Places of Interest on Inis Mor

 

Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands (7,635 acres) and includes several ancient stone forts and churches among its antiquities. Most impressive of the stone forts is Dun Aengus. It is semicircular, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 metres out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 metres across surrounded by a wall six metres high and five metres thick at the base. Outside is a rampart, a defence formed by sharp-pointed stones set closely together. Dun Aengus’ superb position and it's structural perfection, have prompted many experts to pronounce it one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe.

There are about 900 inhabitants on Inis Mór making it by far the most populated of the islands.
The main village on the island is Kilronan, which has a quite large harbour that accommodates a vast amount of tourist travel to the island. There are minibuses as well as horse and carts to take people around when they arrive off the boat or you could hire a bicycle which is also recommended.

 

Places to visit on Inis Mór:

Dún Aengus:
One of the most famous attractions on the island is the well preserved stone fort of Dun Aonghasa which
is a semicircular shape and is at the edge of a cliff-side offering excellent defence to its ancient armies.

Dún Dubhchathair:
Located on the southern cliffs of Inis Mór this is thought to be the oldest of the forts on Aran.

Dún Eochla:
The smallest fort on the island but it is excellently preserved and includes an inner citadel and outer defensive wall of stronger construction than any of the other forts.

Caisleán Aircín:
Named in English as Arkin's Castle, it was built in 1587. It was later occupied by Oliver
Cromwell's troops who plundered several monuments from around the island in order to repair it.

Teampall Bheanain:
Ruins of an ancient church which is one of the smallest in the world measuring just 10.75ft x 7ft.

 

Teampall Mhic Dhuach:

 Small pre- Romanesque church with an early cross, a holy well and the remains of an enclosing castle.

Clochan na Carraige:

The only perfect clochan (ancient dwelling) on the Aran Islands. It is unusual in that it has an oval outline but a rectangular interior.