Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a group of 3 islands that are located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on Ireland's west coast. Irish is spoken on all 3 of these islands. This island really does have plenty to offer to its visitors. There are several Iron Age forts located here, including Dún Aengus and the Black Fort.

Large numbers of visitors come here, especially throughout the summer time. Numerous tours of these forts and the surrounding islands are oftentimes put together. These tours include flights or ferries to all 3 of the Aran Islands. There is also an "Island Hop" service that operates throughout the months of June, July and August so that the 3 islands are connected together.

There is also an air and a ferry service available. As with many other parts of Ireland, art is very important here. In fact, 1 of the major figures of the Irish Renaissance, Liam O'Flaherty, was born here on August 28, 1896. There was also a very influential poet by the name of Máirtín Ó Díreáin that was also born here as well.

This is one of the many islands that the Irish people began fleeing to in the mid 17th century at which time the Cromwellian conquest took place. At this time this island became virtually self-sufficient. They began using new agricultural means of growing potatoes and other vegetables while also finding new ways in which to provide grazing grass within stone-wall enclosures for their cattle and their sheep. Of course, these animals were then used for making handwoven woolen trousers, skirts and jackets, hand knitted sweaters, shawls, caps, and hide shoes.

Just recently the islands have developed reliable means of electricity and communication. So, these people have deep rooted, long standing customs which are now declining because of such things as English television, which is now available 24 hours a day. Many of these younger generations are also leaving for the mainland when they are old enough to do so. Therefore, the Irish language is being spoken less by these younger people.

So, while it use to be that when you visited this island you would be able to take a trip back in time to see what Irish life use to be like, this is no longer true. However, a trip to this island is still quite casual and enjoyable. Most people on these islands work in either the fishing or the tourist industry.

Nevertheless, there are still some native people on this island who want to preserve their own cultural traditions and are thus distant towards visitors. However, this is what is to be expected whenever a small, closed culture becomes an object of fascination for a much larger group of outsiders. Therefore, it is good to be cautious whenever visiting this island, even if you do choose to gather with the islanders in the evenings to share music. You should also remember that since the islands are very small, island residents all know one another and this can intensify some visitors' feelings of intrusion.