The Aran Islands, just off the coast of County Galway, have been recognised as some of the most beautiful islands in the world, according to a new global ranking.
A group of famous Irish islands have been ranked among the best in the world.
Just off the coast of County Galway, the Aran Islands is an island group made up of three small islands. Inis Mór, Inis Meain, and Inis Oírr all offer their own unique charm.
A popular spot among tourists, famed worldwide for its iconic knitwear and prehistoric sites, the Aran Islands are a must for those visiting the west of Ireland.
A stunning rural island group ‒ off the west of Ireland
Big 7 Travel released their annual list of 50 best islands in the world. We were glad to see that the famous Irish islands ranked high on the list.
The Aran Islands are known for their rural charm and breathtaking scenery. They ranked 25th on the list of best islands in the world, above places like Santorini and Bora Bora.
Ranking the Irish islands among the best in the world, the travel experts wrote, “These three remote islands off Ireland’s west coast are packed with rural charm and scenery that really will take your breath away.
“Visitors can stroll around them or cycle the brick-lined paths that criss-cross them. An authentic escape from the whirlwind of modern life, its dramatic scenery and famous local hospitality make these a must-visit for anybody who loves Ireland.”
Irish islands ranked among the best in the world ‒ beating fierce competition
The Aran Islands faced some tough competition to rank so highly on the list of best islands in the world. Perhaps surprisingly, the County Galway islands ranked above iconic spots such as Bora Bora, Santorini, and Koh Tao.
The stunning tropical island of Mauritius, which only recently opened up to international visitors, claimed the top spot. It’s not hard to see why with its breath-taking beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters which are perfect for scuba diving.
Jamaica claimed second place on the list. Big 7 Travel wrote that the island is known for its “palm-fringed beaches, reggae beats, and zingy jerk chicken”.
The best islands in the world ‒ bucket list-worthy destinations
Ranking alongside the Irish islands to claim a spot among the best in the world are stunning islands from all seven continents.
Koh Mak in Thailand claimed third place, followed by Anguilla in fourth. Madeira Island in Portugal ranked fifth, with Lummi Island in Washington taking sixth.
Australia’s Moreton Island took seventh position, while Havelock Island in India took eighth. Closing out the top ten, Flatey in Iceland ranked ninth, followed by the Spanish Island of Menorca in tenth.
The Aran Islands claimed the highest position on the list for islands across the UK and Ireland. The Isle of Eigg in Scotland also claimed a place on the list, ranking at number 31.
