Best of Aran Islands

Aran Islands Absolute Essentials

The Aran Islands, comprising Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, feature a landscape defined by limestone pavements and ancient stone fortifications. This collection highlights the islands' historical depth, from prehistoric cliff forts like Dún Dúchathair to early Christian ruins such as the 11th-century Church of St. Benan. Notable landmarks include the rusted hull of the MV Plassy shipwreck on Inisheer and the 19th-century lighthouses guarding the Atlantic. Visitors can explore traditional arts at Áras Éanna or observe the resident seal colony on Inishmore's northern shore.

Aran Islands Absolute Essentials — Map

Mith / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Caomhan's Church

Saint Caomhán is the patron saint of Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands.

B

The Black Fort

Dún Dúchathair or simply Dúchathair, meaning "black fort", is a large stone fort on the cliffs at Cill Éinne,, Inishmore in County Galway,…

C

Dun Aengus Museum

Visitor center providing archaeological context for the nearby prehistoric hillfort, including information on Bronze Age construction and defensive stone structures.

D

Teampal MacDuagh

A 9th-century church ruin on Inishmore featuring Cyclopean masonry and a Romanesque window, dedicated to Saint Colman MacDuagh.

Patrick Dannewitz / CC-BY-SA

E

MV Plassy

A steam trawler wrecked on the shores of Inisheer in 1960. The rusted hull sits high on the rocks at Carraig na Finne after being driven ashore during a storm.

F

Viking Burial Mound

An archaeological site on Inishmore where the remains of a 9th-century Viking warrior were discovered along with a sword and shield boss.

G

Seal Colony

A shoreline viewing area on the northern coast of Inishmore where a colony of grey seals can be observed basking on the rocks during low tide.

H

Cliffs of Aran

Dramatic limestone sea cliffs on the southern side of Inishmore, rising over 100 meters above the Atlantic Ocean.

I

Cathaoir Synge (Synge's Chair)

A stone lookout point on the cliffs of Inishmaan used by playwright J.M. Synge for literary inspiration during his time on the islands.

J

Inisheer Lighthouse

The Inisheer, Inis Oírr or Fardurris Point Lighthouse, is an active 19th century lighthouse located on the island of Inisheer, the smallest…

Alvaro / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Straw Island Lighthouse

Straw Island Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation on an islet of the same name in Killeany Bay, northeast of Inishmore in County…

Patrick Dannewitz / CC-BY-SA

L

Furmina Castle

A 14th-century tower house built within the walls of a prehistoric ringfort on the highest point of Inisheer, once held by the O'Brien clan.

Harold Strong / CC BY-SA 2.0

M

Shipwreck

The rusted remains of the MV Plassy, a cargo vessel that ran aground on Inisheer in 1960 and was later featured in the opening of Father Ted.

N

Áras Éanna

An arts and heritage center on Inisheer housed in a former weaving factory, featuring local exhibitions, theater, and traditional craft workshops.

O

Leaba Naomh Rónáin

Known as Saint Ronan's Bed, this early Christian penitential station or grave is located near the ruins of Teampall Rónáin on Inishmore.

P

Church of St Benan

An 11th-century oratory on Inishmore, unique for its north-south orientation and its position overlooking the Gregory Sound.

Q

Radharc an Chaislean

A local café on Inisheer providing views of the 14th-century O'Brien's Castle.

R

Teach Nan Phaidi

A traditional thatched-roof café in Kilmurvey village on Inishmore, located near the entrance path to the Dún Aonghasa hillfort.

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