Inis Oirr, Ireland – also known as Inisheer – is a fantastic day trip destination, either from Doolin or Galway. The smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oirr is charming, beautiful and easy to explore. We are sharing all the details to help fellow travelers plan their perfect day trip to Inisheer and the Aran Islands!
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Inis Oirr and the Aran Islands
Visiting the Aran Islands was at the top of our list of Things To Do in Doolin. The three limestone islands, which act as protectors of Galway Bay, sit just offshore and are well-connected via ferries.
The rocky islands have been home to civilizations as far back as 1500 BC. Today, the combined population of the Aran Islands stands around 1,200 people.
For the most part, the residents enjoy a traditional way of life and speak the Irish language (as well as English). The Aran Sweater – a hand-knitted, cream-colored wool sweater – is one of the best-known products of the islands.
The extraordinary and isolated lifestyle is what beckons many travelers to visit the Aran Islands, which are a top attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way.
While each of the islands bear a similar history and common characteristics – like the network of stone walls, ancient ruins and sandy beaches – each one is distinct.
Which Aran Island to Visit
Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer – also known locally as Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr – are the three Aran Islands.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to visit all three on a day trip. For our day trip from Doolin to the Aran Islands, we decided on visiting Inisheer.
However, we are highlighting the top reasons to visit each of the Aran Islands, so you can choose the one that best aligns with your interests.
Inis Mor, Ireland
Inis Mor is the largest of the Aran Islands and hosts the most attractions. Inishmore is also the westernmost island of the three.
The best sight on Inis Mor is the ancient clifftop Dun Aonghasa. The fort dates to the Bronze and Iron Ages and stands as a National Monument of Ireland. Other sights on Inishmore are the ruins of the Seven Churches, the Black Fort, the Wormhole and Kilmurvey Beach.
Inis Meain, Ireland
Inis Meain is the middle island – both in size and location. It is the least populated and the least visited, so guests have the best opportunity to experience rural island living on Inishmaan.
Sightseeing on Inis Meain is limited to just a handful of attractions, including ancient forts, church ruins and an Inis Meain sweater factory.
Inis Oirr, Ireland
Of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oirr is the easternmost and sits closest to Doolin. It is also the smallest.
Because of its size, it is easy to discover Inis Oirr by bike or even on foot. Top attractions on Inisheer are the ruins of O’Brien’s Castle, a sunken church and a rusting shipwreck.
Based on our research and advice from friendly locals, we determined that it was best to take a day trip to Inisheer. Therefore we are focusing on all the details of visiting Inisheer.
Planning a Trip to Inisheer, Aran Islands, Ireland
While planning a day trip to Inis Oirr is not an immense task, there are a few important details to consider. We will cover everything you need to know.
Travelers who are visiting Aran Islands as part of a larger trip can use the advice in our Ireland Itinerary. Additionally, those coming from abroad will find our How To Plan a Trip to Europe article helpful.
As you plan any trip, tracking all the details is essential! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner, so that nothing falls through the cracks.
How To Spend One Day on Inisheer
Now it’s time to dive into the details of how to spend a day in Inis Oirr. Not only are we offering suggestions for what to do on Inisheer, but we also cover taking the ferry to Inisheer from Doolin and how to prepare for your trip.
How To Get To Inisheer: Ferry to Inis Oirr, Aran Islands
Getting to Inis Oirr Island is best done by ferry, whether coming from Doolin or Galway. As ferries do fill up in the summertime, we highly recommend booking your Inisheer ferry in advance!
Doolin Ferries to Inis Oirr
The Doolin to Inis Oirr ferry boats are seasonal. They generally run from April until the end of October. The Doolin ferry to Inis Oirr departs from the main Doolin Pier, which is about 1 mile from the village center.
The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and the boats offer both indoor and outdoor space for guests. The Inis Oirr ferry docks at the Inisheer Ferry Terminal on the north side of the island.
There are two ferry companies that you can use on an Aran Islands Day Trip from Doolin – Doolin Ferry or Doolin 2 Aran Ferries. Both operators are now owned by the same company, offering multiple daily boats to Inis Oirr from Doolin in the summertime.
Inis Oirr Ferry Times
Boat times from Doolin to Inis Oirr change by season, but below we list the times the ferries were running during our trip. Check the current timetables online before you buy your tickets.
Inis Oirr and Cliffs of Moher Cruise
In addition to booking a roundtrip Doolin – Inisheer ferry, visitors can add a Cliffs of Moher Scenic Cruise to their day trip adventure.
