| Aran islands |
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Aran Islands are a weird landscape which will enthral you or not. They
are an extension of the Burren limestone and have some of Ireland’s
oldest archaeological ruins. |
Accommodation_Galway
History
Very little is known about the people who erected the ‘forts’
on the islands, the use of which is not certain either. Having come to
the islands for farming, they faced a real challenge as the topsoil was
full of stones. They used the extracted stone to good use, building
walls (1600km). Christianity had reached the islands by the 5th
century. Nowadays, Irish is still the main language on the Aran
Islands. INISHMOR
The largest of the islands, Inishmór |
is probably the most visited, a
great majority of visitors actually only visit this island. Boats
arrive at Kilronan, the main village. The main attractions here are the
stone forts, and particularly Dún Aengus (call 61008 for information),
which lies on the edge of the southern cliff. The view from up there is
amazing, especially at times when the crowds are gone and you can enjoy
the peacefulness. The site can be dangerous though as no guard rails
have been put in place. Two other forts to be found between Kilronan
and Dún Aengus are Dún Eochla (circular fort) and Dún Dúchathair. Many
stone churches also lie on Inishmór, the ruins of which are an evidence
of its monastic past. Amongst them are Teampall Chiaráin, Teampall
Bheanáin, Clochán na Carraige or the Na Seacht dTeampaill. A visit to
the Aran Heritage Centre, or Ionad Arann (call 61355 for information or
visit www.visitaranislands.com) is a good start for a visit a good way
of acquiring general background on the island. INISHMAAN
This smaller island is a quiet place where farm animals enjoy grazing
peacefully. History has it that Inishmaan attracted early Christian
monks, seeking solitude in a beautiful setting. For information about
the island, pay a visit to An Córa (call 73010 for information), the
Inishmaan Island Cooperative.
Again archaeological sites are numerous, and Dún Chonchúir is the major
of them. Oval-shaped, it resembles Dún Aengus except for its completely
round form and that it is built inland. On your way to the fort you
will pass the lovely cottage which served as a summer residence for
writer JM Synge (call 73036 for information). Other sights include Dún
Fearbhaigh and Cill Cheannannach.
INISHEER
Tiny Inisheer is surprisingly covered with stone walls. With no major
archaeological site and no tourist facility, Inisheer has remained
untouched.
The main sights on the smallest of the three islands are O’Brien’s
Castle (or Caislea’n Uí Bhriain) and the 10th-century Church of St
Kevin (Teampall Chaoimháin). Inisheer Way will take you on an
unforgettable 15km walk. |
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