The Aran Islands

We took a bus from Galway to Rossaveal (1 hr.) to catch a ferry to the Aran Islands (30 min.).  Rain left us alone during the morning but returned later in the day to bother us through the evening.  We were lucky to get a hostel since we were traveling to the Island on a weekend and didn't make reservations until the morning of.

     The islands are located 15 miles from Galway Bay. There are  three Aran Islands - Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer.  We were able to only get to Inishmore (the largest of the three) since inter-island ferries don't run frequently. 

    The geology of the islands and quite fascinating. It's mostly limestone and islanders had to mix seaweed and sand to create soil for farming.  Their cultural isolation has resulted in a traditional lifestyle 'til this day.  Almost everyone speaks Irish, and many retain the traditional style of dress, footwear, and fishing.

Of further fascination is that for a population of 900, they have 7 pubs.

   
Resting 300 feet from the bottom of the Inishmore cliffs, lies the Fort of Aengus (Dun Aonghasa).   Who Aonghus was is unknown, but legend has it that he belonged to a high-ranking dynasty who were displaced from Co. Meath in the early centuries AD.

    Strong wings have actually blown many a tourist off the edge of the cliff to their deaths!

   I'm glad it wasn't strong winds today and that Rain left us alone at least until we descended from the dun.

    Outside the middle enclosure of the fort is a broad band of closely-set stone pillars, "Chevaux de frise," that were used to protect the fort from outside attackers as it is hard to maneuver through the stones.

No idea what this is - maybe it was once someone's house?    

A little music as we hiked up and back from the fort.

We stopped by the Seven Churches (circa 8th Century).  I don't know why it's called that as it is believed that there were only two churches and the other structures were monk houses.   

   Houses used to all have thatched roofs (some still do and need to be replaced every two years).  Now all that's left of many structures is the stone work.

A visit to the Aran Heritage Center is a must!  It is a wealth of information and has lots info on the islands' culture, wildlife, and geology.  Photos on traditional Aran dress:

We could only find 3 of the 7 pubs. (Ti Joe Mac Pub not pictured)