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Published: July 30th 2013
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It was yet another early start to make our way to the Aran Islands. I was very excited for this excursion because anyone whom I've spoken to about them, had nothing my amazing things to say. We took a bus 45 minutes to the ferry. It was pouring and I was getting nervous that the day would be a wash out. By the time we got on the ferry, the sun was shining and then skies were blue. I prayed that it would last. The ferry to the Aran Islands is about a 30-40 minutes. The views from the ferry are fantastic. The ferry rocked a bit too much for my liking, but it was fine. Once we got to the island, I picked up my bike rental from the bike hire. It looked like a decent mountain bike. Next stop, was to the local supermarket to pick up lunch. Laura and I then made our way to the trails. Our bus driver recommended to stop at the pub for a half-pint before making our way to the trails. The sun was shining and the breeze felt so warm. Once I made my way up the first hill, I was speechless.
The island and its view is probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen (besides my nieces and nephews)! Surprisingly, the water is aqua and navy blue and the rocks are so beautiful. It seems to be the theme in Ireland, but my pictures and words cannot describe the beauty and serenity of the Aran Islands. We bike up a few hills with the wind against us, and I'm definitely getting a workout. We kept thinking we were getting lost, but some kind people told us that we were in the right direction. We come across a beach with such white sand and the aqua blue water. There was even a lifeguard stand and two lifeguards there. We asked them for directions too! Finally, we made it to the entrance of the fort on the island. It is a fort that was built centuries ago, right on the edge of a cliff. It has such a steep drop off. Knowing these stones were placed centuries before I've touched them, is Incredible. After taking it all in, it was time to make the trek back. I was nervous the hills would be too much, but I was pleasantly surprised at the
gentle slopes. The last part of the trail was downhill and it was thrilling to be riding down and seeing the views of the island. After a quick stop at the pub, I went going shopping at the Aran Sweater Market. I was very excited for this. I got a beautiful Aran wrap sweater, a scarf, and a hat. I was able to ship it back to the US with the items Laura got for only 25 euros. Then, it was back on the ferry to have dinner at the hotel. I ended my night by having tea with our bus driver and girl from Australia. Visiting the Aran Islands was probably one of the best days of my life! I will definitely be coming back. Tomorrow we are off to Cork...will be kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle!
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