Inis Mor is the largest of the three Aran Islands, located just off the coast of Galway in Ireland. The island is home to a variety of historical and natural sights, making it a popular destination for tourists. A bus tour is a great way to see all that Inis Mor has to offer in a short amount of time. Here’s what you can expect on bus tours of Inis Mor.
Bus Tours Pick Up Location
Bus tours on Inishmore are a unique way to explore the island. The tours begin beside Aran Bike Hire in Kilronan, the main village on Inishmore. The tours usually operate on a first come, first served basis. However, during Summer months there are plenty of buses available to choose from.
The Bus Tours
The bus tours generally lasts 3-4 hours. The tour starts in Kilronan and includes a stop at Dun Aonghasa, The Seven Churches, Bungabhla, Inishmore seal colony and terminates in Kilronan village.
Dun Aonghasa
Dun Aonghasa is the most popular attraction on Inis Mor. Located on edge of a 300ft cliff on the south side of the island, it is a 3,000-year-old semicircular stone fort which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with amazing views that stretch the length of the island. Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a “chevaux-de-frise” which consists of densely populated, jagged limestone rocks which were set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. The fort is located about 900m from the Visitor Centre. and is accessed by hiking over rising ground over rough terrain and loose rocks, so hiking shoes or good walking shoes are advised. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff so please be careful.
The Seven Churches
Situated in the west of Inis Mór in the village of Eoghanacht, The Seven Churches or Na Seacht dTeampaill in Gaelic, was one of the biggest monastic foundations and centres of pilgrimage along the west coast of Ireland. Breacan is believed to have come here in the earliest period from Kilbrecan near Quin in County Clare. Tradition on the island has it that his foundation rivalled St Enda’s foundation in the east of the island. Indeed the two saints are held to have eventually agreed to divide the island between them. Although termed ‘ the seven churches’ there are in fact only two churches to be found today.
Bungabhla
Bungabhla is the westernmost village on Inishmore, where there are some beautiful views of Eeragh lighthouse and Branock Island.
Inishmore Seal Colony
The seal colony is located on the coast road approximately one mile from Kilmurvy beach. It is clearly signposted and has picnic tables on site, so bring a picnic lunch and take use of the available tables and chairs to enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings. The best views of the seals is best at low tide when the seals are sun bathing on the rocks. Conversely, at high tide, the seals are much harder to spot as you can only see their heads in the water. During low tide at the Inishmore seal colony anywhere from 5 – 20 seals can be spotted at a given time.
Kilronan village
Kilronan is the main village on Inishmore, and is where the ferry terminal is located. There’s one ATM on Inishmore, that is located in the SPAR Supermarket in Kilronan. The SPAR Supermarket has all the necessities for a great picnic to enjoy while exploring Inishmore. Kilronan is a great place to find some souvenirs from Inishmore as there are multiple craft shops located in the village.
Custom bus tours are available upon request.
Bus Tours Cost
The Bus tours typically cost between €20 per person. Most tour operators only accept cash. The buses vary in size, some of the smaller buses carry 10 passengers while the larger buses can carry up to 24 passengers.