ARAN ISLANDS

The Aran islands, 38km west of Galway, is an archipelago made up of three main islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Inis Oírr is the smallest of the three with a population of 252 and an area of around 4 square miles.

The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the islands provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage and gives one the impression that they have just travelled back in time.

The islands themselves bear the marks of over 5,000 years of human activity - ranging from a mighty Iron Age fort to the many religious ruins left by early Christian settlers.