Page 218 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

216  IRELAND REGION B Y REGION

y Aran Islands

Inishmore (Inis Mōr), Inishmaan (Inis Meāin) and
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the three Aran Islands, are
formed from a limestone ridge. The largest,
Inishmore, is 13 km (8 miles) long and 3 km (2 miles)
wide. The attractions of these islands include the
austere landscape crisscrossed with dry-stone
walls, stunning coastal views and several large
prehis toric stone forts. In the 5th century, St Enda
brought Christianity to the islands, starting a long
monastic tradition. Protected for centuries by their
isolated position, the islands today are a bastion
of traditional Irish culture. Farming, fishing and Looking over the cliff edge at Dún Aonghasa
tourism are the main occupations of the islanders.

J

Kilmurvey Beach Dun Aengus Kilmurvy
(Cill mhuirbhigh)
The attractive sandy beach (Dún Aonghasa)
east of Kilmurvy offers safe
swimming in a sheltered J
cove. The town itself is a Inishmore (inis mór)
quiet place to stay near a
number of the island’s most
important sights.
. Dún Aonghasa
This Iron or Bronze Age
promontory fort (see p24),
KEY has four concentric stone Inishmore (inis mór)
walls. It is also protected
1 Dún Eoghanachta is a circular by a chevaux de frise, a
stone fort dating back to the Iron ring of razor-sharp,
Age, with a single wall terraced pointed stone stakes.
on the inside.
2 Na Seacht Teampaill, the
so-called Seven Churches, make up
a monastic settle ment dedicated to Aran Traditions
St Brecan. Built between the 9th and
15th centuries, some are probably The islands are famous for their knitwear (see p334) and for the
domestic buildings. traditional Aran costume that was still worn by some of the
3 Clochán na Carraige is a older generation not long ago: for women, a red flannel skirt
large, well-preserved beehive hut and crocheted shawl; for men a sleeveless tweed jacket and a
(see p25), probably built by early colourful knitted belt. From time to time you may still see a
Christian settlers on the islands. currach or low rowing
boat, the principal
4 Teampall Chiaráin, dedicated to form of transport
St Ciaran, is a ruined 12th-century for centuries. Land-
church with striking doorways. making, the ancient
Nearby are several stones inscribed and arduous process
with crosses. of creating soil by
5 Dún Eochla is a circular Bronze covering bare rock with
Age fort standing close to the sand and seaweed,
highest point on Inishmore. Currach made from canvas coated in tar continues to this day.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp300–301 and pp318–20

216-217_EW_Ireland.indd 216 08/03/17 11:07 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.2)
Date 23rd October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm