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Just off the coasts of Counties Clare and Galway
are long, low limestone islands of rare bleak beauty. Standing
on the very edge of Europe, the Aran Islands are rich
in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in
geology and archaeology, and in its long tradition of gentle
hospitality. The three Aran Islands, Inishmor, Inishmaan
and Inisheer, are the site of some of the most
ancient Christian and pre-Christian remains in Europe.
What's the history here?
There are the impressive Iron Age stone forts at Dun Aengus
on Inishmor, and Dun Conchuir on Inishmaan which are
particularly noteworthy. Unfortunately, almost nothing is
known about the people who built these structures allowing
you to contemplate the people who once roamed and worked here.
Some of the earliest monastic settlements were also founded
here by St Eanna in the late 4th and 5th centuries.
The monastic remnants date from the 8th century.
The most striking of views in the islands is the criss-crossing
of intricate stone walls across the fields. Built thousands
of years ago they create small sheltered areas from the strong
wind, and provide an unusual, unique landscape.
The islands' isolation allowed Irish culture to survive when
it had been put under so much pressure from foreign influence.
Irish is still the native tongue, and the traditional Aran
dress has only recently ceased to be habitually worn. The
Islands have been a major part of many young Irish peoples'
lives. Many in the Western areas are sent there to learn Gaelic
(Irish language) during the school holidays, and some have
fond memories of a rural lifestyle that was preserved far
beyond the habits of the mainland. Playwright John Millington
Synge learnt his Irish here, and wrote about its people
in the play Riders to the Sea. Generations of families
have tales of local storytellers, and dancers in the bars,
as well as the beauty of the place where they learnt the intricacies
of their language.
Things to see and do in Inishmor
Inishmor is the largest of the Islands, with a population
of around 800. It is a little over nine miles long and two
miles wide, standing defiantly against the Atlantic Ocean.
There is abundant wildlife here, and on the smaller islands.
Ionnad Arann
This is a tourist centre that will explain the geology,
wildlife, history and culture of the island, making your sight
seeing a little more meaningful. You can watch the Robert
Flaherty film, 'Man of Aran', made in 1932, which documents
the life of islanders and their ongoing battle with the sea.
Dun Aonghasa
A 700BC stone fort, the rival of any in Europe. The fort stretches
to the cliff edge on the western side of the Island and the
fact that it remains is testimony to the skills and determination
of ancient Celtic tribesmen who lived, worked and fought here
3000 years ago. The sight of the ancient building, the sound
of crashing waves against the cliff face below, and the sweet
sea air, guarantee that this site stays in the memory of visitors.
There are less people around in the evening if you want a
chance to see the area on your own. Be careful on the cliff
face. Two other impressive stone forts, Dun Eochla
and Dun Duchathair are also worth the visit.
Dun Arann Heritage Park
This is the highest point of the island and is home to some
of the ancient crafts practiced in the area.
Aran Sweater Market and Museum
Find out the history of the world-renowned Aran sweater,
buy one created in the traditional method, and watch the locals
at work.
Walks and hike
Getting around the island can be one of the best aspects
of the area. Rent a bike, hire a pony and trap, get a bus
or walk. All options are laid back and leisurely allowing
time to take in the feel of this unique place. For easy walks,
surrounded by sea, through fascinating limestone landscapes,
often in solitude, the islands are a great place for hikers.
The Inishmor Way is a walk marked along the path by
yellow arrows marked on stones and consists of tarred roads,
gravel paths, and long grass walkways into areas of awesome
sea panoramas.
How to get there
Inishmaan is the least visited island, while Inishmor is the
most popular with many day trippers. Travel to Inishmor
between the islands is well covered, with a number of ferries
and an air service available. You can also travel direct from
Galway City by boat or by plane from nearby Connemara Airport.
Inisheer lies closest to land, just five miles from Doolin
in County Clare. Ferries to the islands operate from Galway
City, Rossaveal and Doolin, and there is at least one daily
ferry throughout the year, weather permitting.
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