The Aran Islands
The "three stepping stones out of Europe" - Seamus
Heaney
When you visit the Aran Islands you enter one of
the last outposts of Gaelic Civilization where Irish is still
the spoken language of its inhabitance. The stunningly
beautiful islands are an extension of the Burren in Co. Clare.
High cliffs, incredible rugged landscapes, ancient forts and
other relics of prehistory abound.
The Aran Islands
are well renowned for the best of good food, traditional Irish
music sessions, hospitality and friendliness.
Inishmor is the largest of the three islands. It's
principal village is Kilronan where there is a good, deep
harbor.
An excellent Visitors Centre, Ionad Arainn,
provides a solid introduction to the history and culture of
the island.
Sites to see include the interesting remains
of Arkin's Castle, a Cromwellian fort that maintained a
garrison during the 17th & 18th centuries. St Ciaran's
Monastery, east of the village, where can be seen also several
early cross slabs, pillars and a holy well dedicated to the
early saint. Also in this locality is the very early St.
Soorney's Church.
To the west of Kilronan is the church of
St. Enda, the saint most closely identified with the spread of
Christianity on Aran. Kilmurvy is the other main village on
Inishnore; it lies about seven kilometres west of Kilronan,
and in its vicinity is the Church of St. Colman Macduagh, and
the Church of the Saints.
 Undoubtedly the most famous and certainly the most
impressive site on Inishmore is the great stone fortress of
Dun Aonghus, perched dramatically on the edge of a sheer 300ft
cliff that falls away into the Atlantic Ocean. Altogether this
massive fortress covers almost 11 acres and consists of three
enclosures constructed of large limestone blocks.
Ragús
- a one hour spectacular show of Traditional music, song and
dance takes place three times a day throughout the
summer.
Inis Meáin(Ir. the middle island)
(2,252 acres) is a
wild mythic place of distinctive beauty. Here you will
experience the natural, cultural, traditional way of life of
the islanders. This botanical paradise has over 300 flowering
plants from places as far apart as the Arctic and the
Mediterranean region. Among the plants to be found on the
island are Orchids, Honeysuckle and Irish Saxifrage. A wide
variety of nesting birds and natural ecosystems are also to be
found.
Inishmaan also contains many monuments, notably the
ancient Kilcanonagh Church, the 15th century Templemurray, and
fragments of Templeshaghtmacree, or the Church of the King's
Seven Sons.
Prehistoric times are represented by the
superb oval stone fort of Dun Chonchubhair. This is one church
on the island with beautiful Harry Clarke Studio windows. Also
only one pub which is thatched and kept in the old traditional
style.
There is no bank on the island, so the bank flies
in with Aer Arann once a month for business. An Dun is an
excellent restaurant with award winning food set near the base
of Dun Chonchubhair, a beautifully preserved prehistoric fort.
Inis Oírr (Ir. the small island)
Inisheer is the
smallest of the three Aran islands (1,400 acres) and is an
outcrop of the famous Burren landscape in Co. Clare. Having an
abundance of flora, fauna and nestling birds, it is a haven
for botanists and nature lovers. The everyday language of the
islanders is Irish and their songs and stories enshrine much
of Ireland's folklore and ancient culture. It boasts one of
the most beautiful beaches on the western
seaboard.
Inisheer contains the ruins of St. Kevin's
Church, or Teampal Chaomhain, now sunk deeply into a sandy
hill close to the shore. The saint's feast day is June 14th.
Not far from the small village is O'Briens Castle, a 15th
century tower house that stands within a stone fort.
Also
worth visiting are St. Gobnait's Church, or Cill Ghobnait, the
Church of the Seven Daughters, or Cill na Seacht nInghean.
The main village is separated from the airstrip by a very
long sandy beach backed by sand dunes.
A good selection of
restaurants, B&B's, pubs and a hotel is available in the
village - all close to the beach and fishing harbor.
You can reach the islands by boat from Rossaveal with
InisMór Ferries, http://www.queenofaran2.com/
Or by
plane from Connemara Regional Airport with Aer Arann. http://www.aerarann.ie/
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