Those who book the roundtrip Doolin Ferry to Aran Islands and combine it with the scenic Cliffs of Moher cruise will save a bit of money, rather than booking the trips separately.
We opted to take the sightseeing cruise at the end of the day, after we returned on the Inis Oirr Ferry to Doolin. We believe the late afternoon Cliffs of Moher cruises offer the best view and hopefully the sun shining on the cliff face.
You can choose to take the Cliffs of Moher boat cruise first and then hop on the Doolin to Inisheer ferry boat. Either way, we highly recommend the scenic boat tour. Book the Combo Ticket!
Galway to Inis Oirr
It is also possible to take a ferry from Galway to Inis Oirr. The Inisheer Island ferry even runs year-round. However, the Galway to Inisheer boats depart from Rossaveal, not Galway City.
Passengers have the option to book the shuttle service from Galway City Centre to the Rossaveal port through the ferry company.
Note: The Aran Islands Ferries Company does run a direct, seasonal boat from Galway City Docks to Inis Mor, then passing by Cliffs of Moher. They do not run a boat to Inisheer from Galway City Docks.
Ferry: Galway to Inis Oirr
The Rossaveal Ferry to Inis Oirr departs twice daily – but there is only one morning departure for Galway day trippers. Likewise, there is one afternoon return ferry time.
The shuttle buses from Galway city center to catch the ferry from Rossaveal to Inisheer depart one hour prior to the ferry sailing.
The ferry to Inis Oirr from Rossaveal takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Inisheer Island ferry boats are for passengers only and do not accommodate cars. Find more information about Inisheer Irish ferries from Galway on the Aran Islands Ferries website.
Inis Mor to Inis Oirr
Visitors who are spending more than one day on the Aran Islands can hop between the three islands by boat.
The ferry from Inis Mor to Inis Oirr (or ferry from Inis Oirr to Inis Mor) takes about 40 minutes and should be booked directly with the company.
Inisheer Airport
While taking the Inis Oirr boat made the most sense for our trip coming from Doolin, there is a way to fly to the island.
The Inisheer Aerodrome is a small airport on the north side of the island. There are regularly scheduled flights from Connemara Airport (near Galway) serviced by Aer Arann Islands.
Getting Around Inisheer, Ireland
Inisheer visitors can get around the island three ways: By foot, by bike or by Pony and Trap. For our trip, we did a combination of biking and walking. The island has narrow, one-lane, paved roads. There are very few cars, so walking along the lanes is fairly safe.
The roads branch out from the center of town, which is nestled by the Inisheer Pier. They do not all, however, connect at the opposite end and there is not a Inisheer circumference road.
Exploring Inis Oirr on Foot
Due to the small size of the island, visitors are able to explore on foot. In fact, there are two popular walking trails that pass by the best Inisheer sights.
The 5-mile (8km) loop features the top attractions on the eastern side of the island and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Additional details.
A longer 8-mile (13km) walk covers ground on both the east and west sides of the island. This trek can be completed in about 4.5 hours. Get more info.
Local guides also lead Inisheer walks for visitors who are interested in learning more about the island from a resident.
Bike Hire Inis Oirr
An excellent way to discover Inisheer is by bicycle. With a bike, you can pedal to the top sights from one end of the island to the other with relative ease. Those traveling without their own bicycle can rent a bike on Inis Oirr.
We obtained our Inisheer bike rental from Rothai, which is located at the base of the pier, for a daily rental fee of 16 euros. They provided a Inisheer Island map and gave helpful hints on the best bike routes.
Joyce Bike Hire on Inis Oirr is another option for renting bicycles for the day and is located just a short walk from the pier. The Inis Oirr bike hire also included a helmet (but wearing it was optional).
Inis Oirr Pony and Trap
Hiring a Pony and Trap for Inisheer tours is another way to get around the island. Visitors can either join one of the pre-destined horse and carriage Inis Oirr tours to the main sights or hire a private Pony and Trap to complete a customized route.
Top 10 Things To Do on Inisheer Island, Ireland
Now that you know how to get there and how to get around, it’s time for the absolute best things to do on Inis Oirr for a day trip!
#1 See Inis Oirr’s Oldest Historic Site
The Cnoc Raithni burial mound is an Irish National Monument and the oldest ancient site on the island. Seeing it is one of the most important things to do in Inisheer.
Dating the Bronze Age (about 1500 BC), the historical site was discovered in 1885. Excavations revealed decorated pottery urns containing human ashes and other evidence of an early civilization. A stone wall and early tombstones mark the site today.
