How to do the Aran Islands Right from someone who (somewhat) failed

Updated: Nov 21, 2020

As some of you may know or at least assumed, Ireland is quite wet. And by quite, I mean intensely. As my roommate so beautifully put it, replace “rainy” with “authentic Irish experience” to change your mindset. Really, it helps. Because Ireland truly does have two sides: the lush, rolling, nearly-neon-green grassy hills with sunshine coating every inch of the countryside, every facet of a building, while sparkling off the blue Atlantic…and then the foggy, misty side that comes with its own unique beauty of monochromatically grey clouds, crashing waves, and the symphony of rain pattering on disturbingly perfect smooth slabs of stone. Both are enchanting but you can probably guess from the title of this article which of the two we experienced.

1. Take the bike!

Unless you’ve been struck with a particularly bad stroke of weather, opt for the bike tour! Depending on where you’re staying, you can buy tickets for transportation to and from Inishmore from your accommodation. My friends and I stayed at Kinlay Hostel in Galway’s Eyre Square (highly HIGHLY recommend for anyone of any age – from young families to back packers, even bachelorette parties). From there, our bus was just around the corner and so the adventure began.

2. Bring comfortable clothes

Assuming you took my advice (which you should) and are biking, I always wear my nice stretchy workout/ yoga pants for optimal movement and comfort. This happened to be my one smart decision of the day.

3. Bring a change of clothes

Assuming you get wet (which you will), you will be incredibly happy you took this little gem of advice which I learned from a perfectly dry woman sitting next to me on the ferry. Picture: us shivering, soaked to the bone, probably smelling like wet dogs. Unlike my friends and I, she had the foresight and experience of knowing you always ALWAYS bring a dry pair of clothes. Because it will rain. Every time. Maybe not for long, but it will rain. Because in case you forgot, you’re still in Ireland.

4. Bring a waterproof everything

With that in mind, don’t let the bringing of dry clothes be futile by then forgetting to pack them in a waterproof bag. This obviously does not apply should you be on a bus (which you shouldn’t). Fortunately for me and Megan, we had waterproof bags, and fortunately for Megan and Carreen, they had rain jackets, which I did not. Unfortunately for Megan, she wore jeans while Carreen and I had worn breathable workout pants. You win some you lose some.

5. Return to the Ferry early

We did not realize how fortunate we were to roll up to the ferry half an hour early before it departed. Mind you, this was the last ferry leaving from the island for the day. Completely in a daze of fatigue, we were just relieved to sit down and give our quads a much-needed rest after a day of tumultuous weather and a 14 km bike ride (8.7 mi for my fellow Americans), half of which was uphill in the wind and rain. Anywho, a couple dozen people were not so fortunate as to arrive early and ended having to stand the whole 45-minute returning ferry ride also soaking in varying levels. The outside seats were not as inviting, as it was—you guessed it—still raining.

6. Additional Option: Stay for a night!

Although quite small and I daresay desolate (but in a peaceful, calming kind of way), I would have loved to stay overnight at the Aran Islands, away from bustling Galway. And oh my goodness I would’ve guessed you could see some brilliantly bright stars if the skies were kind enough to be clear. There is even an option for glamping so you’ll know where to find me next time.