Holiday Hidden Gem: Ireland's Forgotten Aran Island Showcases Nature, Irish Culture, and Ruins

Take a day trip from Galway to the forgotten Aran Island of Inishmaan for untamed natural beauty, countryside hiking trails, ancient ruins, and traditional Irish culture.

A true hidden gem along the Wild Atlantic Way, the least-visited Aran Island of Inishmaan provides a refuge from modern life, an idyllic setting where traditional Irish culture thrives amid ancient history and untamed natural beauty. Away from the typical tourist spots on the other Aran Islands, Inishmaan showcases stunning cliff views, the most impressive ancient ruins in Ireland, and pristine hiking trails along the idyllic Irish countryside.

Follow along on my day trip from Galway to Inishmaan and start planning your own for a unique vacation you’ll never forget.

An Escape from the Modern World

The narrow road leading to the small village on Inishmaan with blue sky and clouds

At the Inishmaan ferry port, you’ll see no typical souvenir shops or carriage tour rides crawling with tourists, just an isolated narrow road lined with traditional stone wall fences leading to a small rural village. Indeed, Inishmaan’s charm lies in it what it lacks. Apart from the electric power lines, which didn’t reach the island until the 1970s, this forgotten Aran Island looks like a place lost in time. Old customs persist on Inishmaan, known as Inis Meáin to its 157 Irish-speaking inhabitants. This small outpost of traditional Gaelic culture offers a warm welcome to visitors searching for solitude and serenity amid the untamed natural beauty of the island.

Check out more hidden gems along Ireland's west coast.

Better Views than the Cliffs of Moher

The view of the Inishmaan Cliffs from Synge's Chair

When I hopped off the ferry, I knew exactly where I was going—to the desolate, rugged cliffs of Inishmaan unspoiled by throngs of tourists and tour buses. I set out on one of Inishmaan’s looped hiking trails for the cliffs, soaking in the beauty of the Aran Island along the way. Taking a detour off the main hiking trail, I headed to Synge’s Chair, a stunning lookout spot on a steep limestone cliff sheltered from the whipping coastal winds. The Irish playwright John Millington Synge sought inspiration amid Inishmaan’s rugged beauty; I went to enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the dramatic cliffs and the roiling sea below. I walked along the cliffside past the marked trail to see the best views on the island before heading back.

Spectacular Ancient Ruins from the Stone Age

The ancient stone fort Dún Chonchúir

The next stop on my journey was visiting one of Inishmaan’s impressive ancient ruins. Sitting at the highest point on the island, the ruined stone fort of Dún Chonchúir offers views of neighboring Inisheer and the famous Cliffs of Moher in addition to a panoramic view of the Inishmaan countryside. Unlike the more popular Dun Aengus on Inishmore, Dún Chonchúir has no entrance fee, no crowds, and no “no climbing” signs. I spent an hour sitting on top of the ruins, watching Ireland’s dynamic clouds shift over the idyllic rural landscape crisscrossed with stone walls and dotted with small cottages. This vantage point also provides excellent views of the Church of the Holy Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

Other archaeological, historical, and religious sites on the island include a 4,000-year-old Oghil wedge tomb, the Dún Fearbhaigh hillfort ruins, the 8th-century Cill Cheannannach church ruins, and the Tobar Chinndeirge holy well.

Best Hiking Trails Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Inishmaan's hiking trails offer stunning views of the Irish countryside

Walking along Inishmaan’s hiking trails, I encountered scenes of breathtaking rural beauty and untamed nature exploring this small Aran Island. And even better, I had every stunning sight all to myself, apart from the cows, donkeys, and sheep keeping me company as I ambled across the island. Take your time as you explore the island and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping beauty around every turn.

Traditional Irish Culture and Language

A traditional stone fort along the Inishmaan coast

There’s no bustling nightlife or a busy city center on Inishmaan, but the Aran Island’s few establishments boast unbeatable quality. After a long walk exploring the island, I stopped at Inishmaan’s only pub, Teach Ósta, for hearty grub, a pint, and traditional live music. The locals primarily speak Irish, but they’re happy to break into English if they see a chance to tell newcomers a few tales. If you plan to stay overnight, book a reservation at An Dún B&B, a family-run guesthouse featuring home-cooked meals and unrivaled hospitality.

After a quick meal and a drink, I headed back to the ferry port to catch the Aran Islands Ferry back to Galway. For your next day trip, explore all this hidden gem has to offer. visitors seeking an adventure off the beaten path to immerse themselves in wild beauty and discover Irish history and culture.

Have you visited Inishmaan? What was your favorite part of the trip? Let us know in the comments!