A Little Culture… Day Tripping, Biking, and Céilidh Dancing on Inishmore Island

Last updated on March 5, 2024 by Shannon

The local residents living in the Aran Islands are as unique as the topography of this small chain of limestone islands lacing across the top of Ireland’s wind-swept Galway Bay.

Known across the country as the cultural heart and soul of the Emerald Isle, the Aran Islands boast not only a prehistoric fort, but also some of the finest, toe-tapping Irish music around on the largest of the three Aran Islands, Inishmore (Inis Mor).

Most people visit Inishmore on a day trip—or they spend 24 hours with a quick overnight. Having traveled Ireland extensively, however, I know the magic small-towns and planned three nights in the charming town of Kilronan.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Inishmore?

Most travelers arrive for a day trip on the morning ferry from either Doolin or Rossaveel, near Galway. Then you have all day to bike around the island and visit a few highlights before catching the 5p ferry back to the mainland.

A day trip to Inis Mor is sufficient time to see most of the sights. But it’s not enough time to actually discover the true charms of the Aran Islands. You should spend at least one night on Inishmore to experience the town as it comes alive in the evening.

With three weeks total to drive across Ireland, I wanted ample opportunity to spend my days exploring the craggy landscape and my evenings listening to the lilt of Gaelic at a local pub as Irish jam sessions flavored the night.

Do you need three nights on Inishmore? No, but I have no regrets. Every moment was memorable, and my friend Laura even met her future husband at the pub our first night! She loved Inishmore so much she changed her life plans to return, fall in love, and now, 10+ years later lives in Galway with her husband and two kids. So, you might say that three days on Inishmore could just change your life. :)

Best Things to Do on Inishmore

Because of the island’s popularity with day trippers, you might think there’s little to see beyond the prehistoric fort.

You would be wrong.

A trip to the Aran Islands is about so much more than the sights, it’s the entire experience. Here are the best things to do on Inishmore. While many of these can be visited on a day trip, spreading them out across a couple of days allows you to get lost in the countryside, strike up conversations with locals, and just enjoy the vibes.

Tourist Map of the Aran Islands

Rent a Bike or a Pony and Trap

Biking the island was both harder and more rewarding than I had anticipated when I first decided it was a good idea. Most independent travelers rent a bike on Inishmore as part of their day trip explorations. Those on a formal day trip from Galway are usually driven around the island, since biking to the main sights does take a fair bit of time.

There are some no-joke hills on Inishmore, so you have to be ready for that or rent an e-bike (I would have so done this if they had existed when I visited), but you’ll also pass quaint villages, stone walls, grazing sheep, and gorgeous panoramas of waters and cliffs. If you want to feel each moment of your time on Inishmore, a bicycle or e-bike is the easiest and best way to do so.

If you’re not up for cycling, hire a traditional pony and trap to explore the island’s charming landscapes. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you ride along the narrow roads, passing by stone walls, lush fields, and quaint cottages. Both options are fantastic ways to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the island at your own pace.

And if you want to explore on foot, locals offer fascinating walking tours, or you can bring along your guidebook (I used and loved the Rick Steves’ Ireland).

Visit Dún Aonghasa Fort

Dún Aonghasa, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most iconic prehistoric forts in Europe. Dún Aonghasa is likely why you decided to visit Inishmore in the first place—it’s a big attraction for both history and nature buffs—the setting is incredible.

Its history is a labyrinth of legends and facts that mingle seamlessly. Believed to have been built in several phases starting around 1100 BC, the fort’s origins are swathed in mystery.

While its name, meaning “Fort of Aonghas,” refers to a god of love and youth in Irish mythology, the fort itself has been a sentinel, enduring the tests of time and elements, a keeper of ancient stories and whispers of past civilizations.

Dún Aonghasa is about 9 kilometers away from Kilronan village. The route is well-signposted, leading you through winding lanes framed by iconic dry stone walls.

Once you arrive, park your bike and take a brief hike up to the fort. The final ascent on foot is steep but manageable, and it’s well worth the effort. As you approach, you’ll encounter three concentric stone walls, and then, the fort itself, opening up to views that literally take your breath away.

It’s not just a visual spectacle but an emotive one, evoking a sense of wonder and connectedness to a past that, while distant, feels remarkably close when standing on that cliff edge.

And that sheer cliff face will test your resolve and your fear of heights! I could only look over the edge by commando crawling on my belly just enough that my eyes could peer down at the crashing water below.

Take a Dip at Kilmurvey Beach

If you’re visiting the Aran Islands seeking an idyllic escape, Kilmurvey Beach delivers with golden sand and a gently curving bay hugged by rocky outcrops. Easily accessible by bike from Kilronan Village, this beach offers a chance to relax and perhaps even take a brave dip in the chilly but invigorating Atlantic waters.

It’s an exceptional spot for a family day out, complete with a picnic and some beachcombing. Even if swimming isn’t on your agenda—it’s going to be too cold in shoulder season or winter—the serenity of the landscape combined with the rhythmic dance of the waves offers a lovely natural spectacle.

