Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_06_26/GA_2606_E1_023.pdf 

Extracted text

June 30 2005

in summer

23

Stoney Splendour
Celebrated in song, story, verse and art, the Aran Islands would be legends were they not part of every tourist's itinerary! Yet the islands manage to retain their individuality, their uniqueness, and almost mystic perfection, thanks to their isolation which is in fact only a short ferry ride away or minutes by air. Inismore with a population of 900 is the largest of the three islands, and is the most commercialised. Yet it is unmissable as here is the prehistoric fort of Dun Aengus. On arriving at the pier at Kilronan, visitors are met by minibuses and horse-drawn vehicles touting for the pleasure of conveying you on a tour of the island. The drivers are full of great stories and know the history of the place, and jaunting along in a pony and trap is a lovely way to take in the sights. The few cars on the islands are those belonging only to islanders for which they pay no road tax as they never leave the islands. Walking or cycling are the other good choices. Drop into the Heritage Centre for an audio visual and leaflet information on the history of the islands, and if it's raining enjoy a screening of the renowned 1934 film Man of Aran. Inishmaan, the middle island, is less populated and less commercialised. Ancient monuments are abundant, most noteable being the stone fort of Doonconor. The great playwright JM Synge (most famous work being The Playboy of the Western World) stayed every summer from 1898 to 1902 on Inishmaan and his restored cottage and other Synge related places can be visited. But as with all three islands, it is enjoying the unspoilt natual beauty that makes Inismaan worth visiting. If you're lucky, you might catch some currach racing, a popular and fiercely contested sport on the three islands. Inisheer, the eastern island, is the smallest and for most people their favourite Aran island. In inclement weather there is almost nothing to do because there are no tourist diversions apart from one hotel, two pubs and a restaurant. And a shop open in high season. But once again, it has the timelessness of island life and the astounding beauty of a place carved by the savage elements of nature. Beside the pier is a crescent of beach with pristine clear water, overlooked by O'Brien's Castle, a 15th century tower house. The circumference of the island can be walked in an afternon, passing ancient ruins of temples, holy wells, a 'sunken' church, and - almost incongruously in such an isolated place - a wonderful art centre and gallery that has to be visited. There are signposted walks on each island, taking in the history and the ancient monuments on the way. The Inis Mor Way 32km/21 mls; The Inis Meain Way 8km/5mls; The Inis Oirr Way 10.5km/6.5mls. More information available from Bord Failte or tel: 099 73010 The ferry services leaving from Rossaveal have a connecting coach service from Galway city. Allow at least an hour for the drive.

World famous - the clilffs at Dun Aengus.

The astounding beauty of a place carved by the savage elements of nature - the Aran Islands in all their rugged splendour make a visit essential.