Aran Islands - Inis Mór

gaeltacht icon

The 'G' symbol indicates that this is one of the 15 Gaeltacht islands, where Irish is spoken as a community language. These islands are situated off the Irish coast in Counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork and give a superb insight into a special part of Ireland. On these islands you'll meet the resilient and independent people who make these craggy shores their home.

Gaeilge

Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest and most developed of the Aran Islands and combines a vibrant history with excellent facilities and lively nightlife. Blanketed in fissured limestone and a patchwork of fields, you can walk, cycle or ride the laneways 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 Inis Mór and nightly music sessions and regular dances, and even currach racing are part of everyday life. Whether you wander the flower strewn laneways, watch the seals or relax on the beach, you'll be smitten by the people, culture and heritage of this incredible island.

Highlights

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

Activities

Walking, cycling, swimming, horse riding, diving, basket making, learning Irish and cultural courses.

Address


Inishmore (Inis Mór)
Aran Islands
Co Galway
Republic of Ireland

Telephone

+353 ((0)99) 61354

Fax

+353 ((0)99) 61454

E-mail

Click here to email this contact

Web

www.visitaranislands.com

Key Facts and Information

Directions

Situated 19 kms from Ros an Mhíl in Connemara; 48 kms from Galway City and 12.5 km from Doolin, Co. Clare.

Accommodation

Hotel, guesthouses, holiday homes, b&b's, hostel, cafés, restaurants, pubs, shop, crafts. Bike hire, tour bus, taxi.

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.

IrishSpoken

Yes

Take me to the Island

The Arranmore Ferry Service operates a ferry service from Burtonport, Co. Donegal to the pier in Leabgarrow, Árainn Mhór island.
Arranmore Ferry Service
+353 (0)74 9520532

Provides a seven-day Air Taxi service to each of the three Aran Islands - Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Óirr.
Aer Arann Islands
+353(0)91593034

Doolin Ferry operates two modern comfortable vessels which meet the highest safety standards set down by the Irish Department of the Marine. Doolin Ferry is operated by the local O’Brien family. The service was originally carried out using traditional local boats called currachs.
Doolin Ferry
+353(0)657075555

Sail in comfort with Aran Island Ferries aboard our fast and modern fleet of vessels - just one short step to paradise.
Aran Island Ferries

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.






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.