#2 Visit the Inisheer Boat Wreck
Without a doubt, one of the unique things to do on Inis Oirr is the visit the Plassey Shipwreck. The rusting Inisheer shipwreck sits on the eastern coast, where it floated ashore in the 1960s.
Built for the Royal Navy during WWII (and originally named HMS Juliet), the ship was being used as a cargo vessel in 1960 when it wrecked just offshore of Inis Oirr during a storm.
All of the crew members were saved, due to the heroic efforts of locals. A few weeks later, the ship was swept ashore by another violent storm.
In the 1990s sitcom, Father Ted, the Inisheer ship was used in the opening credits, which intrigued viewers to seek it out.
The Plassey wreck is now a tourist attraction, of sorts. Visitors can walk around the decaying ship and even peek inside the hull.
#3 Look Up at the Inis Oirr Lighthouse
Dating to the mid-1800s, the black-and-white striped Fardurris Point Lighthouse is an active beacon and landmark on the island.
The Inisheer Lighthouse marks the southeastern shoreline and is accompanied by two keeper’s houses. The three buildings are registered on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage list for the ashlar limestone construction.
Although looking at the lighthouse is one of the top Inisheer things to do, it is unfortunately not accessible. There is a road that leads directly to the lighthouse, but the parallel street to the west has better views.
#4 Wander around the O’Brien’s Inisheer Castle
Listed as a National Monument of Ireland, O’Brien’s Castle on Inisheer is a must-see attraction. The crumbling castle sits atop the highest hill – on the site of a former fort that was built in the 1st century.
The castle is believed to have been built in the year 1400 by the O’Brien family. It was, however, taken by the O’Flahertys family in 1582 and then captured by Cromwell’s New Model Army in 1652.
What remains of the castle is one of the best Inisheer ruins. While it’s an impressive sight from afar, one the best things to do in Inis Oirr is to step inside the dilapidated castle and take in the views from the castle grounds.
#5 Walk into the Sunken Inisheer Catholic Church
St. Cavan’s Church – also known as St. Kevin’s or Teampall Chaomhan in Irish – is the most interesting Inisheer church to visit.
Dating to the 10th century, the church appears to be sinking, as it sits several feet beneath ground level. Rather than sinking, it’s actually been buried by drifting and blowing sand.
Now excavated, descending into the roofless church and walking through it is one of the top Inisheer activities.
St. Cavan – the patron saint of Inisheer and for whom the church is named – is interred at the cemetery in the half-buried hut.
#6 Stroll along the Inisheer Beach
The beach on Inis Oirr is stunningly beautiful – and quite unexpected on the rocky island. The An Tra Inis Oirr Beach features soft white sand and clear turquoise water.
Although just 800-feet-long, it is ideal for a seaside stroll. The beach is also a fun spot for playing games, building sandcastles and soaking up the sun. Swimmers can also brave the cold waters and take a dip.
#7 Discover the Inisheer Arts Center
The Aras Eanna Arts Center in Inis Oirr is an outstanding cultural hub. Founded in 2000, the arts center occupies a former weaving factory and is inclusive of artist studios, a theater, galleries and workshop rooms.
Diverse exhibitions have been showcased at Aras Eanna featuring works created by artists from Ireland and around the globe. Additionally, the center hosts events, festivals and workshops.
#8 Peer into the Sacred Well
The Inis Oirr well – often called the Holy Well or Tobar Einne in Irish – is said to never run dry and is believed to have healing qualities.
Some people still make pilgrimages to the well today and there is a legend that if you look into the well and see an eel, you will be healed.
One of the top Inisheer Island things to do is to visit the well and peer into it. The well itself is marked by stacked rocks, similar to the stone fencing that is found throughout the Aran Islands.
The entrance to the well is through a narrow gap in the rock fence and is marked by a stone etched in Irish with Tobar Einne.
#9 Spot Seals from the Seashore
Spotting playful seals in the water is a delightful sight – and there is an entire colony of Grey Seals that reside on the western shoreline of Inis Oirr, Ireland.
At low tide, the seals often perch themselves on rocks in the shallow waters – if you can hear their barking, you have an excellent chance of spotting them!
Near the seal colony there is a Memorial Stone – the An Chloch Chuimhneachain – which is a sculpture dedicated to all who have lost their lives at sea.
#10 Have a Drink at Inis Oirr Pubs
Hoisting a pint at one of the Inisheer pubs is a fantastic way to end a spectacular day on the island. There are a few pubs on Inis Oirr – and we are highlighting our top picks.
