AprilMay,

Man of Aran Cottages has been my favorite on Inis Mor since I first saw it in a picture. When I stepped through the door for the very first time, I felt as if I had come home for a visit. Joe is very meticulous about responding to his emails. However, I know that this is the time of year when they usually do some traveling of their own. I always mail him a deposit and have never had any difficulties with it arriving. Mail to the island does take longer so keep that in mind. The only phone number I have is for calling within Ireland, 099~61301.

Man of Aran Cottages is a fair distance from the port town of Kilronan. I find that much to my liking, as it sits on the sea and close to Dun Aengus. In my opinion, an overnight stay is a must on the island, as you get a glimpse of local culture after most of the tourists have left. Joe Waddie's is a fantastic pub where you can mingle with locals. Joe & Maura have a van driver who will transport you to and from for a reasonable rate.

For me, I travel by pony cart to get a feel of the Island that you can't get in a tour van. Bicycling would definitely give you that same feel. It is a slower pace and being able to taste the salt air and smell the sea is ambrosia for me. You can rent bicycles in Kilronan either at the end of the pier or at a small shop near the sweater shop diagonally from the American Bar.

You have two choices for Ferry travel. You can either travel from Doolin or you can travel from Rossaveal. Either has a carpark in which you may safely leave your car. We have left ours, full up with luggage, and never had an issue. Which ferry you take depends on your next point of travel. The Doolin Ferry is a shorter run, with most Ferries stopping for a brief time in Inisheer. The Rossaveal Ferry is a larger Ferry and, though it takes longer, offers breathtaking views of Galway Bay and the Connemara Coast. i would certainly book either Ferry company, as soon as you know the date of travel. You can always book at the port but you might have to wait for the next ferry. 

Should you decide to stay with Joe & Maura, please send them a hearty "Hello" from the Cowboys.  Also, make sure you take time to spend some time in the back garden and ask Joe for a greenhouse tour.

One more thing, can I stow-away in your luggage? 

Slan Go Foill,

Bit

Michele,

I remember the first time I mailed something to Ireland. I was expecting a dleivery time much the same as in the states. I didn't realize that it has to clear in Shannon and then be sent to its destination or a ferry port, if it is one of the islands. I was also perplexed by the absence of numerics in the address. It seemed odd to just address it with a name, township, county and country. However, once I started mailing regularly, I became more comfortable. It doesn't mean that there aren't glitches. In 2005, I thought that 3 months ahead of our scheduled workshop was plenty enough time to send them so that we had them for the class. They showed up a month after we left.

I am always happy to promote Man of Aran &, subsequently, Joe & Maura. They just added a cottage onto the front last spring and you would swear that it has always been there. I also push the pony carts because they are a uniquely Inis Mor experience. Even though there are jaunting carts in Killarney, I still think of Inis Mor when I think Pony carts. I use the same cart & driver every time.

Okay, very homesick now!  

Slan Agus Barrogs,

Bit