Forget Hawaii and Bali, Ireland’s Aran Islands, located off the coast of County Galway, have been named as the sixth best islands in the world for 2020. The three islands, Inisheer, Inishmaan, and Inishmore, have been a popular spot with tourists for many years, and won the hearts of many to come sixth in a poll run by Big 7 Travel.
Big 7 Travel said:
“Visitors can either walk around them or cycle the pretty roads that are lined with hand-built brick walls. The sheer cliffs looking out into the Atlantic Ocean and the famous local hospitality, make these a must-visit for anybody who loves Ireland”.
Of course, the Aran Islands are already well known among thrill seekers, thanks to the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition being held in Inishmore in 2014. On a cliff locally known as Serpent’s Lair, a natural pool can be found. Believed to have been carved out by the ocean over thousands of years, it’s a popular spot for cliff divers who can take full advantage of the 27 meter drop into the chilly Atlantic waters below.
Over 3000 spectators headed to Inishmore in 2014 for the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition, and many more have visited since to get a taste of the extreme for themselves. Although the competition has since moved on to sunnier climes (2019’s competition was held in the Philippines and Spain), it’s expected that more adventure tourists will now head to the island thanks to its ranking on Big 7’s list.
Beating the Aran Islands were first place Flatey (Iceland), second place Palawan (Philippines), third place Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu), fourth place Sommarøy (Norway), and fifth place Korcula (Croatia).