Tigh Ned Inis Oirr
The Tigh Ned Inisheer Restaurant and Pub is an ideal place to relax after a full day of sightseeing. Located on the shore – with a beer garden featuring superb sea views – Tigh Ned offers a menu of sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as locally-caught seafood.
For drinks, it’s hard to pass up a Guinness, but we recommend ordering a pint of the local craft beer from Spiddal River Brewery (which is based in Connemara).
Tigh Rory Inis Oirr
Tigh Ruairi Inisheer, Aran Islands Pub – which translates to Rory’s Pub – is a bar, a restaurant and a bed-and-breakfast. Diners rave about the fresh seafood chowder and the friendly staff.
More Inis Oirr Things To Do
We have highlighted what to do in Inisheer on a day trip, but there are a few more activities that we want to share for travelers spending more time on the island.
Inis Oirr Music
Music is an important part of the culture on the island. Visitors can listen to live Inisheer Irish Traditional Music at both the pubs and at events held at the Arts Center.
Shop on Aran Islands
There are only a few shops on Inisheer where visitors can pick up unique Inis Oirr souvenirs and other items. Well there is a small grocery store, if you’re staying longer than a day, it’s best to bring supplies.
An Ceard Shiopa
An Ceard Shiopa is a fantastic little Inisheer shop where travelers can buy wool products and other mementos or gifts.
CLEAS Inis Oirr Shop
Featuring locally-made crafts, unique products and one-of-a-kind gifts, CLEAS is located at the Arts Center.
Inis Oirr Restaurants
The pubs we mentioned above are two of the best places to eat on Inis Oirr. That said, there are a few other Inisheer restaurants that come highly recommended.
Café Aran Teach an Tae
Boasting a menu featuring local products, homegrown greens and made-from-scratch desserts, the Inisheer Café and Restaurant gets raving reviews from diners.
Flaherty’s
Located in the family-run Inis Oirr Hotel, Flaherty’s is another one of the Inisheer restaurants that features locally sourced dishes. The Beef and Guinness Stew is a big hit!
Inis Oirr Map
Our What To Do on Inisheer Map is marked with all of our recommended sights. A printed Inisheer Map is available on the ferry and bike rental shops. Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our map of Inis Oirr below.
Travel Tips for Inis Oirr, Ireland
Now that you know what to do on Inis Oirr on a day trip, we have a few more travel tips – like what to bring and where to stay if you are spending a few days on the Aran Islands.
Inisheer Weather
Typically, the weather in Inisheer, Aran Islands is driest and warmest from April through September. That said, it rains year-round, so be prepared for precipitation during your day trip.
Furthermore, the weather tends to change quickly, so while rain may be forecasted, it may be nothing more than a passing shower.
What To Bring on Your Inis Oirr Day Trip
As there are limited resources on the Aran Islands, consider what you pack for your trip to Inisheer. Go ahead and grab our Free Packing Checklist, too!
Water Bottle and Picnic Lunch
There are only a few places that sell bottled water on Inis Oirr. It is best to bring your own water, ideally with enough for the day. This collapsible water bottle is great item for travelers.
We wanted to ensure we had plenty of time for sightseeing, so we brought a picnic lunch along with us. The Siopa XL grocery store on Inis Oirr has takeaway food items as well.
Comfortable Travel Shoes
The rocky landscapes of Inisheer require that you wear proper foot ware for your trip. My favorite travel shoes – a pair of lightweight and versatile sneakers – were perfect. Kris prefers Merrell Trail Shoes.
Weather Appropriate Gear
On Inis Oirr, it can be sunny, rainy, windy, brisk and warm – all within the span of an hour! Be prepared for the elements by bringing a rain coat and wear layers. A travel umbrella can be useful, as well.
If the sun happens to be out, even if the weather is cool, be sure to wear sunscreen. I foolishly didn’t…and got sunburn on my face and arms.
Travel Camera
The beauty of the Aran Islands is astounding! Rather than trying to capture the sights on your phone, we recommend upgrading to a real travel camera.
We shoot with a Rebel DSLR by Canon and a 18-135mm lens. It’s a great camera for budget travelers – as it is easy to use and comes with a lot of fantastic accessories when you buy it as a bundle!
Versatile Day Pack
When discovering a new place on a day trip, it’s essential to have the right day bag. For our Inis Oirr trip, we carried these small backpacks for all our everyday travel items.
Plus, they have zippered pockets where we can stow phones, keys and wallets. Read more about how to choose the Best Travel Day Bags for your trip!
Start planning your trip to Ireland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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