To join your exciting Aran Islands Scenic Flight and Galway Bay Tour, you should make your way to Heuston Station, Dublin, by 0710 (7:10am) for the 0730h (7:30am) departure to Galway.
The tour operator’s representatives (wearing yellow jackets) will be waiting for you beside the customer service desk. They will check you in and show you to your reserved seats on the train. A dedicated host will be available on the train to assist you. There are teas/coffees and snacks available on the Dublin-Galway train and, if you wish to purchase any of the items, they will be served at your seat.
Your departure station, Dublin Heuston, was opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern & Western Railway and is now the official principal station of Iarnród Éireann – Ireland’s national railway company. You will head off in a south westerly direction, passing some of Dublin’s western suburbs – and will soon be travelling through the lush fertile countryside of County Kildare. The train goes through the town of Newbridge, which marks the northern boundary of the Curragh of Kildare.
After the Curragh you will pass the town of Kildare, and the Church of Ireland (Protestant) cathedral of St. Brigid’s – completed in 1223 AD – can be clearly seen to the south (left hand side when facing direction of travel).
The line now enters County Laois before arriving at the junction station of Portarlington – the train's first stop since leaving Dublin. Leaving Portarlington, the train takes a westerly course as the line enters County Offaly. Your route takes you into the midlands and the Bog of Allen – vast tracts of peatland.
You will stop briefly at the historic town of Athlone before crossing the mighty River Shannon, the longest river in these islands. You are now heading due west, surrounded by peat bog on both sides of the line. You will begin to notice that the hedgerows give way to dry stone walls, a feature of the west of Ireland.
Ballinasloe, on the River Suck, is the next stop. Continuing through east County Galway, the train arrives at Athenry, a small town immortalised in the song “The Fields of Athenry” and boasting many castles, old forts and ruined abbeys. On the last few kilometres before Galway, you will get your first glimpse of Galway Bay.
Please use the ladies/gents onboard the train before arrival in Galway to ensure a swift transfer to the bus, which will be waiting for you. There is no time to use station facilities.
You will arrive in Galway by 1015h (10:15am) and will be guided to the Aer Arran mini-coach for transfer to Connemara Airport for your short flight to the Aran islands. The plane lands at Inis Mór (Irish for big island and pronounced Inish More).
Your tour includes the Seven Churches, a cluster of monastic buildings dating back to the 8th century. Only two were actually churches – the others were probably living quarters for monks. The oldest church is dedicated to Saint Breacan, who is buried nearby, his grave marked by an ornate cross. You will have around 15 minutes to enjoy this lovely spot.
You will also visit the formidable pre-Christian fort of Dún Aonghusa, (pronounced ‘Doon Aengussa’), thought to date from the Iron Age. Perched atop a 100 foot (31 metre) cliff, it is the most famous of the prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands and affords stupendous views of the Atlantic Ocean. You have around 75 minutes to explore and enjoy the fort.
Lunch will be at Kilronan, the main town on Inis Mór (payable direct). Your visit to the islands lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes and afterwards you will be flown back to Connemara Airport.
On arrival back at Galway you will be brought to the Tourist Office and will then have some time in Galway city centre for exploring and/or shopping. Upon arrival at Galway Station please present your ticket and travel pack at the ticket barrier. You will then be directed to your reserved seats on the train.
Please ensure that you are back at the railway station no later than 1755h (5:55pm) for your 1805h (6:05pm) train to Dublin Heuston (this is the last train of the day to Dublin!). There is a snack service on this train, serving tea, coffee etc, and a selection of alcoholic beverages is available. Your host will be able to advise you of the location of the snack car.
The tour ends back at Heuston Station in Dublin at 2045h (8:45pm).