I was a bit nervous about the 90-minute ferry ride from Galway to the Aran Islands, as I reaaaaalllly didn’t experience seasickness. Surprisingly, the journey turned out to be pretty smooth. The gentle waves, coupled with the residual effects of the multiple drinks from the night before actually lulled me into a short little nap. Once arriving on the island, it became instantly clear why it’s deemed a “must-see” for every tourist. Some of my favorite activities on the island included:
Climbing up to the Dún Aonghasa
Perched on the 300 ft cliffside of Inismór’s south side, visiting Dún Aonghasa was an exhilarating experience. This stone fort, dating back to the Bronze Age, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to have your sneakers on as you head up to the fort because the natural-rock path takes about 20 minutes to climb. Although I found myself slightly out of breath, the effort was worth it for the stunning views. Just be sure to keep your balance near the edge, there are no safety fences up there.
Teach Nan Phaidi
Teach Nan Phaidi, a charming family-run restaurant, boasts an adorable setting and a homemade menu that changes based on the culinary inspirations of the day. Located inside a cute little cottage, the cozy interior evokes the feeling of eating at a family member’s house.
Man of Aran Fudge
Man of Aran Fudge was an amazing last stop before boarding the ferry back to Galway. With over 20 flavors to choose from, it was hard for me to narrow down my selections to just a few to sample.
