English: Aran Islands - Gaelic: Ara Nao?mh
In front of the Bay of Galway there are the wild Islands of Aran. The sea has always been source of survival on these islands but a hard enemy to face with. A visit leaves surely amazed for the strong presence of the craftsmanship, the language and the music typically Gaelic, for his famous and warm sweaters of woven wool, the tall cliffs, the classical fishermen boats and the gigantic fortifications pre-Christians and more.
The three principal islands are lived and reached by boat from Doolin and Galway and in airplane always from Galway; they are Inishmore, the greatest, Inishmaan and Inisheer, with a general surface of around 47 km2.
Stones fences delimit the principal road of Inishmore. Being these islands of calcareous formation, they have small superficial ground, but the agriculturists succeed equally to cultivate rye and potatoes in an mixture of sand, seaweeds and fertilizer. Soil is more suitable for livestock breeding, principal source of income of the islands, with of course fishing.
Island Ferries Office
Victoria Place, Galway
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www.aranislandferries.com
Inis Mor
Inis Mor is the largest of the three Arann Islands. It also has the most facilities for the traveler. Situated 9 km from Galway, it can be reached by ferry from the city of Rossaveal or from the port of Doolin, in about 45 minutes.
In the open air, Árainn is a paradise for bird watchers or the lover of wild flowers and plants. Here you can find peace and quiet: walking the roads (there are two where no bus or car run) or the paths between stone walls or over open sandy dunes or by dizzying cliff heights. These walks are for many an enduring Árainn memory.
Dun Aengus is a very large and impressive stone fort, standing on a cliff top, almost 300ft above sea level. The fort was probably built by the Fir Bolg, a pre-historic tribe, and their leader Aengus. Recent excavation has produced evidence of activity on the site from the late Bronze Age (between 1000 and 700 Before Christ) until early Christian times. Evidence of habitation in the late Bronze Age includes traces of hut and hearth sites, a stone trough and a range of domestic material.
Inis Méáin
Inis Méáin (Inishmaan) is the middle island between Inis Mor and Inis Oirr. It is about 5km long and 2.5km wide. It is an amazing place where visitors come back time and time again to admire the Gaelic tradition existing deeply on this site. Inis Méáin is a very quiet and peaceful place, ideal place to take a break for a few days. Irish is the main spoken language of the island.
Inis Oirr
Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is one of the most historic and intriguing of the three Aran Islands. It is the smallest one, only 3.2km for 3.2km. Situated at the base of all three islands it is easily accessible from Ros A Mhil Connemara, Galway City and also from Doolin.
Cill Chobait
Located west of the pier this church is also known as St Gbnait whose church at Gugan Barra, Bally vourney, county Cork is also a famous landmark of inetrest are the alter and various stone items located around the church.
Obriens castle
The remains of this castle make a picturesque sight. Built by the O’brien family who were former rulers until the 1500’s it stands as protective aura over the island. Its also worth visiting the tower just a few meters up the hill
The Beach
The beach is in immediate view as its situated just off the pier. It is also just metres away from the main village. The beach itself has beautifully clean white sand and faces clear turquoise water. It is ideal for all forms of water sports and is a most idyllic setting.
The heritage House
This house contains artifacts of historical value to the island. This is a good place to visit simply because it’s a fine example of a thatch cottage.
The Lighthouse
The old lighthouse is located at the highest point of the island offers spectacular 360 degree panoramic views.
The main Village
The main village is located just seconds away from both the pier and the beach. It is nestled below the old light house and O'Briens fort. It has the definite feel of a rustic fishing village attached to it and the local Traditional Music bar has the widely held belief that its one of the best in Ireland.
The New Lighthouse
The new Lighthouse is located at the Western bottom tip of the island and is adjacnt to the Cliffs of Mohar and thus providing dramatic scenery. On a clear day the cliffs feel like they are just a light swim away . The lighthouse is surrounded by cascades of matted stone fences and the area is very much isolated.
The Plassy
The plassy is on the south Eastern border tip of the island and is a rusty shipwreck beached in the 1960’s. It forms a particularly spectacular sight and is one of them most photographed attractions on the island.
Tiemphall chaomha (church of St keevauns ) is surrounded by the main graveyard of the island. It has the peculiar appearance of being sunk into the ground. This reputably has a spiritual protective energy and rumours are that storms have been calmed.