Part of our Ireland guide.
2 places and guides from our Ireland coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Ireland and Itineraries For Croatia.
Which Aran Island Is Best For A Day Trip
Inis Mór is the best Aran Island for a day trip. It is the largest and most accessible, with the most frequent ferry services and the widest range of visitor facilities. Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are smaller and quieter, better suited for travelers seeking solitude rather than a packed day out. Inis Mór’s main attraction is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort perched on a 100-meter cliff edge. The island also has the most bike rental shops, pubs, and minibus tours, making it easy to see the key sites in a single day. Ferries to Inis Mór depart from Rossaveal (County Galway) and Doolin (County Clare), with crossing times of roughly 30–40 minutes from Rossaveal and 40–50 minutes from Doolin. Inis Meáin has the least tourist infrastructure, while Inis Oírr is the flattest and best for cycling, but both require more careful planning for a day trip due to limited ferry schedules.
Southern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary Via The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 2,500 kilometers along Ireland’s western coast. This southern section itinerary starts in Cork and ends in Galway, covering roughly 500 kilometers of driving over five to seven days. Begin in Cork City, then head west to Kinsale for its colorful harbor and the Old Head of Kinsale. Continue to Mizen Head, Ireland’s southwesternmost point, with its signal station and suspension bridge. Drive north to the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, stopping at Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe. Next is the Dingle Peninsula, with Slea Head Drive offering views of the Blasket Islands. From Dingle, take the Conor Pass to Tralee, then follow the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 214 meters above the Atlantic. End the trip in Galway City, with its Latin Quarter and live music pubs. To know before you go to Dublin, note that this itinerary begins in Cork, not Dublin, so plan your arrival accordingly. For practical advice, review our travel tips in Ireland before setting out, including guidance on narrow roads and roundabouts. If you are wondering how long is the ferry ride from Ireland, the Doolin–Inis Mór ferry takes 40–50 minutes and can be added as a detour from the Cliffs of Moher.
