Aran Island Magic
The Aran Islands cut into the Atlantic like a jagged knife, much like the harsh winds that blow relentlessly here during Winter months. It is isolated and wild, yet perfect.
In the summer the scant population rises like the incoming tide with visitors and students a much welcomed contribution to the islands coffers. These Gaelic speaking islands offer something different to anything on the mainland. Being swept across the sea on a ferry to one of these rocky plateau's is a memory that will last a lifetime. Bear in mind crossings can be rough, so check the weather!
The pristine beaches, wonderful people, forts, ruins and ancient charm all combine to ensure that the visitor is wonderfully engaged and enchanted by it all.
The best way around is by bike, walking or in one of the horse and traps. Inis Oirr, Inis Meain and Inis Mor are the three main islands that make up this special place.
William Wilde father of Oscar once said :
"The Western Islands of Aran contain the greatest number of pagan and early Christian monuments , military, domestic, ecclesiastical and sepulchral - which can be found within the same area in Europe”
If staying the night on the islands, the late afternoon/evening is a great time to tour when most of the sightseers have retired to their B and B or to a watering hole, it’s a time when a mystical feeling takes over. Be sure to visit Dun Aengus fort and relish the climb up and magnificent views . The fort of Aengus is said to be the base of one of Irelands mythical people the ‘Fir Bolg’ . George Petrie, a renknowned antiquarian described the fort as ‘ the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe’. Perched at the edge of a cliff it sits ponderously over the menacing Atlantic below! Nearby here is Poll na Peist – Hole of the Serpent – a rectangular ‘hole‘ formation which recently hosted a world famous diving event. This ‘swimming hole' is connected to the sea and is in fact a giant blow hole, one of many on the island.
There are countless ancient little churches to be found including the ruins of the ‘sunken’ Teampaill Chaomhain on Inis Oirr. It is engulfed by a graveyard which is literally swallowing it up!
Nearby is the shipwreck of the Plassy, great for photographs and for exploring its cavernous interior. The beach here is as good as any that you will find for its turquoise water and golden white sands.
Explore the islands at your leisure and retreat back to a pub in the evening such as the famous 'Tigh Wattys' (meaning Wattys house) where first rate traditional music wafts out through the night air most nights.
One's curiousity will be well rewarded on an excursion to these storied islands, some of the Islands' gems are off the beaten path but magical sea views and ancient treasures are your reward. The Aran Islands are an unmissable part of the Irish Experience.
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