Inis Meáin (Aran Islands) Day Trip: Return Ferry from Rossaveel, Galway

This island is the island less traveled. The smallest of the Aran Islands, we loved hiking around the village meeting the locals (very friendly and helpful). The view of the Cliffs of Moher was stunning as well as the surrounding area. If you need to get away from it all, Inis Meain is the place!

By far the best Island of the three Aran Islands, it has not be over run by tourists, and is like stepping back in time. One great wee pub, 1 small shop and that's the height of of modern retail on the Island...The rest is a heaven of tranquillity, history, culture and tradition.. I was on Inis Oirr a few years back, and swore I would never go back... It is overrun during the summer, and Inis Mór is simply to big for my liking and to commercial.. Inis Meáin is a totally different concept.. Its quite a walk to the village , pub and shop etc, but that's what keeps the mad ferry day tripping crowds away. There's no tourist shops, pony and trap rides, chip shops or rip off merchants looking to take advantage of you... Take you time, walk around the many historic monuments and sites, have a beer, have lunch, walk, fish, or just watch life go by..

they steal from you! Run away! They rob you are only there for your money!! And then they don't give you the right address so you pay extra to actually go on the excursion!! I advise against !!

Be careful this agency steals from tourists. They don't refund you even though they give the wrong address to tourists. And if you want to take the bus they charge you 22 euros. Do not go! Be careful, this agency steals tourists. They won't refund your money even though they give tourists the wrong address. And if you want to take the next bus, they charge you 22 euros. Don't go there!

The land of rocks has a truly impressive man made wonder. More labor invested here than the pyramids of Egypt. And just as impressive to hike to the top and soak it all in.

Having lived on ferry-serviced islands earlier in my life, I found this to be simply a basic ferry service like any other area. The ferry “terminal” (boarding dock on a breakwater) on Innis Meann has moved to a newer location. Neither the former location nor the new one have any amenities. The bicycles can be rented from a private individual near the old, former dock (so some internet write ups state), but his location is not well-indicated unless you walk a very long way from the new dock or airstrip. Be prepared to see no heritage structures on Innis Meann (all the former cottages were replaced by modern homes 30 years ago when electricity was installed). A nice way to spend some time on the water in Galway Bay.

Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had. Took train from Dublin to catch Ferry missed it by 4 minutes despite having confirmed reservations{ girl said it happens all the time}they need to get up to speed and email tickets instead of having to physically go to some random building...refused to give us refund and or managers number. Then we were sent to another office where 2 workers, Laura and Anna ignorant and rude were unwilling to help us at all.... said 'not their problem' refused to change the day to another whereas we would have been able to cancel because it would have allowed us to get a refund because of the 24hour notice.... their behavior was unacceptable , Claire[?]manager sent an email offering no help and or solution. Would rather swim to the Aran Islands than deal with these morons.

Logistically, the tour went very well. Bus was pleasant, and upon arrival at the dock, we boarded and promptly left. When we arrived back on the mainland, buses were waiting for us to board, and they promptly left for the return trip. While on the island, it's up to you to decide what to do. Just about everyone rents a bike and tours the island that way. We rented e-bikes given the windy weather. If you plan to rent a bike, I'd sit near the door on the ferry so you are one of the first to exit. Note, when you disembark on the island, it's via the upper deck, so sit near the back or outside on top of the ferry. If you don't do well on boats, I'd recommend sitting as far rearward as possible. The water in between was really rough and choppy. A lot of up and down, as well as side-to-side movement.

Recently went to Inishmore on aran ferries from rossaveal, we had a lovely day out. Booked over phone was cheaper. Ferry fine and not too packed. Toilet on board but advised not to use while moving, dunno why. Sanitiser given on entry. We stood up outside, the day was warm and felt safer too. Lots of bikes to hire but we decided on bus tour on the island . Great idea as it was but hot for cycling.50 euro for 2 ad 2 ch. Bus driver was nice and told us lots about the island. He drives for about forty mins. Leaves u off at Fort for 1.45 hrs. You can eat and walk to Fort. Few shops there also. He collects you then and drives back around other side of the island, stops at locations along the way so you can take pictures. Big spat shop, with deli, atm and takeaway.. Bar and restaurant also near the pier. Public toilets at pier, very clean. Ferry left 20 mins early so I would advise get there early at both Rossaveal and Inishmore. Was well worth the visit.

Had an amazing day trip to Inis Meain. The ferry is modern and clean and there were clear guidelines around social distancing, so it felt very safe. Crew were all very helpful too. Can't wait to go back and see more of the Aran islands!