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Life
on the Aran Islands is difficult to describe. Everything
moves just that little bit slower on the islands. The
language, landscape, music and arts & crafts reflect the
islanders' strong sense of culture and tradition. It is this
unique way of life that makes the islands such a special place to
visit.
Once there, take time to explore the
islands on foot, by bicycle, on a traditional pony and trap, or by
luxury mini coach.
Photograph the islands' geological
wonders - miles and miles of limestone landscape, rare flowers and
plants, and some of the most spectacular cliff coastline in Europe.
Visit historical sites such as
Dun Aengus, churches, forts and monasteries dating as far back as 2,000 B.C.
Or,
just sit back, relax, and switch on to "island time"!
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| Inis Mór |
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Inis Mór, also known as Inishmore, is the largest of the three Aran Islands, covering approximately
sixteen square miles. Situated on the west coast of Galway, about
thirty miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, the island offers a whole new
meaning to the word 'paradise'.
Each island proudly sustains a
year long population. Inis Mór has a population of approximately 900
people which grows in the summer-time, becoming a mixture of islanders,
mainland locals and holidaymakers.
The islanders still speak their
native language but will have no problem in communicating in
English.
While a lot of island-income
comes from the fishing industry, most islanders make their money from
tourism and therefore the summer months are vital in terms of
comfortable living throughout the rest of the year.
With the archaeological sites,
some dating back 2,500 years, it's hard to believe that the island
actually had a form of civilisation. The forts, churches and
monasteries will leave you in bewildered awe at how people lived on
this rock infested island.
Inis Mór is the most developed
island in terms of tourist facilities while still retaining a sense of
old world living and a peaceful atmosphere.
Whether
you visit Inis Mór to relax or to work, to study flowers or to take
pictures, (or simply just to have the craic), you'll find that it is a
unique place that creates an indescribable sense within, that artists
and writers have been expressing so well throughout the years.
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Inis Mór Video
Just
click on the Play symbol ( ) at the bottom of the screen
below to watch a short video presentation of a visit to Inis Mór with
Aran Direct.
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on the islands to view information on them. |
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| Nature and Wildlife |
If nature
study is your thing, Inis Mór is unique in its' geology, has an
abundance of wildlife and can truly lay claim to 437 varieties of
flowers. Many are rare, so please tread carefully.
Rock-fishing
and bird watching are also favourite pass-times amongst visitors to the
island, but if you want to impress the children, it's worth bringing
them to the seal colony at Port Chorruch, north west of the island.
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Places of Interest
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| Ionad
Arainn (Heritage Centre) - CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS
Trace the history of island life in
Aran as far back as 2,000 years ago. Ionad Arainn is definitely worth a
visit for those who enjoy the "informed version" of Aran life and
traditions. The heritage centre guides you through a day in the life of
an islander, with regular exhibitions such as currach (boat) making,
etc.
Robert O'Flaherty's "Man of Aran"
documentary film (which premiered in London in 1934) is believed to be
one of the finest pieces of film made and is shown daily.
The centre also contains works of
literature by some of the islands' best known writers and poets, most
notably, Mairtín Ó Direáin and Liam O Flaherty. Both were inspired by
life on Aran and have had work translated into English. Ó Direáin is
thought of as "Ireland's unacknowledged poet laureate".
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Dun Aengus & The Island's Physical Features
There
are many strange and brilliant physical features to be found on the
island. For example, Na Poill Seideáin (puffing holes) and Poill na
bPeist (The Serpents Hole), as well as the famous cliffs of Dun
Aonghasa (Dun Aengus) and the less well known, but just as beautiful, Dun Duchathair
cliffs. These cliffs feature examples of pre-historic settlements on
Inis Mór.
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These are what
are known as hill-forts built upon cliffs as high as 100metres. On
clear days, one can see Mt. Brandon in Co. Kerry. Both forts are
surrounded by the defensive feature - cheveaux de frise - bands of
stone standing on edge. These amazing cliffs and accompanying forts
take my breath away and incite in me a sense of timelessness.
The fact that a
pre-historic tribe, the Fir Bolg, built Dun Aengus fort is enough to
have the most self assured person questioning himself and in turn
answering him that the Fir Bolg were an amazing people.
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Dun
Eochla and Dun Eoghanachta
Dun
Eochla and Dun Eoghanachta are ringforts located inland of the island
and can be seen from the main road.
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Clochan na Carraige
Clochan na
Carraige is a beehive hut. The structure is unusual because the outside
is circular but the inside is rectangular.
