Embark on an unforgettable journey to the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis O’írr. Just a 50-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel, County Galway, this day trip offers a chance to explore the island’s charming fishing village atmosphere. With bike rentals, mini-bus tours, and local pubs, there’s plenty to discover among the island’s rugged Atlantic coastline. Limited to 150 participants, this intimate experience promises breathtaking views and a chance to take in Ireland’s natural beauty and rich culture. What makes this day trip truly special, however, is…
Good To Know
- A day trip to explore Inis O’Írr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, with a round-trip ferry departure from Rossaveel, County Galway.
- The 50-minute ferry ride offers scenic views of the rugged Atlantic coast, and activities on the island include bike rentals, mini-bus tours, and local pub visits.
- Convenient transportation options, including a return shuttle bus from Galway city and ample parking at Rossaveel pier, make the trip accessible.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policies provide peace of mind, with the option for a full refund or reschedule if the trip is canceled due to poor weather.
- Immersive experience in the island’s fishing village atmosphere, with opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty, history, and community spirit.
Overview of the Day Trip
The day trip offers travelers the chance to explore Inis O’Írr, the smallest of the picturesque Aran Islands.
This round-trip journey departs from Rossaveel, County Galway, and includes a 50-minute ferry ride to the island.
Once there, visitors can discover the fishing village atmosphere and historical sites at their own pace.
Travelers can choose from activities like bike rentals, mini-bus tours, and visits to local pubs.
With a maximum of 150 participants, the trip provides an intimate experience to take in the island’s unique charms.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Galway.
Ferry and Transportation Details
Departure from Rossaveel Harbour, located 23 miles west of Galway City, is recommended.
Travelers should allow one hour to reach the port from Galway. A return shuttle bus transfer from Galway city to Rossaveel Port is available upon booking. Convenient parking is also provided at the Rossaveel pier.
The scenic 50-minute ferry ride offers opportunities to take in the Atlantic coast views en route to the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 150 travelers, with a start time of 10:30 am.
Itinerary and Experience
Spend several hours exploring Inis O’Eírr at your leisure. The day trip departs at 10:30 am and can accommodate up to 150 travelers. During the 50-minute ferry ride, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic coast.
Activity | Duration | Cost |
---|---|---|
Bike Hire | 1-3 hours | €10-€15 |
Mini-bus Tour | 1 hour | €8 per person |
Visit Local Pubs | Varies | €4-€6 per drink |
Once on the island, you can rent a bike, take a mini-bus tour, or visit the local pubs to learn about the fishing village atmosphere and historical sites. Parking is available at the Rossaveel pier, and a return shuttle bus from Galway city is offered upon booking.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their trip up to 24 hours before the experience starts, with a full refund offered. This policy provides peace of mind in case plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If the day trip is canceled due to poor weather conditions, travelers can choose to either receive a full refund or reschedule their visit. This ensures that customers aren’t left out-of-pocket if the tour can’t go ahead as planned.
Reviews and Feedback
According to the available reviews, the Inis Oírr day trip has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, though none of the ratings were 5-star.
Positive comments highlight the island’s natural beauty and friendly locals. However, some negative feedback mentions issues with customer service and weather-related cancellations.
Travelers report enjoying the scenic ferry ride and having ample time to explore the fishing village at their leisure.
While the overall experience seems positive, the lack of 5-star reviews suggests there’s room for improvement in certain areas of the tour.
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Exploring Inis Oírr
Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s fishing village atmosphere and historical sites.
Once docked, travelers can explore the island at their leisure, taking advantage of several activities.
Key experiences include:
- Renting a bicycle to freely navigate the island’s narrow roads and discover hidden gems.
- Joining a mini-bus tour to learn about the island’s history and culture from a local guide.
- Visiting the island’s pubs to mingle with friendly residents and sample traditional Irish fare.
Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an active exploration, Inis Oírr provides an authentic taste of Ireland’s rugged beauty and community spirit.
Scenic Ferry Ride
The 50-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel Harbour to Inis Oírr offers travelers scenic views of the rugged Atlantic coast.
As the ferry navigates the waves, passengers can admire the dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky shoreline, and rolling green hills of the Aran Islands.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life that may accompany the journey.
The ferry provides an opportunity to soak in the peaceful island atmosphere before arrival.
With a maximum of 150 travelers per tour, the ferry ride allows for a comfortable and intimate experience.
The scenic voyage sets the stage for a memorable exploration of the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr.
Visiting Rossaveel Port
To reach Rossaveel Harbour, the departure point for the Inis Oírr day trip, travelers should allow about an hour’s drive from Galway City.
The port offers several convenient amenities:
- Ample parking is available at the Rossaveel pier.
- A return shuttle bus transfer from Galway city to the port can be booked with the tour.
- Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the 10:30 am ferry departure time.
With these logistical details in order, travelers can look forward to the scenic 50-minute ferry ride across the Atlantic to the beautiful Aran Island of Inis Oírr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lunch Included in the Day Trip Price?
Based on the overview provided, lunch is not included in the day trip price. The tour focuses on exploring the island and offers activities like bike hire and mini-bus tours, but does not mention any included meals.
Can We Bring Our Own Bikes on the Ferry?
Travelers can bring their own bikes on the ferry, but they’ll need to pay a small additional fee. The ferry has dedicated bike racks to accommodate personal bikes during the crossing.
How Long Does the Island Tour Typically Take?
The island tour typically takes several hours to explore at one’s leisure. Travelers have ample time to discover the island’s fishing village atmosphere and historical sites before returning on the ferry.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Ferry Ride?
There are no age restrictions for the ferry ride. Passengers of all ages are welcome to join the excursion, though children should be accompanied by an adult.
Can We Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Trip?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of the trip. However, it’s recommended to book in advance as same-day tickets may be limited and the tour has a maximum capacity of 150 travelers.
The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Inis O’írr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. Enjoy the scenic 50-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel, County Galway, and explore the island’s charming fishing village. With opportunities for bike rentals, mini-bus tours, and visits to local pubs, this intimate experience offers breathtaking views of the rugged Atlantic coast. Book now for a delightful escape into Ireland’s natural beauty and rich culture.
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