I hope to visit the Irish district of Connemara with my family next year as we
have relatives living near the area in Galway. I have always wanted to visit
the nearby Aran Islands and I would like to include a visit this time, can
you tell me how to get there. I live in Gloucestershire so ideally I would
like to fly from Bristol, I understand it can be trickier travelling to the
west coast of Ireland, can you tell me if it is possible to fly to Galway
from Bristol? As we have yet to book this trip any suggestions on what to do
while we are there would be great as well. Ailish Green,
Gloucestershire
Times Online Travel News Editor Ginny McGrath responds: There is a
direct flight from Bristol to Galway with Aer
Arann, which operates four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and
Sunday), but only until October 14, as it's a summer service. The carrier
also flies on a daily basis from Luton to Galway all year round, but it
means a trek into London. Otherwise you'd need to fly from Birmingham or
Southampton to Galway with Flybe or via
Dublin with Ryanair from Bristol,
changing to Aer Arann for the hop to Galway.
From Galway you can get to the three Aran Islands with Arran
Islands Ferries. The ferries depart from Rossaveal in Galway Bay, which
is reached from Galway city centre by shuttle bus, picking up from Kinlay
House on Merchants Road one hour prior to sailing time. A return crossing
costs €25 for adults, plus €6 for a return ticket on the shuttle bus
(seniors and students pay €20 and €5 repectively; children pay €13 and €4).
Ferries operate six times a day in summer ansd three times a day for the
rest of the year - see the website for sailing times.
Walkers are regular visitors to the three islands: Inis Mor (Big Island), Inis
Meain (Middle island) and Inis Oirr (East island). Expect bracing sea air,
spectacular views and mostly flat terrain. Alternatively, you can hire bikes
from Kilronann on Inis Mor, which is within walking distance of the pier.
The Aran Islands are also popular with naturalists because of the abundant
flora and fauna - there are around 437 varieties of wild flowers, and there
are some striking rock formations including The Worm Hole on Inis Mor, which
is naturally formed but looks like a perfect rectangular swimming pool.
As for where to stay, the Aran Islands Ferry website has some useful
links to guesthouse, B&B and hostel accommodation, and the Aran
Islands website has some great ideas on what to see and do - including
some wonderful photos.
The seafood is great, particularly in Kilronan, which has the best selection
of restaurants, including Pier House
Restaurant, which has great views and fresh fish dishes.
I have just returned from a week's holiday in Ireland, and part of that included Galway and the Aran Islands. I live close to Stansted Airport as flew to Dublin and took Aer Arann to Galway and the flight is only 30mins. The alternative to the ferry to the Aran Islands is again, to fly with Aer Arann Express, the flight only lasts 7mins on a small 8 seat plane, but you get some wonderful views. The Aran Islands are beautiful, and traditional. It's certainly worth a trek to the cliffs, but beware, there's nothing to stop you falling off! I love this area of Ireland and have been there many times. I recommend Aer Arann too.
Dave, Harlow, UK