INIS MÓR
Inis Mór is the largest of the three islands. It’s principal village is Kilronan where there is a good, deep harbour.
An excellent Visitor’s Centre, Ionad Arainn, provides a solid introduction to the history and culture of the island. Sites to see include the interesting remains of Arkin’s Castle, a Cromwellian fort that maintained a garrison during the 17th and 18th centuries. St. Ciaran’s Monastery, east of the village, where can be seen also several early cross-slabs, pillars and a holy well dedicated to the early saint. Also in this locality is the very early St. Soorney’s Church.
To the west of Kilronan is the church of St. Enda, the saint most closely identified with the spread of Christianity on Aran. Kilmurvey is the other main village on Inis Mór; it lies about seven kilometres west of Kilronan, and in its vicinity is the Church of St. Colman MacDuagh, and the Church of the Saints. Undoubtedly the most famous and certainly the most impressive site on Inis Mór is the great stone fortress of Dún Aonghasa, perched dramatically on the edge of a sheet 300ft cliff that falls away into the Atlantic Ocean. Altogether this massive fortress covers almost 11 acres and consists of three enclosures constructed of large limestone blocks
Experience the
Inis Mór is the largest of the three islands. It’s principal village is Kilronan where there is a good, deep harbour. An excellent Visitor’s Centre, Ionad Arainn, for the history and culture of the island.
Inis Meáin the middle island. There is one pub which is thatched and kept in the old traditional style. There is no bank on the island, so the bank flies in with Aer Arann once a month for business.
Inis Oírr, the smallest island, contains the ruins of St. Kevin’s Church, or Teampal Chaomhain, now sunk deeply into a sandy hill close to the shore. The saint’s feast day is June 14th.