History & cultural tour of Inishmore, Aran Islands. Galway. Private. 2 ½ hours
3.4 / 5 · 13 traveler reviews
Step off the ferry/plane onto Inis Mór island and meet your native Irish speaking guide, who is a gifted storyteller and a national food champion. In his entertaining company, gain insights into the culture and history of this remote island on a tour that includes spectacular coastal scenery with stop offs at the World Heritage Site of Dún Aonghus, the monastic site of The Seven Churches, a seal colony viewing point and a visit to local craft village to meet the locals and see Celtic inspired crafts. Your guide will share his remarkable insights into the customs and traditions of an island that has been home to his ancestors for as long as time can remember.
Your experience
Stop 1
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. The fort consists of three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise, a dense band of jagged, upright stones, surrounding the fort from cliff to cliff, designed to impede attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several houses and burials.
Stop 2
The seal colony is situated on the northern side of the island close to Kilmurvey Beach, on the road to Dún Aonghasa and is clearly signposted with a small cabin selling snacks at the viewing point. At low tide, a dozen seals congregate on the beach and rocks, creating a beautiful sight with the mountains of Connemara as its backdrop.
Stop 3
Aran Island Goat’s Cheese is a family run goat farm on Inish Mór – the largest of the Aran Islands - producing a range of soft cheeses and a barrel aged goats feta. The Island tour that also includes a stop at the cheese factory with people given the chance to meet the goats, watch cheese being made, have an educational commentary and taste the cheese. Aran Goats Cheese produces a soft cheese with or without Dillisk (a seaweed harvested on the island), a Gouda which also comes infused with sea lettuce, or Dillisk, a medium hard cheese that looks like Brie and a Summer Cheese not unlike Feta. Their Dillisk is harvested on the shores of Inis Mór. The pigs on the farm are also fed whey, a by product of cheese making, so nothing goes to waste.
Stop 4
Kilmurvery craft village is located at the foot of Dun Aonghasa and contains a handful of eclectic Irish arts and crafts shops. Many visitors to the island browse or refresh at the cosy cafe before entering Dun Aonghasa.
What’s included
- Stop off at the popular Seal Colony viewing point.
- Cultural and historic tour of the island with stops at historical sites.
- Collection by private bus from the ferry terminal or airport.
- Guided tour of the island by Inis Mór local guide.
- Entrance into Dún Aonghus (self-guided)
- Drop off by private bus to the ferry terminal or airport.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food & drinks.
- Ferry or plane tickets to the island
Meeting and pickup
Please let us know how you are getting to the island and we will meet you at either the pier or airport.
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note max people per booking is 6 people. Max 3 bookings / up to 18 people
- All baggage is taken off the bus at main stop at Dun Aonghasa fort On request to the driver baggage can be left on the bus at clients own risk.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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