Inis Meain (IIA): no taxis, no buses, and bring cash
The operator states it outright: there is no public transport of any kind on Inis Meain. Be ready to walk or hire a bike, and carry cash, because not every business takes cards.
- There are no taxis and no buses on the island. Aer Arann Islands says so on its own page.
- Plan to walk or hire a bike. That is the whole of the transport situation.
- Bring cash. Some places take cards but coverage is patchy and not every business has a card reader.
- Cafes and restaurants are limited and some have seasonal hours. Plan your meals rather than assuming.
- Book accommodation early, especially in summer. There are few options.
- May to September has the best weather.
- Wi-Fi is available in some accommodation but not everywhere.
- The flight from Connemara is 8 to 10 minutes, several times a day, all year.
- Check in 45 minutes before departure and expect 10 kg of hand luggage at 40x30x20 cm.
- Pack layers, rain gear, a day pack, a water bottle and a power bank. That is the operator's own list.
- This is the middle island and the quietest of the three.
- The Inis Meain Knitting Company has operated here since 1976 and is the island's best known business.
The transport situation
- There are no taxis and no buses on Inis Meain. This is stated directly by the airline that flies you here, which makes it about as reliable as travel information gets.
- You walk, or you hire a bike. Nothing else.
- The island is small enough for that to work, but it means arriving with a heavy suitcase is a decision, not a detail.
Money and supplies
- Bring cash. Some businesses take cards, but coverage is patchy and not all of them have a reader.
- Plan your meals. There are limited cafes and restaurants and some keep seasonal hours.
- Book accommodation early, especially in summer. The operator's phrasing is that options are few but beautiful.
- Wi-Fi exists in some accommodation, and the operator suggests coming prepared to unplug.
What to bring
- Layers and rain gear, because the weather changes quickly.
- A day backpack, a refillable water bottle and a power bank.
- Comfortable shoes, given the walking.
The flight
- 8 to 10 minutes from Connemara Airport, several times a day, seven days a week, all year.
- A connecting bus from Galway City serves Connemara Airport, booked online with your flight.
- Check in 45 minutes before departure. Flights are not held for late arrivals.
- Hand luggage is 10 kg at 40x30x20 cm; anything larger must be arranged in advance.
The island
- Inis Meain is the middle and the quietest of the three Aran Islands, a landscape of limestone walls, small fields and Atlantic cliffs.
- The Inis Meain Knitting Company, founded in 1976, is the island's best known business and exports worldwide.
- Dun Chonchuir, Conor's Fort, sits at the island's highest point with views across the whole group.
- May to September is the season. Outside it, expect less of everything.
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