Offshore Islands

Inishmore (Árainn) is the largest of the Galway Aran Islands and has been attracting visitors to its rugged shores for generations. The island is an extension of the famous limestone rocks of The Burren, where limestone pavements crisscrossed with grikes, host a plethora of, often extremely rare, wild flowers such as gentian violets and orchids. The landscape of Inishmore is a patchwork of fields hemmed in by precariously balanced dry stone walls.

You can walk, cycle or ride the lane ways here to discover the island's most celebrated monument, Dún Aonghusa. One of the most famous and most important prehistoric sites in Europe, this semi circular stone fort sits dramatically on top of a 100 metre drop into the sea. Elsewhere circular forts, early Christian remains, 12th Century high crosses and medieval churches dot the island.

Traditions are very much alive on Inishmore; nightly music sessions, regular dances and even currach racing are part of everyday life. Whether you wander the flower strewn lane ways, watch the seals in the clean waters or relax on the beach, you will undoubtedly be smitten by the people, culture and heritage of this incredible island.

Services ProvidedKEY

• 

: IrishSpoken

General DescriptionsKEY

• Accommodation : Hotel, guesthouses, holiday homes, b&b's, hostel, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shop, crafts. Bike hire, tour bus, taxi.
  
• Activities : Walking, cycling, swimming, horse riding, diving, basket making, learning Irish and cultural courses.
  
• Did you know? : The late Bronze age fort of Dún Aonghusa is an incredibly powerful place with spectacular views over Galway Bay. The fort is enclosed by three massive stone walls and protected by an outer defence of jagged upright rocks.
  
• Population : Population: Over 800, increasing in high season. A Gaeltacht island.
  
• Size : Approx 14 km long by 3.8 km wide.
  
• When to visit : Best time is April to October, but busiest time is June to September.
  

Accommodation : Hotel, guesthouses, holiday homes, b&b's, hostel, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shop, crafts. Bike hire, tour bus, taxi.
Activities : Walking, cycling, swimming, horse riding, diving, basket making, learning Irish and cultural courses.
Did you know? : The late Bronze age fort of Dún Aonghusa is an incredibly powerful place with spectacular views over Galway Bay. The fort is enclosed by three massive stone walls and protected by an outer defence of jagged upright rocks.
Population : Population: Over 800, increasing in high season. A Gaeltacht island.
Size : Approx 14 km long by 3.8 km wide.
When to visit : Best time is April to October, but busiest time is June to September.

Additional FeaturesSHOW

Descriptions

Access

Flights:
Aer Arann fly daily Tel: +353(0)91 593034 www.aerarannislands.ie
Sailings from Ros an Mhíl, Co. Galway.
Island Ferries Teo. Daily, year round. 294 Passengers Tel: +353(0)91 568903 Sailings from Doolin, Co. Clare:
Doolin2Aran Ferries Sail to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin Pier. Tel: +353(0)65 7075949 www.doolin2aranferries.com
Aran Doolin Ferries Tel: +353 (0)65 7074455 / 7074466 www.doolinferries.com March-October, 2 crossings daily.

Highlights

Dún Aonghusa fort; Na Seacht dTeampall ( the seven churches ); flora and fauna; live music.