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Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??

Chicago, Illinois
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46 posts
11 reviews
28 helpful votes
Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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We are considering taking a ferry out to Inisheer from Doolin and we will be on the island for about 4 hours. What is there to do while we are there? Are there hiking trails? Bikes to rent? Amazing views? Please give me any tips on it that you have!

Limerick, Ireland
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8,531 posts
31 reviews
94 helpful votes
1. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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Hi. The boat trip across is terrific, great views, great air - but could be a bit rough in poor weather conditions.

You will arrive in the little cluster of buildings, an hotel (Oistan Inis Oirr), pubs like Tigh Ruairi, and little basic restaurants like cafe an tra (sp?), and a small shop.

This is also right beside the beach, which has great views onto the Cliffs of Moher/ north Clare coast line - very peaceful.

With 4 hours, take a horse and trap as far as the Plassey wreck - we had limited time this Summer, and trekked, with my 5 year old on my shoulders.

By the time we had got back, the last boat had just gone. Luckily one of the lads with a horse/trap phoned the captain - and he reurned - but I wouldn't expect that to happen a second time.

Between the village/beach - you'll pass O'Brien castle set up overlook the island, the tiny airport, and then you'll come to the nicest part - low walls, tiny fields with donkeys, blue lakes and landscape that would seem to have come straight from a Jack B Yeats painting - might sound twee, but works for us.

St Enda's well is on the other side of the island (to the Plassey) that faces onto Inis Mann(lright of the port - low walls, narrow paths also) , and -a light house at the back of the island, stoney terrain beyond this point - but leave yourself time for a pint in the pub, and bear in mind this is native Irish speaking island - although everyone speaks English.

Here's a link that may help

http://www.arandirect.com/islands_inis_oirr.php

Austin
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933 posts
12 reviews
34 helpful votes
2. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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We visited for four hours in July.

The horse-and-trap tour is a must.

But be warned: not all tours are the same. Our driver practically flew us around the island, not wanting to stop at the shipwreck or anything else. It was clear he wanted to be at the dock for the next boat. Ask first to make sure. Also, don't get in with another party unless you can help it. Because of the wind, you won't be able to hear the driver's commentary unless you are right behind him.

We were disappointed that O'Brien's Castle is not much more than a crumbling tower.

Our favorite was the beach even though it was chilly (jacket weather) in July. Our daughter didn't care, though. The other favorite was the boat ride. Large waves washing over the back of our boat.

All-in-all, my husband and four year-old daughter loved Inish Oirr, while I thought our time could have been better spent elsewhere in the Burren. (I could go on and on raving about the Burren/mainland and how we didn't have enough time for all to do it justice.)

To get a better idea of Inish Oirr, watch the opening credits of "Father Ted." n

TX
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68 posts
4 reviews
9 helpful votes
3. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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I enjoyed the horse-n-trap ride out to the Plassey. On the way back, the driver stopped at the foot of the hill on which O'Brien's tower sits. He asked if we wanted to get off there to explore the tower or go on back. I got off while Mom went on back down the hill. I thought it was nice of the driver to point out that this was the best path to get up to the tower. I enjoy abandoned places, so it didn't bother me a bit that the tower was an empty ruin.

After exploring the tower, I walked down to meet mom who was hanging out in the pub. We walked around a bit and found a lovely little outside cafe for tea and scones which we enjoyed with a British tourist. Then we went down and sat on the beach - enjoying the sound of the ocean and the few.

All in all - a wonderful and leisurely 4 hours. (I do wish we'd found the craft center, but mom wasn't into trying to walk around and find it.)

Nelson, Canada
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24 posts
2 reviews
4. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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You again eh?

Well like I said before we rented bikes for the 4 hours we had. Plenty of time to see the island plus had time for a cup a tea. We were there in idyllic summer weather, not sure about the fall.

Bikes are rented at the dock.

Nelson, Canada
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24 posts
2 reviews
5. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??
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I should also add that Inisheer is a maze of stone walls. Never seen such a concentration. There's about 10 km of rideable roads that pretty well coat the island. Roads made for easy riding, although there is a bit of up and down. We didn't mind that the castle was a ruin - most of ireland is castle ruins (thanks Mr. Cromwell). On the Sunday we were there, a gaelic football game was taking place in the pitch below the castle. Made for quite a community afternoon.

We also liked that it wasn't that busy with other tourists and that there's only like half a dozen cars on the island.

6. Re: Inisheer--What do we do once we get there??

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