DGilfix

I'm trying to decide between two different islands off the western coast of Ireland. Inisheer is the smallest of the Aran Islands, and we could go there on the second day of our trip this summer from Doolin after arriving in Shannon. I realize that Inishmaan, the largest island, is supposed to have more to visit than Inisheer, but it's a much longer boat ride, and I'm assuming its cliffs will be very reminiscent of those we find around Cliffs of Moher. The other option is to travel to Inishbofin off the coast of Clifden when we visit that town a couple days later.

Does anyone have experience with either of these islands and care to suggest one over the other? Thank you!

Luna1

Have only been to Inishbofin, for a day trip, but really enjoyed it. Easy ferry ride from Clifden, rented bikes when we got off the boat on the island, rode around the island for the day, stopping at lovely beaches and occasional points of interest. Found a decent restaurant along the way where we ate lunch outside. Had a really good day. Enjoy, whichever you do!

irishface

I have been to both. Inisheer from Doolin. Took a short tour on the cart hitched to a tractor which met the ferry. Then rented a bike and rode around. What struck me was the utter peace and quiet. Didn't hear a motor once I got out of the village. Just the sound of bees humming in the hedges, bird chirps, an occasional moo. Spent time on the beach and watched dolphins frolicking near the shore. Forgot the sunscreen as it was chilly when I left Doolin and got a bad sunburn.

Went to Inishbofin from Cleggan (near Clifden) and enjoyed that as well. As I recall, Inishbofin is a bit larger than Inisheer, but the atmosphere is similar.

In short, I enjoyed both (different trips) and can't recommend one over the other. You will enjoy both. Both are walkable but you can cover more ground on a bike. I enjoy taking pictures on my travels and have enjoyed looking back over both sets over the years. Perhaps you can let the weather be your guide. If it is pleasant while in Doolin, seize the opportunity for an island visit. If if it is miserable, wait for Clifden and hope for better luck. (I don't think I would recommend eithr on a rainy day.)

DGilfix

That makes perfect sense. Thank you. Incidentally, I understand Inishbofin is English speaking whereas Inisheer is Gaelic. Did you find this as well in the Inisheer village? Would you recommend 1/2 or full-day ... or can one play that be ear with the ferry?

irishface

On Inisheer, Gaelic is the first language as it is part of the Gaeltacht, but everyone I dealt with spoke English. Unfortunately, unless the ferry schedule has changed since I was there, a half day visit is not an option on either island. As I recall, there was a ferry out about 9ish and return mid- to late afternoon.

irishface

Just looked up the ferries and it seems that there are now more frequent ferries to Inisheer. check out www.doolinferries.com

There are two ferry services to Inishbofin:

www.island discovery.com

www.clifden.galway-ie/inishbofin.htm

irishface

If you google Inishbofin, there are several good websites. Didn't have time to sift through them all, but enjoyed looking at one or two.