Aran Islands Journals

Ireland's Aran Islands: Inis Mór

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A September 2002 trip to Aran Islands by wanderlustgirl

Quote: Seeking a bit of calm after careening through the cities of Ireland, we took just a day and a half to explore the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór. With a population of around 800, the island is a little over 9 miles long & 2 miles wide. Just a bit more than a rocky outcropping in the Atlantic, the island is said to have, "One doctor, two nurses, three guards, twelve teachers, & only 150 cars". We only stayed on Inis Mór for one day, so you'll find more photos than actual entries of spots to see inside this journal. Given the chance, I'd stay 3 or 4 days to have a leisurely tour of all the ancient spots on this island, and on the others in the Aran chain.

16 Photos

Ireland's Aran Islands: Inis Mór

Overview

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Touring the island by pony and trap was quite lovely on a bright afternoon, hiking up to Dun Aengus was starkly beautiful, and just wandering the town of Kilronan was a nice respite from time spent in the city. A bittersweet journey to be sure, I'd always wanted to see this rugged region, a place where Gaelic is the norm & English is a just a courtesy. We arrived September 10th, 2001 not knowing how vastly the world would change the following day. News of the the attacks came to us after an idyllic tour of the island. Upon hearing our American accents many people offered condolences and shared stories of family they have in New York. The ties between Ireland and America are quite st...Read More

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Tourist Office - Best place to look for rooms

Hotel

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Upon arriving on the island we immediately found the tourist office & asked about a B&B. Accommodation on Inis Mór varies quite a bit, there are a number of bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hostels, & also camping. We were there after the major part of the summer season, so availablity wasn't an issue. I imagine it would be in high season, so try checking with one of the Bord Failte's before arriving. We ended up at a nice B&B called Tigh "a woman's name" - can't recall yet. I wish I remembered, but talk to the tourist office and they can help arrange everything for you.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 5, 2002

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Dún Aengus (Dun Aonghasa)

Attraction

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Just before arriving you come upon a small settlement of low, whitewashed buildings, mostly sweater shops or other gift shops. If you're looking for a handknit Aran sweater, this is a great place to find it. There is a small fee to climb up to the fortress. Once paid I walked though the building and started up the path. Trickling through the trees from further along the path I heard what sounded like fairy music. As I came closer I ran into a fellow named Paddy, contentedly playing a burnished red accordian. He stopped a bit to chat amiably & show me the article published in a Japanese travel magazine about him. He wished me well and I finished the fifteen-minute trek up to the fort. ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 2, 2002

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Aran Sweater Market and Museum

Attraction

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This is one of the best spots to find to find a beautifully-crafted Aran sweater. Part of the store explains both history & examples of stitches along with their meanings within the story of the sweater. It's said that traditionally each family name had their own specific design so that if the fisherman were drowned at sea, they could be identified by their sweater. There is a big difference in both price and quality for a machined and a hand-knit sweater. You'll know it's done by hand if the tag is signed by the craftsperson who created it. Other places to look on the island: Carraig Donn (Kilronan) 099-61123 Snamara (Kilronan) 099-61359 An Pucann (Kil...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 5, 2002

Aran Sweater Market and Museum

Aran Islands

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Dún Aengus (Dun Aonghasa) II

Story/Tip

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Here are a few more photos of Dún Aengus, it truly was amazing to stand in the center of such an ancient building. More so considering the rough weather and other elements that it remains so much intact so many centuries later.

Jump back to main Dún Aengus entry here

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Views of Inis Mór (or stone walls & crumbling buildings)

Story/Tip

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Strewn in every direction across the island are miles and miles of century-old limestone rock walls. Considered historical monuments, it's forbidden to alter any of the walls, only to repair them.

Walking around Inis Mór is akin to stepping back in time. Have a look at a few more photos.