TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
Call in to the Information office at the Co-op for up-to-date events. Get a map with a guided walk and a free Irish language lesson so you can greet the locals as you explore the island.
WALKING TOUR
Islander Eoghan Póil takes you to a wide range of archaeological, historical, religious and cultural landmarks; detailing the history of island living, while also offering an insight into the unique geology and wildlife of the islands. Book your walking tour here.
BICYCLE HIRE
Bicycles are a great way to get around, meeting people along the way you will get a better feel of island life. Bikes can be hired on arrival at the top of the pier. Mountain bikes of all sizes can be rented out and they provide a free map. Open daily from 9am to 7pm. For further information phone (099) 75033 or visit www.rothai-inisoirr.com
IRISH LANGUAGE
Inis Oírr hosts Gaeltacht Courses for secondary school students wishing to improve their Irish during June, July and August .www.colaistelaichtin.ie
The Language Service Centre in the co-op offers practice in Irish with a native speaker or you can have a look at the cds, tapes, books and worksheets that are in stock. The language facilitator can advise you on the approach that best suits your needs. There are classes held also at beginner and intermediate levels. Call 099 75008 for more information.
Feicim is a new activity based Irish course for adults. Weekly courses are designed for you to have fun while you practice your Irish. More information at: www.feicim.com
WATER ACTIVITIES
The island has a beautiful long sandy beach with crystal clear waters. This beach is safe for swimming and during the summer months there is a lifeguard on duty during the day. Rod fishing from the main pier or along the coast line at high tide is a great relaxing pastime whilst on the island. Mackerel are an easy catch when in season during the summer and anyone who casts a line is guaranteed to catch one or two!
PLAYGROUND
Bring the children to the sandy playground which has play equipment designed by artist Betty Newman Maguire along with the island children. Picnic facilities also in a picturesque setting.
PONY AND TRAPS
You can hire a traditional 'Pony & Trap' on the pier upon arriving, or you may be picked up as you walk along the winding paths. This is a lovely way to see the island and there is no more stylish way to arrive at your accommodation than in a horse and carriage!
FISHING
Aran sea angling. A beautiful traditional Aran cottage which is self catering may be hired as well as an orkney longliner bareboat charter. The cottage and the boat can be hired as a package and this is a great opportunity to fish to your hearts content while living in a beautiful cottage. For more information call Enda direct at: (099) 75073
DAY TRIPS
Day trips can be taken to the other islands from Inis Oírr or to the mainland from the pier in Inis Oírr. Information about these trips can be obtained directly from the ferry and plane companies.
ARTS & HERITAGE CENTRE
A contemporary arts centre, Áras Éanna runs a residency programme for visiting artists from Ireland and abroad. Call to the gallery to see the latest exhibition. There is also a theatre where films, concerts and plays are shown regularly. Archive films are shown during the day. Further information at (099) 75150 and www.araseanna.ie
Quilters and Sewers
A group of quilters get together every Monday and Tuesday evening at Teach Bhríd from 7.30 - 10 pm. You can learn basic quilting by hand or machine and complete simple sewing projects. Queries to: Mary McCarty, tel: 085 1699145, email mnalecheile@gmail.com. Find out more about Mná le Chéile at www.mnalecheile.blogspot.com
Basketry & Weaving
Cleas Teo's craft outlet open all year round sell their own basketry and weaving products and other Inis Oírr products from the upstairs section of their premises in Áras Éanna. For more information contact 09975979 or email cleasteo@gmail.com
A taste of the Gaeltacht
For school groups interested in sampling Inis Oírr over a period of one or two days Cleas organise a combination of activities e.g. guided walking tours and workshops in both decorative arts and in traditional basket-making. For more information contact (099) 75979 or email cleasteo@gmail.com
OTHER SERVICES
Public Transport on Inis Oírr
The public transport service Síob an Phobail is on the road every day throughout the year. To book : contact 099 75979 or 0872298039 outside office hours.
Irish
Cleas runs a translation service and also caters for groups seeking guided walking tours. Contact 099 75979 or email cleasaistriu@eircom.net
Heritage
Access information about Inis Oírr's placenames and heritage and view the large scale map of the island in Cleas Teo's upstairs premises. For more information contact 09975979 or email cleasteo@gmail.com
THE LIBRARY
The Inis Oirr Library has many things to offer: Here you can find interesting books for all ages, including books for children. You can sit and read, find out about the folklore and heritage of the island, or browse the web.
Or maybe it is raining outside? And you want to take your books home or to your holiday accommodation? No problem! Choose your favourite books and borrow them for up to three weeks. Read and enjoy whenever and wherever you want!
The Library is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 12.00noon until 2.00pm. You may email the library: inisoirr@galwaylibrary.ie
If you are a visiting writer or artist and you would like to contribute to the library life during your stay with a reading or an exhibit please call 087-0523242.
