There’s a chance you’ve heard of Aran knits or Aran sweaters – even if you didn’t know that they came from the Aran Islands in the wild Atlantic Ocean. Couldn’t have nailed it better – a boat trip to the Aran Islands and I get the sunniest, calmest ( ‘cam’ as the Irish say) day they’ve had all year. Absolutely magic. Blue skies brought out the brilliant blues of the clear Atlantic Ocean and it made for a beautiful day to get about the Island on a bike. I had booked a bus tour but with the change of plans the day I was now going it was full. Which turned out for the best as the bike was definitely the way to go – the island is not big and whilst I didn’t get to see it all I saw most of it and all the main sites I wanted to see. Having said that I think you could easily explore this island for a few days, Riding the bike one gets to soak up the atmosphere and check out the countryside and stop for the views you want to enjoy. What they also don’t mention anywhere that I could see is that the impressive Dun Aunghosa fort is not accessible by any vehicle including the bikes and the only option is a 15 minute climb up a path with some slippery rocks. A warning for those not so able bodied.
Fascinating to see the way people live/lived on the Island. The whole island is a patchwork of tiny paddocks fenced with impressive rock walls – very intensive cellgrazing. Whilst today was magic I can only imagine what it must be like living here all year round exposed to the harshest of elements in the Atlantic Ocean. Tourism seems to a be a big part of life now with many of the old homes turned into BnB’s and bike rentals everywhere. If you get to the island without a tour booked and don’t want to bike ride there are loads of lovely horse and carts waiting to give you a tour. The famous Aran sweaters named after the islands are of course for sale everywhere.
There were interesting archeological sites across the island. Churches from the 10th century, cross inscribed stone slabs, megalithic tombs, and of course the famous and magnificent Dun Aonghasa, a majestic ancient stone ring fort perched on the edge of a 100m high cliff. It is believed to have first been erected in 1500 BC. It’s most active period was around 800 BC and it was in use until around 1000 AD. It consists of three massive drystone defence walls. Evidence of houses and burials and prehistoric metalworking were found at the site. There are various theories about who lived there and it’s main purpose. It’s thought to have been ceremonial as well as defensive. Some believe it was the Fir Bolg who built it– the fourth group of people to settle Ireland according to Irish myth. What I can’t get my head around is how people survived in these inhospitable environments or came across wild Atlantic seas to settle on rocky islands. People can be so tough….
Another interesting fact is that the islands are a Gaeltacht area where Gaelic ( Irish) is still the first language.
