And if you love starkly beautiful open spaces, then you’ll want to take your own trip to visit the Aran Islands. Located off the west coast of Ireland, at the mouth of Galway Bay, these three islands (Inishmore – “the big island”, Inishmaan – “the middle island”, and Inisheer – “the south island”) are rife with history and dramatic scenery.
Extremely harsh winters, due to bearing the brunt of Atlantic winds and storms, combined with very poor soil conditions make it somewhat surprising that anyone has chosen to live on these islands. But there are small populations on each - about 900 on Inishmore, 200 on Inishmaan, and 300 on Inisheer. These inhabitants are often outnumbered in summer by the tourists coming to see the islands from the mainland, especially on the most visited island of Inishmore. The good news is that means there are actually decent B&B’s or inns, restaurants and pubs on all of these islands. So don’t feel obliged to be just a common “day tripper”. You’ll get a better feel for the islands and enjoy more solitude if you actually stay a night or two.
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When you visit Inishmore, plan to do more than just visit Dun Aengus. The ferries that take you across to the Aran Islands do not allow you to bring a car, but you have various options for modes of transportation once you get there – you can take a mini-bus tour, rent bikes, just hike or, my favorite – take a horse and buggy tour. The island of Inishmore is only 9 miles by 2 miles, yet in this small space it has a number of interesting sites to visit – the “Worm Hole” and various blow holes, fascinating geological formations that capture the dramatic impact of the tides on the island; the ruins of Teampall Bheanain, one of the smallest churches in the world; Clochan na Carraige, a rare perfect example of the ancient “beehive” dwellings on the islands; Dun Duchathair or “The Black Fort”, another Stone Age fort known for the black limestone it was built out of, less visited but with equally dramatic views as Dun Aengus; and more.
You can get to the other two islands of Inishmaan and Inisheer directly from the mainland, or as side trips from Inishmore. They do not get nearly as many visitors as Inishmore, so if you are looking to enjoy greater solitude they may be a good option for you.
Inishmaan has ancient forts too – notably Dun Fearbha and Dun Chonchoir – but it also has some other interesting historical sites: Teach Synge – a 300 year old cottage restored to its original state and maintained as a museum to the life and work of the celebrated Irish playwright John Millington Synge who stayed at this house in the late 1800’s; Leaba Dhiarmuid agus Grainne – a collapsed Neolithic tomb named after tragic lovers from ancient Irish mythology; and a knitwear factory for those who wish to purchase some of the famous Aran sweaters or other handicrafts.
Inisheer is the smallest of the three islands but is equally blessed with numerous interesting historical sites such as Caislean Ui Bhriain – a three-story castle built in the late 1500’s, Cnoc Raithni – a bronze age burial mound dating from 2000 B.C., and Cill Ghobnait – a small 9th century church. This island is also popular with botanists and birders – offering sightings of birds such as red-billed choughs, jackdaws, cuckoos, mute swans, stonechats, linnets, skylarks and wheatears.
So if you find yourself on the western coast of Ireland in the summer months, make time for a visit to the spectacular scenery of the Aran Islands. It’s well worth the extra time and effort to get there. Just pray for good weather!
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