Visit the Wormhole (Poll na bPéist)

This curious geological formation looks like a giant, rectangular pool carved into the limestone, but it’s actually a natural occurrence. You’ll do a double take that it’s perfectly cut into the rocks.

The Wormhole is accessible via a hike or bike ride from Kilronan, the journey there is as much a part of the experience as the Wormhole itself. You’ll traverse stunning coastal paths and pass through fields separated by traditional stone walls.

The Wormhole hosts the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving event, but even when the divers aren’t soaring from the cliffs, it’s an extraordinary place to sit and ponder the power and artistry of nature.

Take note! You must be careful of the tides and waves if visiting the wormhole as it can be dangerous. The waves are powerful and at certain times of day can even wash you off the rock ledge in a split second. And while you could take a dip, it’s best not to because of currents and strong waves. Instead head to the beach for that. This blog post shares detailed images of how to navigate to the wormhole.

Observe the Seven Churches of Aran

For a peaceful yet stimulating excursion, head to the Seven Churches, or ‘Na Seacht Teampaill,’ a monastic site dating back to the 8th century. Contrary to the name, the site is only home to two churches but has additional stone slabs, crosses, and holy wells that make up the whole spiritual aura.

Whether you’re interested in religious history or just in search of tranquility, this site is lesser visited than Dún Aonghasa, but accessible by bike or hike from Kilronan village if you’re up for a long bike ride (or keen to continue past Dún Aonghasa) on your explorations.

Uncover Mysteries at the Black Fort

For a dramatic step back in time, saddle up your bike and make your way to Dún Dúchathair, commonly known as the Black Fort. This Iron Age fort is positioned precariously on the edge of a cliff, its stone walls seemingly fused into the very rock upon which they stand.

The pathway to the fort is less frequented, giving you the sense of uncovering something untouched and profoundly ancient. And it’s easily walked in 30 minutes from town.

As you explore the concentric stone walls and look out over the sheer cliff drop, you’re compelled to wonder about the people who once called this fortress home, and how they lived their lives in this formidable natural citadel. With the wild Atlantic as a backdrop, the Black Fort makes for a great spot for photos and to just admire nature and history.

Visit Ireland’s Tiniest Church

Teampall Bheanáin is known for its astonishingly well-preserved structure. And it’s one of the smallest churches in the world! Despite its diminutive size, it exudes a certain grandeur, a testament to the people who built it with such evident devotion.

The journey to this isolated church is equally fulfilling, offering panoramic views of the island and the sea beyond. If you’re game for an early outing, watch the sunrise over Galway Bay from this spot—it’s a very doable walk from Kilronan village—and then head to the Black Fort on your way back to Kilronan for breakfast.

Day Trip to Inish Oírr for the Plassey Shipwreck

One of the best reasons to stay more than one night on Inishmore is the chance to explore the one or both of the other Aran Islands, Inis Oírr (Inisheer) or Inis Meáin (Inishmaan).

Lying rusted and twisted on the rocks of Inis Oírr, the smallest neighbor of Inishmore, the Plassey Shipwreck offers a poignant sight that’s become iconic in its own right. A cargo ship that ran aground during a storm in 1960, the Plassey has become an accidental tourist attraction thanks to its appearance in the opening credits of the TV show “Father Ted.”

Boats regularly shuttle visitors between the Aran Islands, and the trip is quick, usually taking around 30 minutes. Once on Inish Oírr, you can either walk to the shipwreck site or hire a bike to speed up the journey.

Note the island is only 3km by 3km, so you have time to see all of the history, culture, and beauty of Inisheer. Beyond the shipwreck, O’Brien’s Castle, a 14th-century ruin perched atop a hill, offers panoramic vistas and a silent narrative of times long gone.

Nearby, the partially sunken Teampall Chaomhán stands as a poetic collision between human endeavor and the encroaching forces of nature, its ancient stones half-swallowed by shifting sand dunes.

But Inish Oírr isn’t all about the past; it’s a living, breathing community with a vibrant arts scene. Workshops and galleries dot the landscape, providing an intimate look at the island’s artisan traditions.

After your explorations, the cozy island cafés invite you to unwind with local culinary delights, be it a bowl of seafood chowder or a frothy pint of Guinness.

Find Where the Aran Island Locals Hang Out

Half of the town’s residents had already materialized around the dance floor of the Kilronan town hall when I arrived—early by my estimation, but clearly the locals were eager to get the party started!

Three weathered old men jammed on their instruments in a raised stage to one side, and the melodic strum of the Irish fiddle beat a tune that had me itching to join the dancing. Animated chatter emanated from every corner of the room as locals caught up on gossip, and a smattering of tourists like myself filed in to the chairs lining the room, all of use awkwardly waited for “it” to happen.

So, what is this mysterious “it” you might ask?

The dancing of course!

Saturday nights in Kilronan mean an authentic Irish céilidh (also called céilí dancing); it’s akin to a barn dance in the states. It’s local, partly unscripted, and wildly entertaining.

A céilidh is more than a type of dance, it’s code for a social event that contains everything the Irish hold dear: stories, music, singing, and folk dancing. To witness one is person is something worth planning a trip around—it was something I had desperately hoped to find during my three week road-trip of Ireland, and it now remains among my favorite memories in Ireland.

