Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
The Aran Islands, Ireland are beautiful remote and accessible islands off the coast of Galway and one of the best places to stay for a visit is to go camping or glamping on Innishmore Island.
If you’re looking for where to stay on Inishmore (Inis Mór), the Aran Islands Camping & Glamping site on Frenchman’s Beach deserves serious consideration: whether you’re a seasoned camper or glamping for the first time.
This is not the ‘rough’ it type of glamping but actual cabins with running water and electricity!
Looking for what to do when you visit Innismore? We’ve got some ideas.
Where Is It?
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping is one of Ireland’s newest purpose-built campsites and glamping facilities, within easy walking distance of the main ferry terminal at Kilronan. Overlooking Frenchman’s Beach with panoramic views across Galway Bay, it sits directly on Ireland’s western trail, the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll hear the waves from your bed.
Accommodation Options: Camping vs Glamping
The campsite has three organic grass fields with custom handmade rock walls that create a sheltered enclosure. For those who prefer a roof overhead, there are two self-catering glamping options.
The Clochán: accommodates up to four people and comes with a double bed, a sofa-bed, kitchen facilities (kettle, microwave, fridge), table and chairs, plus a WC and shower. This is where Dave and I stayed and found is very comfortable.
The Tigín — sleeps up to six people with two single bunk beds and a sofa-bed, kitchen facilities, and an en suite shower and WC. Guests describe them as cute, warm, clean and comfortable. Our kids stayed in this building with their granparents in bunk beds. Note that there are 2 rows of units and these large ones are in the second row.
Facilities
The communal kitchen is spacious and clean, well-equipped with everything you need, while the toilet and shower blocks are kept very clean. Guests can cook and eat together using the large kitchen equipped with electric cookers, fridges, kettles, toasters, dishware, cutlery, pots and pans. Laundry facilities are also on site. The site also has a sauna, and is dog-friendly, with a dog bed, blanket and bowl provided on arrival.
The Staff & Service
This is where Aran Islands Camping & Glamping consistently stands out in reviews. The campsite owner picks guests up from the ferry for free, and staff are kind, helpful, and very responsive to enquiries, regularly going out of their way to give recommendations on what to do and where to eat.
We found the staff so friendly and nice and they let us leave bags after check out so we could go explore the island.
What to Do Nearby
The site is the perfect base for exploring Inishmore. The Aran Islands are known for their stunning landscape, and Inis Mór is home to one of Ireland’s few World Heritage Sites. Dún Aonghasa (the dramatic clifftop Iron Age fort), the Worm Hole, cycling the island roads, and swimming at Frenchman’s Beach right on your doorstep are all within easy reach.
If you are glamping on Inishmore, I recommend renting bikes for a day and explore the whole island.
Who Is It Best For?
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping works brilliantly for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. It’s rated #1 of 6 specialty lodgings on Inishmore on TripAdvisor, with a 4.8 rating across nearly 400 reviews. The glamping pods suit those who want comfort without a hotel; the camping fields suit those who want the full outdoor experience.
We stayed here with 3 generations and everyone was comfortable and enjoyed how easy it was to get to and the views.
Practical Info
- Location: Frenchman’s Beach, Kilronan, Inis Mór, Co. Galway
- Getting there: Ferry from Rossaveal (near Galway) or Doolin (near the Cliffs of Moher)
- Website: irelandglamping.ie
- Phone: +353 (0)86 189 5823
Bottom line: If you want to wake up next to the Atlantic on one of Ireland’s most spectacular islands, this is your place.
