The Aran Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years. They represent the traditional and wild soul of Western Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. This is the refuge of the Gaelic language, as well as numerous ancient crafts such as hand-knitted sweaters. Located 48 km off the coast of County Galway, the archipelago never fails to impress visitors during a trip to Ireland.

History

Legend tells that the archipelago is a stretch of land that drifted away during a violent storm in Galway Bay. However, scientists associate the islands with an extension of the Burren, describing great similarities between their soils.

Life on the Aran Islands was harsh in the past. Many Bronze Age artifacts have been discovered in the funerary monuments located there. Poor and completely isolated, the inhabitants lagged significantly behind other Irish people. They preserved Gaelic language and customs, cut off from major continental innovations, such as the pocket watch.

Birthplace of Artists

Liam O'Flaherty, a principal figure of the Irish Renaissance, was born on Inis Mór on August 28, 1896. The talented Irish poet Máirtín Ó Díreáin also hails from Inis Mór, as does illustrator and director Clíodhna Lyons, who worked for Brown Bag Films. Since 2000, the Áras Éanna Arts Centre has regularly hosted local and international artistic residencies working on inspiring projects across the Aran Islands.

Discovering the Aran Islands

On the Aran Islands, you'll find rural and traditional Ireland in its authentic form. In these lands that have inspired countless artists, Gaelic is still spoken, though bilingual residents also practice English. The archipelago comprises three islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr; each possessing its own heritage.

Three Islands, Three Worlds to Explore

Inis Mór, or "the largest", stretches 12 km long and 3 km wide. Among the important historical sites, you'll find the fort Dún Aonghasa, whose origins date back to the Bronze Age, the round tower, Na Seacht dTeampaíll or "the seven churches", and more.

The middle daughter, Inis Meáin, preserves a traditional way of life despite the passage of time. Inis Meain Knitwear Company prides itself on producing the famous Aran knit sweaters.

"The smallest", Inis Oírr sits to the east. It covers barely 3 km². It takes only about four hours to complete a full island hike. The landscape of the island resembles the environment of the Burren National Park. Its flora is equally protected.

The Fishermen of the Aran Islands

Long self-sufficient, islanders would set out to fish at night near the Cliffs of Moher in their "currach", a type of lightweight boat. They would return only after dawn with plenty of fish. Today, currachs serve only coastal waters for transporting lobster pots. There are modern versions dedicated to the Cruinnithe races, held on the western coast of the country in summer.

In the days of traditional fishermen, despite their sturdiness and great resistance to rough seas and the Atlantic Ocean, the boats were extremely vulnerable to punctures. It is said that islanders never learned to swim, convinced it would be impossible to survive a currach shipwreck, and so preferred to drown quickly. Another remarkable fact: the mariners could not wear conventional shoes. Instead, they wore moccasins made of calf, cow, or goat skin. In local belief, fishermen and their families would sew a unique pattern onto their sweaters so that if they ever drowned, they could be identified.

When to Visit the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands enjoy a temperate climate. Average temperatures range between 6°C in January and 15°C in July, depending on the season. The sunniest period occurs around May and June. This is the best time to see the landscape in bloom.

Ferries serve the Aran Islands year-round. Embarkation is at Rossaveal port in County Galway, which you can easily reach by bus from Galway city. There is also an air service departing from Inverin to Inis Mór airport (also accessible by bus).

Each of the islands has its own road network. You drive on the left, and speed is limited to 50 km/h. Most tourists choose to travel by bicycle to fully enjoy each attraction.

What to Do on the Aran Islands?

• Explore the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór
• Acquire Aran knit sweaters on Inis Meáin
• Admire the flora of Inis Oírr
• Discover traditional villages, and more