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Christian
Heritage
Examples of
Inis Mór's christian heritage can be seen everywhere on the island and
each has it's own special point of interest:
- Teampall Bheanain ("teampall"
meaning the word church) is considered the smallest church in the world
and is notable for it's orientation - north or south facing instead of
east or west facing.
- Na Seacht dTeampall (The Seven
Churches) features remains of late 11th century high crosses.
- Teampall an Cheathrair Álainn has a
holy well located nearby which inspired Synge's play "The Well of the
Saint
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| Getting around Inis Mór |
| Biking
The easiest way
to really explore and appreciate the island is by bicycle. These can be
rented near the pier and in Kilronan village. There are two routes the
biker can take:
- the main road which features most
of the historical sites or
- the flatter coastal road.
Whichever one you choose there are
plenty of tracks which will link up both roads.
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| Bicycle
Hire
Mullins Bicycle Hire
Ph: 099 61132
€10.00 per bike + Deposit
Group rates availabale
BNN Bicycle Hire
Ph: 099 61402
€10.00 per bike + deposit
Group rates available
Baby carriers and children's bikes
available.
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| Mini
Bus Tours
Guided tours
are provided by some of the island's local characters. These tours can
be very entertaining and are well worth it. The tours can last anything
up to two and a half hours and prices start at €10.00 per person.
Two minibuses will always be waiting on the
pier to meet passengers. The rest line up at the end of the
pier near the tourist office. As the minibuses operate a rota
among themselves, we do not recommend individual minibus
drivers. The best idea is to talk with a few of the drivers
when you arrive, see who you get along well with, and decide from
there!
Noel Mahon
Ph: +353 (0)87 778
2775
Web:
www.tourbusaranislands.com
Berty Faherty
Ph: +353 (0)87 237
9707
Web:
www.dunaonghastours.com
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| Pony
and Trap
Traditional, leisurely and with a
certain magical feel to it, this is the ideal way to travel around the
island.
There are a number of pony and traps
on the island. As with the minibuses, we do not recommend
individual operators. You should talk with a few of them when
you arrive, negotiate a price in advance, and then enjoy your tour!
Note: please take care not to overload
the traps with too many passengers. We want our lovely horses
to stay healthy!
For
more information see website:www.aranponyandtrap.com
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| Walking
Being only 14km
in length and 3km wide, Inis Mór provides a walker's paradise with many
historical and hideaway spots to be discovered at the walkers' leisure.
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| Other
There is a
public bus on the island but most of the mini-bus tour operators act as
a taxi service as well. Most premises accept credit cards.
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| The Social Scene |
| Eating
in Inis Mór
There is a
choice of restaurants and cafes on the island, where you are sure to
find the best of fresh seafood on the menu.
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Restaurants
and other Cafes
- Teach Nan Phaidi
- Pier House
- Man Of Aran
- Lios Aonghasa
- Aran Fisherman
- An tSean Cheibh
N.B:
Advisable to make
evening reservations, especially those travelling in groups.
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| Pubs on Inis Mór
The pubs on Inis Mór are diverse in atmosphere, ranging from the quiet to the lively.
Traditional Irish Music and sean-nós singing are available throughout
the season but wherever you are, you are guaranteed traditional Irish
craic!
Here are the pubs that you will find
on Inis Mór:
- Ti Joe Mac's
- The American Bar
- The Lucky Star Bar
- Watty's
- Tigh Fitz
- Tigh Chreig
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Pub Grub
You will find sandwiches and snacks in most
pubs. Pop in to one (or all), you never know, you may end up
conversing with a native Irish speaker.
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Ragus
Ragus is a one
hour show of Traditional Irish music, song and dance. Aran's
mini-Riverdance is shown at Halla Ronain during the summer months only
and tickets canbe bought at the tourist information desk or at the door.
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| Other Services on Inis Mór |
| Shopping
in Kilronan
There is a Spar
Supermarket in the centre of the village. Cash back accepted.
Off-licence and newsagents also.
There are
plenty of Aran Knitwear and craft shops on Inis Mór. These shops sell a
range of locally produced crafts, for example, pottery, jewellery,
etc., from the home-based industries that you will see dotted along the
island.
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| Photographer
Eileen Healy
Tel: 087 7922618
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| Financial
Services
There is a bank and a bureau de change
in Kilronan.
Bank of Ireland Opening Times:
Wednesdays and Thursdays in June/July/August
Wednesday only in the off peak season
There is an A.T.M
machine located in the Spar Supermarket, and most
pemises accept credit cards.
The post office
in Kilronan also provides bank services for AIB Bank.
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| Postal
Services
There is a post office located in
Kilronan.
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