Step into Aran Island Gaeltacht life, where tradition, innovation and technology work hand in hand to the back drop of breathtaking scenery for a unique and quality tourist experience. This year, Aran Island Ferries and Aran Island hospitality is striving and thriving as it celebrates multiple family business milestones, read all about these successes right here..
It's been 40 plus 1 years since Aran Island Ferries first transported tourists to the Aran Islands on board their family “Galway Hooker” boat, 'An Tonaí', a traditional vessel which remains in their family today.
In 2024, the award-winning Aran Island Ferries operates a high quality, tourist ferry service from two key Galway locations. Ros a’Mhíl (Rossaveel) Harbour in Connemara, which is its traditional departure point with multiple daily ferry transfers available year-round to all three Aran Islands; Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Additionally, its most recent development and offering; 'Saoirse na Farraige,' Ireland’s largest passenger ferry operates daily from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands with a unique cruise by the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This is a part-guided, daily cruise from Galway Docks and will run until Sunday, September 22nd.
Both Aran Island Ferries options provide excellent and safe ferry crossings with a highly professional, personable and talented crew to the jewels in the crown of Galway Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way; the Aran Islands.
All of the Aran Islands offer a unique island cultural experience, where the traditions of the Irish language and a rich island heritage live freely in 2024. Alongside a vibrant and multi-generational family tourism and hospitality industry, which is extremely valuable to life on the islands today. All of which is wrapped in the stunning Aran Islands scenery with breathtaking of views of Galway Bay and the landscapes of Connemara and Clare.
Visitors can enjoy a wealth of choices for day trips or overnight experiences, as a couple, or with family or friends. Available across the Aran Islands is an excellent choice of high-quality accommodation from hotels, a hostel, guest houses and Airbnbs, to glamping and camping. Whatever you opt for a warm Aran Islands welcome awaits with excellent food and entertainment and a unique island tradition and personality. Experience the islands by walking, cycling, taking a minibus tour or a relaxing pony and trap ride to see all of the main attractions and hidden gems. Visit the splendid Dún Aonghasa stone fort on Inis Mór, and learn the tradition of food on the islands with Aran Food Tours and Aran Island Goats Cheese; 2024 also welcomed the first ever Aran Seafood truck at the foot of the iconic Dún Aonghasa!
Aran Off Road Experience, in their 4 x 4 jeeps explores the hidden gems of the Worm Hole (Poll na bPéist) and the roads less travelled on Inis Mór along with the behind-the-scenes sites of the acclaimed Martin McDonagh movie; 'The Banshees of Inisherin.' The tradition of the Aran Sweater is found in exhibitions and showcases across the islands. The clear waters of the Atlantic surrounding the Aran Islands are ideal for diving and water sports with Dive Academy on Inis Mór or visitors can choose the Aran Sea Tours experience as well.
Organic and wholesome food is plentiful across all three islands with an extensive choice of freshly caught seafood on all menus. Traditional Irish music sessions take place nightly and are aimed at families also. Liam O Maonlaí of the Hothouse Flowers will deliver two wonderful intimate gigs on the 20th and 21st of August on both Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Inis Mór born, singer song writer, Pádraig Jack will also make multiple island appearances when not touring across Ireland this summer.
For literary enthusiasts, the tours of Inis Meáin give a true and authentic insight to the calmness of island life while the treasure of Cathaoir Synge, the seat of the famous writer John Millington Synge is a must visit. Tours are available daily and bicycles are for hire, with music and food in the local Teach Ósta.
Inis Oírr, has the spectacle of the Plassey Shipwreck for visitors to view along with O’Brien’s Castle, the Light House, Teampall Caomhán and multi-functional and unique arts space Áras Éanna which offers an excellent arts and culture programme to visitors and locals alike and there’s also the relaxing Inis Oirr Seaweed Baths.
In 2024, the ever-growing tradition of family hospitality businesses on the Aran Islands marks multiple milestones including the award-winning Aran Island Ferries, 40+1 years and the second generation of the O’Brien family comfortably transporting passengers to all three of the Aran Islands.
The tradition of shopping and commercial supplies on Inis Mór from groceries, Aran Sweaters and more is now in its 4th generation and marking 108 years with the Mullen Family and the Spar shop on Inis Mór. It’s 55 years (beginning in 1969) since a handful of bicycles were first available on Inis Mór for visitors. Today, thousands of bicycles from traditional to electric, tandems and bicycles with buggies for all age groups are available with Aran Bike Hire who carry on the tradition.
Across the island hospitality sector, the Aran Islands welcome and facilitate a unique hospitality island experience with true Gaeltacht island ethos which is celebrated in 2024 especially on Inis Mór. The Gill Family and Ard Éinne Guest House marks 40 years of welcoming guests to Killeany on Inis Mór. Clodagh Ní Ghoill (Gill) and her family are warmly delivering the mantle under the astute supervision of their mother who founded the business. The stunning thatched cottage at the foot of Dún Aonghasa, Teach Nan Phaidí marks 20 years of award-winning food, with sumptuous daily, home cooked dishes on offer. All ingredients are island sourced with much pride in the seafood selection and of course locally grown vegetable and salad ingredients.
Husband and wife team, PJ and Grace Flaherty, are marking 43 years of food and hospitality on Inis Mór and 15 years in the award-winning Tigh Joe Watty’s where their son, rising composer and singing star Pádraig Jack finds influence for his new creations and often performs.
A visit to Galway and Connemara isn't complete without a ferry ride to the Aran Islands, and for Galwegians and their family and friends, a Aran Island Ferries crossing to the Aran Islands is a wholesome and unique day out or minibreak. The Aran Islands are a stunning destination where traditions of previous generations are coupled with the innovations of modern life and create a fun and authentic experience which is wholesome and rewarding for all age groups.
The Aran Islands offer escapism, culture, adventure, language and heritage along with beautiful scenery, and the first step of experiencing it; aboard the Aran Island Ferries offers memories and a first-class ferry experience. Check out www.aranislandferries.com or follow their social media - Facebook, Instagram + Twitter - for the latest information and things to do on all three of the Aran Islands. Details on how to get to the Aran Islands and what to experience for an enjoyable and interesting break with friends and family is all just a click away!
