycling where possible or bring it with you from the islands.

Be Safe, Take Care
The islands represent a very special visitor experience but, because of their very nature, are fully exposed to all of nature’s elements. Consequently, their terrains are mostly rugged and the seas surrounding them can sometimes be wild. Always take the greatest possible care when exploring the islands and their waters.


Galway Islands FAQs

What islands are near Galway?
There are numerous islands off the rugged coast of Galway. Most are uninhabited but some of the larger ones do have significant populations and are popular places to visit. The 3 islands that sit the entrance to Galway Bay are the Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. They are accessible by ferry or by plane at Connemara Airport. Further north are the beautiful islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk which are only accessible by boat and Omey Island which can be accessed at low tide on foot or by car across a tidal strand.
Are the Aran Islands in Galway or Clare?
The Aran Islands are part of County Galway but can be reached by ferry from Doolin in Co. Clare and also at Rossaveal to the north in Galway.
Can you stay on Aran Islands?
Yes, there are many different varieties of accommodation available on the Aran Islands from camping and glamping to hostels, guesthouses and hotels.

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