Imagine a place where time seems to stand still, cars are rare and the melodious accents of its inhabitants are music to your ears. Welcome to Inis Mór! Less than 20 kilometres from the Irish coast, this island is part of the tiny Aran Islands archipelago. Inis Mór is the largest and most visited of the three islands, with its wild nature, pebble plains and prehistoric remains. The surrounding tranquillity and unspoilt hills on the horizon will take your breath away.
There is little vegetation on the rugged coastline, but the horses and cows grazing peacefully do not seem to complain. Nor do the people. After all, very little has changed here. Old traditions and the island’s way of life have withstood the test of time, preserving the island’s authenticity. You will discover charming kiosks selling wool from the island’s sheep, still spun and woven by hand. The fishermen who go out to sea every morning at dawn wear these traditional garments with pride.
The historical and cultural richness of Inis Mór alone justifies a visit on your next trip to Ireland, as few places in the world have so many monuments from all eras in such a small area.
Spend a day or a few nights walking or cycling around the island, taking in the sea air and local accents. Stroke some of the horses, watch the seabirds and take in the breathtaking scenery. The island is so beautiful, so pure… The scenery is much like the rest of Ireland: spectacular!
Dún Dúchathair Fort
An ancient defensive site with breathtaking panoramic views, Dún Dúchathair is a prehistoric fort that has survived the ravages of time. Only a few facades remain, allowing us to imagine the rooms of the time, but when we realise how many years have passed since its construction, we can only marvel at this architectural marvel.
The Dún Aonghasa Cliffs
Don’t have time to visit Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher? No problem, Inis Mór has its own version of these majestic cliffs, an attraction not to be missed! Here you will find Dún Aonghasa, a huge Bronze Age fort overlooking the surrounding hills and the Atlantic Ocean. Only the walls remain, but you can still imagine the grandeur of this archaeological work. Don’t miss the carved friezes on the outer wall.
Dún Eochla, more recent because it dates from the Iron Age, is a circular fort designed for visitors who want to discover the best that Irish heritage has to offer. It too has stood the test of time with distinction.
The Clochan na Carraige huts
While cycling you may come across Clochan na Carraige, mysterious huts whose construction dates back to the 5th century. The most amazing thing is that these huts are still watertight today.
Killeany Abbey
And who says Ireland says Saint Patrick! His influence was felt on the Aran Islands as Inis Mór was a religious centre of great importance. It was here that Killeany Abbey was founded, a monastery where evangelist monks were trained to ensure the conversion of the European peoples. The vaults of the seven churches that make up the abbey and the crosses in the graveyard are still standing.
Seals of Inis Mór
Marine wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to see the seal colony that has made the island its home. It is an excellent vantage point for a picnic, as is the sandy beach at Kilmurvey.
Poll na bPéist natural pool
Are you more of an adventure seeker? Follow the red arrows painted on the stone to the fascinating ‘wormhole’, a pool carved out by Mother Nature and only visible at low tide. As the water rises, it pours out in waves, sometimes creating photogenic rainbows. Although the walk is quite strenuous on uneven stones, you won’t regret the effort.
Organising your day trip to Inis Mór
- The island can be reached by plane, but the best way to get there is by boat. From Rossaveal (Ros a’ Mhíl), a small village near Galway, you take the ferry to the port of Kilronan (Cill Rónáin), the gateway to the island.
- As soon as your boat arrives at the harbour, colourful hire bikes are waiting to help you explore Inis Mór.
- In fact, you can’t drive or even hire a car on the island.
- In this village, which is fourteen kilometres long and three kilometres wide, everything can be explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage or by bicycle.
- Most of the tourist attractions are free of charge.
