Aran Islands

Why the Aran Islands are special
The Aran Islands in Ireland are known for their windswept barren landscapes etched with a patchwork of rock fences. They are also heralded for preserving their traditional Irish heritage.

Aran Islands tips andinsights

About the three Aran islands

• Inishmore
  "Big island" in Gaelic. If you can visit only one island, come here. It has the most to offer tourists, including imposing sea cliffs (see photo).
  
• Inishmaan
  "Middle island". This is the least interesting
  
• Inishee
  "Castle island". O'Brien's Castle is its chief draw.

Top Inishmore attraction
Don Aengues is a 2,000-year-old fort designed with concentric semi-circular stone walls. This site audaciously sits on the edge of a 100 meter (330 feet) cliff.

Aran Islands sightseeing
You can take guide tours - or hike or bike for a do-it-yourselfer.

When to come
May and September are the best warm-weather months. Day-trippers outnumber Inishmore residents in the peak-summer season.

Getting to the Aran Islands
Ferries connect the Aran Islands to several mainland harbors on the Galway Bay coast. Air service is also available.

Livelihoods
The three economic pillars of the Aran Islands are fishing, farming and tourism.

Language
Virtually all the islanders speak Irish (Gaelic), though most are fluent in English.

Location in Ireland