The Aran Islands

 

  The magical islands

 

 

 

 

 

The Aran Islands

Doolin is the closest mainland port serving the Aran Islands. These three stunningly beautiful islands are an off shore extension of the Burren and are one of the last out-posts of Gaelic civilisation where Irish is still the native language of their inhabitants.

A number of passenger ferries will take you across to the islands in 30 minutes. There are several crossings daily during the summer season. (weather permitting)

 

Aran island ferry

 

Doolin pier was originally called Ballaghaline Fishing Station and it was the arrival point of boats from the smallest of the Aran Islands Inis Oirr. The Irish language was very strong in the this aread due to the close contact between the two communities, that still exist today.

Inis is Oirr is part of county Galway, but is closer to Doolin. The islanders used to cross over in their currachsto pray to St Bridget at the holy well located between the Cliffs of Moher and Liscannor.

The small island out from Doolin pier is called Crab island and contains the remains of an old constabulary hut built in the 1830's.