Inishmore: Cultural Sites, Coast and Nature

When looking for a hotel on Inishmore, it’s worth first deciding what you want from your stay: the island combines ancient churches and a fortress more than 3,000 years old with Atlantic coastline, wildlife watching and water activities. Inishmore can be reached by passenger ferry or plane. As access options may change, check the latest information before you travel.

Fortress and Churches on Inishmore

Dún Aonghasa is more than 3,000 years old and stands on a cliff above the Atlantic. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours; check the latest information before your visit. Its age and location give the site a special connection to history and the coastal landscape.

Teampall Bheanáin is a small church high on the ridge above Cuan Chill Éinne (Cill Éinne Bay). Reaching it requires a short climb over steep, rising terrain. Factor this climb into your day’s plans if you want to visit the church.

Two churches remain at Na Seacht dTeampaill today: Teampall Bhreacáin (St Brecan’s Church) and Teampall an Phoill (The Church of the Hollow). In the Middle Ages, Na Seacht dTeampaill was probably the most important pilgrimage site on the Aran Islands. The surviving churches and the pilgrimage site’s historical significance shed light on different aspects of this heritage.

Beach, Birds and Wildlife Watching

Kilmurvey Beach is a sandy beach on the north coast of Inishmore. During the bathing season, the beach is supervised by lifeguards; check this seasonal information before swimming. The birdlife at Kilmurvey Beach is known for its international significance. Nearby, a colony of grey seals can be seen basking on the rocks at low tide.

A small lake beside the Inis Mór Seal Colony is home to wild swans, ducks and rare birds. Whether animals can be seen depends on the season and conditions. The beach and lake therefore offer different kinds of wildlife watching to suit your interests: birdlife along the coast and wildlife by the water.

Hiking, Guided Tours and Diving

Lúb Dún Eochla is an 8.9 km circular walking route on Inishmore. Trail conditions may vary. For a different way to experience the coast, Aran Off Road Experience offers guided walks to Poll na bPéist (The Wormhole). There, the Atlantic has carved a rectangular pool out of the rock.

Dive Aran offers Atlantic diving experiences around Inishmore and PADI diving courses for children and adults of all experience levels. Marine life in the area includes sea anemones, corals, dolphins, seals and dogfish; sightings vary depending on the season and conditions. Check the latest details before booking.

Aran Pony & Trap offers a traditional pony-and-trap tour around Inishmore. Thomas continues a family tradition that dates back to the 1940s. Together with the circular walking route, guided walks and diving courses, the tour offers different ways to experience the island. Check the latest information before booking.

Eating Locally and Planning Your Trip

Tí Joe Watty’s Bar & Restaurant on Inishmore serves locally caught lobster and crab. Check the current menu before you dine. When planning, it’s also worth keeping travel arrangements and seasonal activities in mind separately: you can travel by passenger ferry or plane, while lifeguard supervision at Kilmurvey Beach is limited to the bathing season.

Discover more destinations: Farmerstown, Ballydavid, Athenry, Oranmore, Drumkeary, Cornamona, Kinvarra, Shantalla.

For the broader travel overview: Galway.