Aran Islands, Co. Galway

The Aran Islands (Irish: Oileáin Árann) are a group of three islands located 48km (30 miles) out to sea at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland.

The largest island is Inishmore also known as Aranmore (Irish: Árainn (Mhór) or Inis Mór), the middle and second-largest is Inishmaan (Inis Meáin / Inis Meadhóin), and the smallest and most eastern is Inisheer (Inis Thiar or Inis Oírr / Inis Oirthir). Irish is a spoken language on all three islands, and is the language used for the names of the islands and many of the island's villages and place names.

The the sturdy fisherfolk and their islands were immortalised by the playwright J.M. Synge in Riders to the Sea and The Aran Islands. All three islands are rugged and barren. Through unremitting toil the islanders have made soil from sand and seaweed to provide sustenance for their livestock. Kilronan, on Inishmore, is the main town of the islands and the terminus of the boat service from the mainland.

There are several Iron Age forts on Inishmore, including Dún Aengus (Dún Aonghasa) and the Black Fort (Dún Dúchathair). Visitors come in large numbers, particularly in the summer time.

Two companies operate a ferry service from Rossaveal in County Galway - Aran Direct and Island Ferries. Aran Direct is owned and operated by islanders, and operates a year round service to all three islands. They also offer an "Island Hop" service during June, July and August to connect the three islands.

An air service (Aer Arann) is available from Inverin, both of which have connecting buses from Galway city.

There is also a ferry service from Doolin, in County Clare (near the Cliffs of Moher) to Inisheer. There is currently no direct ferry service from Galway city.

Gardens

Caher Bridge Garden - Fanore County Clare Ireland
Caher Bridge Garden
Fanore, Co. Clare
The karst limestone region of the Burren is a natural wonder , with a lunar-like landscape and mysterious vanishing lakes and underground rivers.. Among the most wonderful things about it are the rare wildflowers that grow between the karren pave ...

Golf

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Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Course Type: Links
Lahinch Golf Club has undoubtedly one of the world's great classic links. It has all the ingredients of greatness: a glorious setting, a rich history, superb natural terrain and, where man has 'intervened', it has been through the hand of an outs ...

Self Catering

There is no featured selfcatering establishment in the area

What's On

Miltown Malbay Farmers Market - Friday
Super Value, Ennis Road, Miltown Malbay on Fridays from 10am-3pm

Fresh fish from Charlie's catch, speciality baking, local eggs, salads and organic veg, local cheeses, jam ...

Tourist Attractions

Great Stalacite
Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
Doolin, Co. Clare
 Discovered in 1952, the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave, County Clare, is becoming one of the most important eco-tourist attractions in Ireland. Measuring 7.3 metres (23 feet) in length, it is the largest stalactite in the Northern hemisphe ...

Wedding Venues

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