Is a trip to the Aran Islands worth it (scenery wise)?

The Aran Islands are fab. It depends on which part of the west you will be based in. If you are only going to be on the Clare side, then do the Cliffs of Moher (just to say you have been there) and from there go through the Burren (it is amazing). If you are going to Galway, then head out to Clifden. Kylemore abbey is lovely and the scenary is unique. In Clifden drive out towards Ballyconnelly and on your right hand side you will see this beach that looks like it has white sand, go down to it and you will see that it is actually coral. Head up through connemara towards Westport, you will see lots of old cottages that are in ruins from famine times and Ireland only Forde. This is the heart of real Ireland and not the preformance general tourist stuff. There are so many other places (Killalla, Blacksod, Newport) and if you have the time just drive around and see what you find (PS, Dump the guide book if you want to find the real Ireland.)