The Aran Islands, Co. Galway
This Hardy Landscape & Unique Micro-Climate
The landscape of Inis Mór (Inishmore) has been hewn from limestone eroded over centuries by relentless Atlantic winter storms. Generations of islanders tending hard won fertile land have formed a patchwork of fields bounded by the dry stone walls typical on the western seaboard. Inis Mór (Inishmore) is home to a wide range of historic and prehistoric monuments, from the dramatic bronze age cliff top fortification Dun Aonghasa to the Teampull Bheanáin, said to be the smallest church in the world.
Island History
Little is known about the first inhabitants to cross over to the islands, but they likely came across in search of a safe haven from attack. The islands are made up of Carboniferous limestone and do not have naturally occurring topsoil. Early settlers augmented the soil with seaweed and sand from the shore. Drystone walls were built to protect the soil. Seven prehistoric stone forts are on the islands. Dún Aonghasa, on Inishmore, dates back to 1100 BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearby is the Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches are in the northwest. Clochán na Carraige is a stone structure with a beehive roof. Kilmurvey Beach is known for birdlife and a nearby seal colony.
Modern Day Inis Mor
The island has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. It has always been popular with tourists but there are now more options for visitors than ever.
The accommodation ranges from traditional B&Bs to hotels and glamping. The food offering covers everything from food trucks to cafés and gastropubs to fine dining.
See the island on a minibus with experienced local drivers. Pony and trap tours are available and for the more energetic you can hire a bike. Then head off to see the ancient ruins, the seal life, the shorelines, the Wormhole. There’s so much to see but remember to take it easy at an island pace.
The Island Food Tours
Experience food, heritage and culture with native Islander Gabriel Faherty
- Limited Places Available
- Dietary Options Considered
- Student Group Booking Discount
- Available year round
- Full-day & half-day tours
Cultural & Historic Tour of Inis Mór
With Native Islander, Gabriel Faherty
Half Day ● Collection by bus from the ferry terminal. ● Guided tour of the island by Inis Mór Native, Gabriel Faherty. ● Enjoy a cultural and historic tour of the island with stops at Dún Aonghus and The Seven Churches. ● Stop off at the popular Seal Colony viewing point where you can see up to 20 seals sunning themselves on the rocks. ● Finish with some shopping at a traditional craft village.
Min: 10 Max: 50
2.5 hours €35
Food, Cultural & Historic Tour of Inis Mór
With Native Islander, Gabriel Faherty
Full Day ● Collection by bus from the ferry terminal. ● Guided tour of the island by Inis Mór Native, Gabriel Faherty. ● Enjoy a cultural and historic tour of the island with stops at some of the historical sites including Dún Aonghus and The Seven Churches. ● Stop off at the popular Seal Colony viewing point where you can see up to 20 seals sunning themselves on the rocks. ● Taste the island with a tour of Aran Island’s goat cheese and a Seaweed Experience at Bláth na Mara. ● Finish with some shopping at a traditional craft village.
Min.10 Max.50
5 hours €70