The Aran Islands
The name Aran Islands is Oileain Arann- the islands of Aran- in Irish. Arainn is also the correct name for Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. The word has the same root as the Gaelic word Aras, meaning a dwelling. Arainn means the inhabited island.
Certainly the island has been inhabited for at least 5,500 years. The 3,500 year old fort at Dun Aonghasa alone testifies to the presence of powerful kingdoms ruling from here over centuries and even millennia. Megalithic tombs can be dated back to the Stone Age while other structures may have been built by a people who had migrated up the Atlantic Coast from Iberia, or even from North Africa.
In Christian times, Inis Mor was known as Aran na Naomh, Aran of the Saints. The Celtic monk, Enda, brought Christianity to Aran around 485 AD. He and his fellow monks founded monasteries throughout the island. The landscape is dotted with ancient churches, beehive huts, Celtic crosses, standing stones and the burial sites of saints.
In more recent times Aran has become less a mecca for wandering monks of the Celtic church and more of a tourist haven for the modern-day pilgrim with annual tourist numbers going from below 10,000 in the 1980s to its current figure of somewhere in the region of 250,000 people proving that even in its current revival Aran has something to offer those in search of a unique experience. We certainly hope that this guide will assist you in that journey.
Our Take
The Seven Churches
The Seven Churches, or Na Seacht d'Teampaill, is the most important monastic site of the islands and is situated nearby the village of Eoghanacht. Despite the name there are only 2 churches as the other buildings are simple rooms of the monks.
Heritage Centre/ Ionad Arann
Ionad Arann, Aran's Heritage Centre, is located on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore, and is a good starting point to get a grasp on the island's history and traditions.
Inis Oirr
The island is only about a total of 10 square kilometres and has 2 main roads, one running from south to north and the second extending from East Village to the pier. There is a castle and a number of interesting churches on the island
Inis Meain
Inis Meain, which means middle island, is the most barren, and the least populated despite being slightly larger than Inis Oirr. The island is separated from Inis Mor by Gregory’s Sound and is the least visited of the islands and one which most retains the traditional lifestyle.
Inis Mor
Inis Mor is the ‘capital’ of the Aran Islands and its sheltered harbour at Cill Ronain (Kilronan) has long been the main entry point for visitors to Aran. The island’s 900 inhabitants occupy an area that measures an area of 14 kilometres by 3 kilometres at its extremities, occupying a total area of little more than 31 kilometres.
Aran in Recent Times
From about 1740 the Digby family of Kildare became the islands landlords but were in the main absent and only took rent. Many islanders were unable to pay their rent and were evicted.
Medieval Aran
In medieval times, the islands were under the sway of the O Briens of Munster, who built a fortified tower house within the old walls of a Celtic cashel in Inis Oirr, until they were in turn ousted by the O’ Flahertys who were regarded by the merchants of Galway as pirates and smugglers
Aran of the Saints
Aran may have little soil, but what it has is holy. Towards the end of the 5th century the pioneers of the great monastic movement sought out a retreat from the world here, and the fame of their sanctity and learning brought flocks of disciples.
Aran Geology
21st century travellers to Aran will more than likely begin their journey to Aran from some point in the county of Galway, whether they choose to go by air or sea. However, it is necessary to travel back in time to the pre-Ice Age era, 325-350 million years ago to discover the origins of Aran and its remarkable landscape.
The Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are the inhabited rocks off the west coast of Ireland, 30 miles from Galway City. The islands together extend over 25 kilometres in an almost straight line across the mouth of Galway Bay. The Islands ar called Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer........
Dun Duchathair (Black Fort)
Not as easily accessible as Dun Aonghasa but worth making the extra effort for you will need to head towards Cill Einne/Killeany from Cill Ronain/Kilronan about one mile as far as the disused electricity station on the right hand side.
Dun Aonghasa
The most famous prehistoric fort/temple of the Aran Islands is situated at the edge of a cliff approximately 100 meters high. It’s surely the most spectacular place of the island and the best moments to visit is very early in the morning or after sunset when peace returns and the waves of the sea can be heard.
