July 2014

Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran islands, is a great place for a holiday and the swimming is good too. Below we list four of the best places to swim, but there are more if you have time to visit. The island is easy to get around, with a rented bike the best way to travel.

Trá na bhFrancach

Situated about a kilometer from the harbour, this is a lovely and accessible place to swim. The water here is blue and the sand white. There is a gradual wade in and when we were there the calm waters allowed for a lovely, long swim. With its sandy beach and sheltered sea, this seems to be a good spot for children and families.

Directions: From the harbour entrance go to the right and along the coast road for a kilometre until you come to the beach.

An Trá Mór:

In contrast, An Trá Mór is harder to get to but worth the effort. We were there twice on sunny days and the only company we had was a curious seal. This is a long sandy beach with the lovely clear water to refresh you. It’s sandy underfoot and both days we visited the water was calm and lovely for swimming. The only drawback on one of the days was the number of jellyfish being washed ashore. So be careful. As you might be the only one swimming here exercise caution and stay well within your depth. All in all, a lovely secluded and relaxing place to swim.

Directions. From the harbour entrance go the left and follow the coast road for about 3 kilometres until you pass a pier and then the airport and graveyard. You then have to cross the large sandy inlet and find your way to the beach. Definitely not accessible and only for the fit.

Kilmurvey

Kilmurvey is Inis Mór’s Salthill. A Blue Flag beach where young and old congregate. As it’s on the way to Dun Aonghasa, the island’s main tourist attraction, you will also have a good mix of nationalities.

The beach here is curved and sheltered and when we visited the water was clear and calm. It’s a good place to practice your swimming with the length of the beach covering about 200 metres. There are rocks at either end for shelter and a slipway makes it accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Nearby are decent toilets and the coffee shop and other shops at Dun Aonghasa are a 5 minute walk away.

Directions: From the harbour go to the right and as you pass through the village take the road that goes inland. After a few hundred metres you take a right turn and follow this road

Trá na bhFrancach

Kilmurvey

Kilmurvey

The Worm Hole – Poll na bPéist

Trá Mór

Trá Mór

Trá Mór