Aran Islands in November?

Green Dragon · Guru

Aran Islands in November?

CowboyCraic · Guru

Mo chara,

I drafted a reply to your private message three times last night and FB ate every one of them.

As much as I love Inis Mor and the Arans, I am not too sure that even I would visit them in November, if I am taking a first timer. Most of the islanders venture off the island at the end of October. Maura and Joseph try to be mainland by mid-November and off on Hols.

All of that being said, there are advantages to being there in winter, few tourists means less people in your photographs. Large crashing waves buffeting the cliffs make for some stellar shots. You will also need to check and see what is available for lodging in November as most shutter their doors at the end of October. MAn of ARan opens its doors from March through October. It will be the same on the smaller islands. I am not sure that you can count on Ferry service between the islands on a regular basis either.

In November, with sunrise coming around half past eight and sunset coming around half past four, you will definitely have to plan for a "less is more" trip. Most of your sites are closed at the beginning of November. You will still have access to the Cliffs of Moher and all of the natural beauty. However, most of your heritage sites will be closed.

Winter trips are for exploring the Cities and "big" towns in Ireland: Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Belfast

tony2phones · Guru

Inis Mor November fine if the weather is holding. The other two islands might be a different proposition. as above. 2 years ago some folk ignored advice and got stuck on Inis Mor 3 days due to high winds. The island hopping trip Ross to Doolin is best done in Summer.

Green Dragon · Guru

Yeah, I think we'll give it a miss this trip. Don't want to get stuck! And Bit makes a good point - many B&Bs will be closed for the season, and there ins't a HUGE amount of choice to begin with :)

It looks like our itinerary may be:
Fly into Dublin
3 nights in Ardee
3 nights in Ennis
3 nights in Westport
3 nights in Gweedore
2 nights in Cushendun
1 night in Belfast
Fly out of Belfast

We're doing it this 'direction' because Theresa is only joining us the second week, and she's already seen Dublin/Newgrange/Ennis. Likely have her fly into Dublin and train up to Sligo, where we will pick her up.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Looks good. Are you staying at Smarmore Castle? They give my readers a 10% discount.

I agree about not doing the Aran Islands in November! Also, it will be getting dark around 4 -4:30 at that time of year. Plan accordingly.

Irrover · Veteran Member

You should only plan on 8 hrs of daylight or less depending on the weather causing darkness sooner (8:35 at beginning of trip to 7:55 hours at end). See http://timezoneguide.com/sunrise-sunset-Ireland-Dublin.html?month=11&year=2013

Plus be careful of the black ice on the roads in the mornings......

Plus remember most B&B's you will not finish breakfast until 8:30 or 9

-- Edited by Irrover on Thursday 28th of February 2013 12:40:54 PM

Green Dragon · Guru

It looks like either Smarmore Castle or Ross Castle in Oldcastle, http://www.ross-castle.com/en/. It will just be the two of us at that point, so I may let Rachel cast the deciding vote. Both have their good and bad points. The worst on both is no pub nearby :)

I figured on about 9 hours of daylight each day. Our longest travel day looks to be from Westport to Gweedore, at 4.5 hours according to viamichelin - which I well know will be more like 7 with stops and such. I remember the roads being reasonably good and wide for the first part of that journey, but once past Donegal City, they get much more interesting. I am definitely looking into paying the extra $500 for an automatic transmission for my first time EVER in Europe. This is simply because, while I've been getting used to driving icy hills in West Virginia, I am doing so in an automatic. I have NO practice doing it in a manual. And we are in the north, and on the coastal roads - that is a very highly likely thing. I would rather be safer and not be skidding backwards in neutral at Malin Head, thank you very much. :)

My short list for B&Bs are as follows:

Carlingford/Ardee:
Smarmore Castle
Ross Castle
Belvedere House
Grove House

Ennis:
Clare Manor
Grey Gables
Westbrook House

Westport:
Linden Hall (waiting to hear if they are open in November)
McCarthy's Lodge
Cedar Lodge

Donegal:
Teac Campbell Guest House
Mount Royd Country Home (if open in November)
Gort Na Mona B&B (if open in November)
Cara na Mara B&B (if open in November)

Cushendall/Ballycastle:
Old Manse B&B (if open in November)
Riverside B&B (most likely choice, as we stayed there last time, if they are open in November)

Belfast:
Marine Guest House (if open in November)
Maranatha House (if open in November)

Carla · Veteran Member

I've stayed at Cedar Lodge in Westport. You won't be disappointed if you choose to stay there!