Here, on the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. It is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity.
A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people, this is Aran in Galway bay on the west coast of Ireland.. The Islands themselves are full of artifacts of religous and cultural importance with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre Christian and Celtic Mythological Heritage. The three Aran Islands, Inis Mor (meaning Big Island) Inis Mean (Middle Island) and Inis Oirr (East Island.) are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay. The temperature on all islands is normally 2 degrees warmer than the mainland because they are completely surrounded by the Gulf Stream. The island are best explored on bicycle or by foot.
Inis Mor is the most visited of the Island where everyone visits the world heritage site of the Dun Aonghasa Fort which stands over a dramatic 300 foot cliff that spans the entire western part of the island and faces the wild Atlantic sea. Other sites to see include the Black Fort set over cliffs, the seven Churches, St Benins Church perched isolated on a hill at the southern tip of the island, Temphaill Chieran, and the old Light House at the islands highest point. Other places of a geological nature include the worm hole which is a large natural square hole in the ground beside the sea, and the puffing holes where on a turbulent day, high fountains spout through inland holes in the ground. . Bicycles can be hired at the pier. Guided tours (in a minibus or pony and trap) are available from the pier. There are a number of guesthouses, bars and restaurants in Kilronan village All the ferries go to this Island a couple of times each day.
 Inis Meain is the least visited of the islands and is where you’ll find a more authentic escape from the modern world. It is separated from the other two islands by 1.5 kms (1 mile) of sea. It measures 5 kms (3 miles) in length by 3 kms (2 miles) in width. This island also has a wild hilly landscape. It also features crystal clear views of the Cliffs of Moher. It is harder to get to this Island as the ferry just stops off there and comes back the next day Inis Oirr is the nearest to Doolin in Co. Clare, just 9.5 kms (6 miles) away. It is the smallest of the three islands, measuring 3 kms in length by 3 kms in width (2 miles by 2 miles). It is the sort of place you stay for a few days to get away from the world. This island was a retreat for Synge, one of Irelands most famous playwrights, and a lot of artists stay there. It has beautiful beaches. More recently it has become a centre for diving with its beautiful marine life and clear waters. The island also features cultural courses such as dance and poetry. The ferry will leave you on this island for a few hours before returning to Inis Mor and back to Rossaveal.which is a 40 min bus ride from Galway. Joan can arrange your trip before 9am, you can be picked up by bus at 9.30am at the entrance to Grattan Park (beside B&B) and brought to the ferry in Rossaveal.
For further details on the Aran Islands log on to www.visitaranislands.com
www.aranislandferries.com
Here, on the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. It is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people, this is Aran in Galway bay on the west coast of Ireland.. The Islands themselves are full of artifacts of religous and cultural importance with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre Christian and Celtic Mythological Heritage. The three Aran Islands, Inis Mor (meaning Big Island) Inis Mean (Middle Island) and Inis Oirr (East Island.) are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay. The temperature on all islands is normally 2 degrees warmer than the mainland because they are completely surrounded by the Gulf Stream. The island are best explored on bicycle or by foot.
Inis Mor is the most visited of the Island where everyone visits the world heritage site of the Dun Aonghasa Fort which stands over a dramatic 300 foot cliff that spans the entire western part of the island and faces the wild Atlantic sea. Other sites to see include the Black Fort set over cliffs, the seven Churches, St Benins Church perched isolated on a hill at the southern tip of the island, Temphaill Chieran, and the old Light House at the islands highest point. Other places of a geological nature include the worm hole which is a large natural square hole in the ground beside the sea, and the puffing holes where on a turbulent day, high fountains spout through inland holes in the ground. . Bicycles can be hired at the pier. Guided tours (in a minibus or pony and trap) are available from the pier. There are a number of guesthouses, bars and restaurants in Kilronan village All the ferries go to this Island a couple of times each day. Inis Meain is the least visited of the islands and is where you’ll find a more authentic escape from the modern world. It is separated from the other two islands by 1.5 kms (1 mile) of sea. It measures 5 kms (3 miles) in length by 3 kms (2 miles) in width. This island also has a wild hilly landscape. It also features crystal clear views of the Cliffs of Moher. It is harder to get to this Island as the ferry just stops off there and comes back the next day Inis Oirr is the nearest to Doolin in Co. Clare, just 9.5 kms (6 miles) away. It is the smallest of the three islands, measuring 3 kms in length by 3 kms in width (2 miles by 2 miles). It is the sort of place you stay for a few days to get away from the world. This island was a retreat for Synge, one of Irelands most famous playwrights, and a lot of artists stay there. It has beautiful beaches. More recently it has become a centre for diving with its beautiful marine life and clear waters. The island also features cultural courses such as dance and poetry. The ferry will leave you on this island for a few hours before returning to Inis Mor and back to Rossaveal.which is a 40 min bus ride from Galway. Joan can arrange your trip before 9am, you can be picked up by bus at 9.30am at the entrance to Grattan Park (beside B&B) and brought to the ferry in Rossaveal.
For further details on the Aran Islands log on to www.visitaranislands.com
www.aranislandferries.com
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