Determine which island or islands you would like to visit. All islands have some form of lodging. You can stay on one island and take day excursions to the other islands, or you can spend one night on each island.
Decide what type of lodging you would like. The Aran Islands offer Bed and Breakfasts, hostels, rooms with kitchenettes, hotels and campgrounds.
Conduct an Internet search of potential lodging locations.
Make your lodging selection and then contact the location directly to make your reservation.
One week before your trip, call to confirm your reservation.
Determine if you want to fly or take a ferry to the islands. Flights can be arranged through Aer Arran Islands. Ferry rides from Connemara are offered through Aran Islands Direct or the Aran Island Ferries. You can also take the ferry from Doolin, County Clare on the Doolin Ferries.
Contact the transportation company you've chosen. When calling from inside the U.S., reach these companies as follows: Aran Islands Direct at 011 (+353) 91566535, Aran Island Ferries at 011 (+353) 91568903, and Doolin Ferries at 011 (+065) 7074455. Make a reservation to be sure that you will be guaranteed a seat for your travel to the Aran Islands.
Prepare for and book your transportation to the airport or ferry launching point. Shuttle buses are offered from Galway City and the trip lasts about 45 minutes. The ferry company can provide you with information regarding where to get the shuttle bus.
Prepare for the weather. Mist and rain are not uncommon, so you will need to keep rain gear with you.
Bring good shoes. Much of the islands are rock and stone. You will need comfortable walking shoes.
Explore different transportation options while visiting. You can walk, rent a bike or take a horse and trap tour.
Bring a camera to capture the remarkable natural and manmade features.
Finish your touring days with a trip to one of the local pubs, where music and good conversation abound.