Hunt Down the Best Irish Music

The hostel owner recommended that we spend out first night on Inishmore at Joe Watty’s pub, and he was not mistaken. It was positively hopping.

Sadly, there wasn’t a single note of Irish music to be found! Although Joe Watty’s is synonymous with craic and good Irish tunes throughout the tourist season, I had planned my Irish road trip for September, and by the end of the month Inishmore was well into the off-season.

As such, local musicians played rock-inspired modern songs, and every single islander and tourist alike still seemed to have found their way to the pub for the evening.

Regardless, my friend Laura and I managed to locate a lively group of Aran Island locals our age and we all became fast friends. On our second night on the island, as the night wore on, they warned us to save our energy because the town’s weekly céilidh dance would begin at midnight!

Side-stepping through the crowds of the local céilidh was like stepping into a movie—it was just so typically Irish. It was essentially everything I could want from a visit to the Emerald Isle. Within minutes of entering the small town hall, locals young and old grabbed partners and began whirling people at a rapid pace.

Tourists were welcome to join the fun and I was quickly pulled onto the dance floor by a series of locals seeking nothing more than a dance partner willing to give it a go with the fast-paced and sometimes frenzied traditional dancing.

The céilidh was, in its entirety, my favorite night in Ireland. The experience completely encapsulated the experience of traveling to Ireland and seeking authentic Irish culture. I had visited Ireland during the high-season years ago and the pubs were flooded by tourists—this was another thing altogether.

My sad confession of the night: Even though I was a competitive Irish dancer a decade ago, that did little to help me keep up with the the rapid pace of the ceili dancing. As I switched partners and kept time with the music, it was pretty obvious that I was terrible.

To give myself a break though, the pints of Guinness didn’t help the situation all that much!

The party lasted well into the night, but as dawn approached it was time to say adieu to our new friends—after all, we had a full day of sightseeing and then another night of music planned before we had to leave the magical experience that had become our time on Ireland’s magical Aran Islands.

Reminisce About Your Day at Joe Watty’s

Even when there’s no traditional music (low season), Joe Watty’s is the number one spot to go for a memorable evening in town. This holds doubly true in high season—it’s nigh unforgivable to skip a night here when the Irish music’s playing!

How to Visit the Aran Islands

One general note for travelers is that this is fairly remote compared to the rest of Ireland. The ferry ride wouldn’t suffice in a real emergency if you needed medical care, and although there are daily flights to and from the island, it’s the type of place you want to have solid travel insurance (here’s why I recommend IMG).

Why Visit the Aran Islands

If a rollicking good time and access to the heartbeat of Irish culture is high on your list, then plan to visit Kilronan, an itty-bitty town on Inishmore. All three islands are the purest Irish speaking places in the world; Irish is their first language in school, and while they definitely speak English, random conversations around town are bandied about in full Irish Gaelic.

Although most tourists visit the Aran Islands as a day trip, Laura and I spent three days on the small island—what a wise choice! In addition to the ceili, there are fascinating bike routes to ring forts, towers, and cemeteries, all with a helping of quintessential Irish charm.

The Washington Post published a beautiful article about the islands in the 90’s, and nearly 30 years later it’s still as quaint and charming as it was then.

When to Visit the Aran Islands

The ideal time to visit the Aran Islands is between May and September, when the weather is relatively mild, and the days are long, giving you ample time to explore the rugged landscapes and cultural treasures.

It’s only during these months that the islands come alive with festivals and outdoor activities, offering you a glimpse into the vibrant local community and traditions.

While unpredictable Irish weather is a factor year-round, summer offers the most reliable conditions for cycling, hiking, or simply enjoying a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic.

The ferries don’t reliably run in the winter, when the weather is unpredictable and storms make the water too rough much of the time.

How to Get to the Aran Islands

Seemingly an isolated set of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands are easily accessible now thanks to modern tourism. Most travelers visit Inis Mor on the ferry from Galway, but there is also a ferry in Doolin.

Since I highly recommend travelers stay at least a night in Doolin when visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the harbor there makes an easy launching point—and if you haven’t rented a car, which would require you to to park at the Doolin docks, you can actually take your return ferry straight to Galway!

Several daily ferries depart from both locations during the high season, with more limited schedules as the weather changes and when the water gets rougher.

From Rossaveal (an hour outside of Galway) it’s a simple 45-minute ferry ride to Inishmore. Check the timetable here, and always note the last departure for the day so you make it back if you’re day tripping.

Doolin Ferries takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also just book a scenic ferry ride around the closest island if you’re in too much of a time crunch even for the Inis Mor day tours! Check the ferry times here, and again, note the time of the last ferry on the day you’re visiting.

Where to Stay

In summer season (June-Aug), book well in advance to secure accommodation on the island.

Budget: Budget travelers should look no further than Kilronan Hostel on Inishmore—it’s phenomenally well-located by the pier, the staff are so friendly, and it offers easy bike rentals.

Mid-range: Mid-range travelers couldn’t go wrong with a night or two at Ard Mhuiris B&B or Ard Einne House, which are both walkable to anything you might want to do in town.