Aran Islands

  "One day trip" to Aran Islands' largest isle, Inis Mόr, translates, alas, into just few hours. In 2004, we stayed overnight and had a much fuller experience of the Island. But even one day visit allows for a tour of Dun Aengus fort, provided that one hires a van--the drivers are waiting for takers at the ferry landing. Also, starting with the the Visitors' Centre is helpful and informative--see below.

  The Visitors' Centre Exhibit highlights the islands' history and heritage, which includes LANGUAGE and the life of the Cliffmen, to mention just a few subjects.  Archeology and anthropology are the prevailing themes of the Exhibit, though cultural history and literature are equally prominent.

Here is a picture of a rescue cart: it was meant to "fish" you out of the fierce sea, should you have lost your footing at the edge of a 200-foot vertical cliff, which was a likely possibility considering the existence of the CLIFFMEN: see the 2 pictures below:

                                                           

Some of the typical sights of the island: landscape
around the Seven Churches
 

An wind-free evening on the island is "deafeningly" quiet: other than an occasional vehicle, there is nothing to generate a sound, so I was grateful for my 2004 solitary evening: just me, the sun setting at 11 pm  and precious silence:  

A mild climb to DUN AENGUIS--and then--

magnificent sights are the reward!       

Bliss is looking down at this     and Deanna is giving me a heart attack.

If you saw the film Man of Aran, you will appreciate this sight even more. But the boy fishing for supper was all alone, unlike Erik and Lindsey

  Dara O Maoildhia,  our gracious and generous host, lecturing atop of Dun Aengus.  He is the author of the Pocket Guide to Arainn (I'm grateful for the inscribed copy).

The way my students seat here--they have me on edge!

    
Entrance to
Dun Aengus  and some sights from the walls of this pre-historic fort.

 Climb down from Dun Aengus ,  pause at the souvenir stop ,  and a brief wait
                                                                                                                                                                  for the ferry
                                                                                                                                                                   back to "mainland,"
                                                                                                                                                                   as they say on Inis Mόr... 

Back to GALWAY Page
 

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