Top Things to do in Aran Islands
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5 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Aran Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Aran Islands, Ireland including Dun Aonghasa, Dive Academy, Dun Duchathair, The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist), Aran Bike Hire.
Restaurants in Aran Islands
1. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
2. Dive Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 232 reviews
Discover Atlantic Ocean on the ARAN ISLANDS. Learn to scuba dive on the beautiful Inis Mór Island! Here in Ireland the great current Gulf Stream, as well as warming the ocean, brings nutrients to our water, which results in unique and rich marine life. Besides the pretty sea anemones and corals, sea citizens range from dolphins and seals to dogfish and basking sharks...
3. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
4. The Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By Tjorne18
In July 1971 my girlfriend and I dived into the swimming pool. We had no idea it was linked with the ocean. When we told locals, they were appalled. Inishmor 1971 was before electricity and cars. Ferry out of Galway once a week. Today’s visitors have no idea what a wonderful place it was. Tripadvisor seems not to like trips down memory lane. Hence July 2020!
5. Aran Bike Hire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By 0seamusr
Highly recommend this location for bike hire, very friendly staff and relatively affordable. Bikes are definitely the best way to experience the island, beautiful scenery at your own pace. The proprietor was also very kind to extend the rental an extra day at no charge when my party missed the ferry. Highly recommend.
