Best things to do in Inis Oírr

Inisheer Essentials

Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands, contains a dense concentration of Irish heritage and Atlantic history. This selection features the active 19th-century lighthouse and the iconic 1960 shipwreck of the MV Plassy. Significant historical sites include the 14th-century O'Brien's Castle, the sunken ruins of Saint Caomhán’s Church, and the early medieval Saint Gobnait’s Church. Modern culture is represented by the Áras Éanna arts center, while the island's natural landscape is anchored by its sheltered white sand beach and the Napoleonic-era signal tower.

Inisheer Essentials — Map

A

Saint Gobnait's Church

Small early medieval church from the 8th or 9th century dedicated to the patron saint of beekeepers. The site includes a traditional stone enclosure and ruins of a small dwelling.

Mith / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Caomhan's Church

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

C

Inisheer Lighthouse

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

Patrick Dannewitz / CC-BY-SA

D

MV Plassy

Steam trawler wrecked on the rocky shore during a storm in 1960. The rusted hull is a prominent landmark and gained fame through its appearance in the opening sequence of the television series Father Ted.

Patrick Dannewitz / CC-BY-SA

E

Furmina Castle

A 14th-century tower house built by the O’Brien clan inside the remains of a prehistoric stone fort. It occupies the highest point on the island, providing views across the Aran archipelago.

F

Áras Éanna

Arts and heritage center located in a former weaving factory. It hosts a theater, gallery, and workshops dedicated to contemporary Irish art and traditional island culture.

G

Beach

Sheltered white sand beach located next to the main pier. It is known for its clear turquoise waters and views of the mainland mountains across the Atlantic.

H

Inisheer Signal Tower

Napoleonic-era lookout tower built in the early 19th century as part of a coastal defense system designed to alert the mainland of a potential French naval invasion.