Inis Mór (Inishmore)
Inis Mór is the largest and most developed of the Aran Islands and combines a vibrant history with excellent facilities and lively nightlife. Blanketed in fissured limestone and a patchwork of fields, you can walk, cycle or ride the laneways here to discover the island's most celebrated monument, Dún Aonghusa. One of the most famous and most important prehistoric sites in Europe, this semi circular stone fort sits dramatically on top of a 100 metre drop into the sea. Elsewhere circular forts, early Christian remains, 12th Century high crosses and medieval churches dot the island.
Traditions are very much alive on Inis Mór and nightly music sessions and regular dances, impromptu storytelling and even currach racing are part of everyday life. Whether you wander the flower strewn laneways, watch the seals or relax on the beach, you'll be smitten by the people, culture and heritage of this incredible island.
Contact Details
Telephone: +353 (0)99 61354
Fax: +353 (0)99 61454
E-mail: info@visitaranislands.com
Web: www.visitaranislands.com
Inis Meáin
Usually the quietest and least visited of the Aran Islands, Inis Meáin is truly an escape from the modern world, a place where beauty, tradition and culture combine with a rugged landscape.
A maze of narrow winding roads, sheltered paths and trails crisscross the island, from the rock hillsides of the south to the deserted sandy beaches on the north shore.Wild flowers bloom everywhere and numerous examples of early settlements dot the limestone karst. The incredible oval fort of Dún Chonchúir is here, and so too are the beautiful Cill Cheanainn and the church of Mary Immaculate with its magnificent stained-glass windows by the famed Harry Clarke Studios. Nearby is Teach Synge, the restored island cottage of writer John Millington Synge, for whom the island was a favourite retreat.
Contact Details
Telephone: +353 (0)99 73010
Fax: +353 (0)99 73052
E-mail: info@aranislandscottages.com
Inis Oírr
The smallest and most easterly of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr is a tranquil place, perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxed walks. The island is small enough to see entirely on foot and it's easy to get the impression that you have the whole world to yourself.
Inis Oírr has probably been inhabited for 5,000 years but the earliest evidence of civilization is at Cnoc Raithní, a Bronze Age burial mound dating from 1500BC. Nearby are Teampall Chaomhán, a medieval church ruin half buried in the sand and the 16th century Caisleán Uí Bhríain, an imposing three-storey tower house built within a Stone Age fort. To the north of the island golden sandy beaches offer safe swimming and stunning vistas of Connemara while the eastern shore boasts a shipwreck and breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Contact Details
Telephone: +353 (0)99 75008
Fax: +353 (0)99 75071
E-mail: aran@failteireland.ie
Web: www.inisoirr-island.com
