LANDSCAPE

Inis Oírr is an isolated exposure of the Burren in Co. Clare, rising at one point to 60m above sea level. Clothed in a thin layer of soil and grass, the bare limestone Klint and grikes can be seen everywhere.

Land was made by the islanders by putting sand over the limestone and planting grass and crops in it. Stone walls are built by hand and divide the fields between the islanders land. A stonewall surrounds each field and visitors can find that these walls are like mazes. The walls in past years were a way for an islander to get rid of loose stones from his land so he could farm it. The walls also protect and shelter the crops within. The walls are built so that the wind can pass through them freely and in this way the wall can withstand the fierce force of the South Westerly gales.

Houses are built in clusters on the north side of the island because of it being sheltered. There are five villages: Baile Thiar, Baile an Lurgain, Baile an tSéipéil, Baile an Chaisleáin and Baile an Fhormna. Amenities include an arts and cultural centre, shop, post office, camp site, bike hire, health clinic, library, pubs, Catholic Church, cafes and restaurants, a hotel, hostel, B & Bs, two schools and a Co- operative.