Aran Islands Unfiltered with Jolien

Anyone who spends more than a weekend in Galway needs to consider a trip to the Aran Islands. Rugged beauty, the story of a life once led, and breathtaking walkways await. Our intern Jolien returned speechless, mesmerised as she was by the Aran Islands unfiltered. Here is her account of the trip.

During my time in Galway, I had the chance to hop on a ferry from the Galway Docks to explore one of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. I’d heard a lot about this place, but I didn’t expect it to be this peaceful. We arrived in the morning, and the ferry ride itself was already a treat. Fresh air, sea views, and just the right amount of excitement for what was to come. 

As soon as we got off the ferry, we rented some bikes and followed the green route, which took us along the stunning coastline. The Atlantic Ocean was always in sight, and the ride was surprisingly calm. You pass dry-stone walls, cows casually grazing, and a landscape that feels frozen in time. It didn’t take long before we found a beautiful beach with clear blue water and a white sandy beach, like something out of a postcard. 

I wasn’t really planning on swimming, but something about the clear water and the quietness of the beach just convinced me. So, I went for it. The water was freezing, but it was one of those swims that makes you feel brand new after. I didn’t stay in for long, but long enough to say I did it. 

Back on the bikes, we cycled further until we reached a small town, if you can even call it that. It had just a souvenir shop and a few food trucks, but honestly, that was all we needed. We grabbed some lunch and took a little break in the sun. There’s something so relaxing about eating outside with no rush at all. 

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to the Wormhole, also known as Poll na bPéist. It’s this crazy rectangular rock pool carved out by nature, and it looks like it doesn’t belong on this planet. The hike there was absolutely tiring, but so worth it. We sat for a while, just watching the waves crash into the edges. You could feel the power of the ocean with every hit. 

We cycled back to the pier just in time to catch our ferry to the Cliffs of Moher. I was a bit sun-kissed, very tired, and completely happy, as if I were just back from a holiday somewhere on a tropical island. The ferry didn’t just make its way back to Galway, but made a detour around the Cliffs of Moher, which are unreal. If you ever get the chance to do this trip, do it! Rent a bike, take a swim (if you’re brave), and just enjoy the quiet beauty of Inishmore.