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Aran Islands Adventure: Your Planning Checklist

A Doolin Inn Guide to a Perfect Island Escape

Thinking of heading to the Aran Islands during your stay at Doolin Inn? Great choice! This trio of ruggedly charming islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr—offers an unforgettable day out filled with dramatic cliffs, ancient forts, windswept beaches, and a peaceful step back in time. And the best part? You can hop on a ferry just 5 minutes from our doorstep!

Before you set sail, we’ve put together a handy planning checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered. From ferry tickets and warm hats to romantic picnics and local chocolate bars, we’ve got your Aran Islands adventure sorted.

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1. Book Your Ferry – With a Doolin Inn Discount!

Sail across Galway Bay from Doolin Pier with Doolin Ferry Co, the local experts in island hopping. As a guest of Doolin Inn, you get 10% off your Aran Islands ferry ticket. Just ask our reception team for your discount code or book online when you login to the guest wifi at Doolin Inn.

Tip: Book in advance during summer months to guarantee your preferred departure time!

2. Add a Packed Lunch or Picnic to Your Day

Adventures work up an appetite, and we’ve got two delicious options to keep you fuelled:

Packed Lunch To Go

Perfect for hikers, cyclists, and explorers. Your packed lunch includes:

  • Gourmet sandwich (meat, vegetarian, or vegan – chosen at check-in)

  • Keogh’s Crisps

  • Local Cliffs of Moher or Wilde’s Chocolate Bar

  • Bottle of water or soda

Collection is arranged at reception with 24 hours notice required – let us know how many you need when booking!

Couples’ Picnic with Half Bottle of Wine

For those looking to add a little romance to the day, we offer a beautiful artisanal picnic to enjoy on the islands or among the Burren’s wildflowers:

  • Artisan cheeses & charcuterie

  • Home-baked breads, dips, condiments

  • Sweet treats: cakes and pastries

  • Half bottle of red or white wine

Add to your reservation or let us know at check-in – 24 hours notice required.

3. Pack Smart – Essentials to Bring

Here’s your Aran Islands Packing Checklist to ensure comfort, style, and a day full of memories:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots

  • Rain jacket / windbreaker (It’s the Wild Atlantic, after all!)

  • Layers! – jumpers, light thermals, etc.

  • Doolin Inn Beanie – available at reception to keep cosy

  • Sunglasses – when the sun shines, it’s stunning!

  • Backpack or tote for carrying lunch, camera, and extra layers

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Phone/camera – so many photo ops

  • Cash – some island vendors may not take cards

  • Swimsuit & towel – if you’re brave enough for a dip!

  • Suncream – you never know!

Leave the umbrella at home! It won’t survive the strong Atlantic winds!

Doolin - Do - Aran - Group Bikes

4. Make the Most of It

  • Inis Oírr (Inisheer) – closest to Doolin, great for a half-day. Don’t miss the Plassey Shipwreck or the beach.

  • Inis Mór (Inishmore) – largest island, home to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliff fort.

  • Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) – least visited, ideal for tranquility and authentic local life.

You can rent bikes on all three islands, join a guided tour, or simply wander and soak up the peace and beauty.

Come Back to Comfort

After a windswept day of adventure, Doolin Inn will be waiting with cosy beds, hot showers, and the warmth of Doolin’s hospitality. Whether it’s sipping wine at sunset or curling up with your photos from the day, your Aran Islands experience starts and ends with us.

Ready to start your adventure? Book your stay at Doolin Inn and let us take care of the rest.

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