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Post Info TOPIC: Aran Island Question
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Aran Island Question


Hi Everyone

Still researching for our trip this fall and have come up with a question. I am hoping you all can help me. 

On our first Monday in Ireland we will arrive in Doolin late afternoon and stay there until late morning on Wednesday.  Two in our group have never seen the Cliffs of Moher and it was high up there on the list of must sees.  I am hoping with that much time in Doolin Mother Nature will cooperate and give us some beautiful weather to enjoy those sights.

If Mother Nature does work with us one idea I had was to visit the Aran Islands on Tuesday.  I have never been there but it certainly sounds like it could be a nice way to spend a day.  My original thought was to go to Innis Mor as that seemed to offer the most.  It sounds like a long but very full and enjoyable day.  However I have also read that Innis Oirr is very popular.  I realize that would be a shorter day but sounds like it would be an interesting visit also.   I keep reading but it seems the more I read the more confused I get.  We always enjoy learning the history, seeing the sights and sitting down with a cup of tea (or a pint!) while visiting with the locals.  One of my travelling companions has back issues and cannot walk long distances so the mini-bus tours sounded appealing.  Seems like we can do all of this on all the islands.

So would anyone be willing to share their likes and dislikes for these islands and offer any advice.  We will not be making any decisions until we arrive as I realize the weather will dictate a lot.

Thanks!



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If any in your group are able to hike, I would recommend doing the Doolin Cliff Walk to the Cliffs of Moher.  It's an amazing way to see the area, and one of the most remarkable hikes you can do in Ireland.  Local farmer Pat Sweeney takes you on an experience that you will never forget!

http://www.doolincliffwalk.com/

 

Geno



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Thanks Geno.  I've read many good things about that walk.  Three of us would be able to do that and our fourth is working hard to get stronger.  So I hope we get a chance to do that.  Thanks for the tip!



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Inis Oirr from Doolin if going to Inis Mor you want to be going from Rossaveal.  I would opt for Inis Oir and have the optional cliffs cruise on the way back.  see this for Inis Oirr http://travelhag.com/2013/04/15/inis-oirr-aranislands/  I like Inis Oirr, easier to get to, to get around and less stack and pack.  nice beach with the castles for the kids (my excuse)  Not much visiting with the locals in Doolin i'm afraid. 



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I like the idea of Inis Oir and the Cliffs cruise. Since you will be in Doolin for a few days consider Loop Head too. Clare's "other cliffs".

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Thanks Tony & Michele!  I appreciate your help and like your ideas.  Looks like Inis Oir and the Cliff tour will be on our itinerary if the weather cooperates. 

Michele - we are planning on visiting Loop head on Wednesday on our way to our next destination. You and others have given it such positive reviews that it has been on my list of "must sees" since I started planning this trip

And Tony that link was very helpful - it looks beautiful  And yes - I'm expecting Doolin to be very touristy but the location worked for us on this trip,.  I imagine we'll still have fun

Thanks again for your help



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Pic,
Last Oct we did the C of M cruise. We chose the mid to late afternoon one because the sun in the west/sw lit up the cliffs brilliantly. (More shadows in the morning-mid day). Got some stunning pictures.
We also took the advice from the owner of Doolin Hostel, and decided to do the upper cliff rim walk from the opposite end(south) since there would be far fewer tourists on that segment, rather than the segment from Doolin to the visitors center, which appeared to be quite busy when we looked up there from the boat the evening before. There is a safe car park at a farmers place on the south end for 2Euros. We arrived there at 8AM and had the whole first section to ourselves about 2-3 miles. It is every bit as scenic as the other section, so says the Hostel owner. And it was breath taking! Along about 10:00 we ran into a few groups of 2 people coming from the north (started at visitors center) and they had a ride waiting for them at the car park. When we left at around noon, there was 6-8 cars in the car park so very little congestion on that end. (Sshhh-don't tell too many people!)
We really enjoyed our trip to Inis Mor a few years ago too. Few in on the airplane instead of the ferry which allowed us to have Dun Angus fort all to ourselves for nearly an hour before the hords arrived on the ferry. If you have to choose 2 out of the three....that would be difficult!
Regards
Dan

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