Inis Mór

城市概覽

Inis Mór and the other Aran Islands are an extension of the Burren limestone country of County Clare. The terrain has been scraped bare by glaciation and lacks natural topsoil, so it's a poor prospect for farming. People probably fled here from prehistoric turmoils on the mainland, and the oldest remains are the line of forts that go back to 1000 BC. The rock-strewn fields were gradually cleared by heaping the rocks into walls, seaweed was heaped on for fertiliser, and dirt from cracks in the limestone was gathered for topsoil. The result of this terraforming is a green and grey treeless mosaic, ending abruptly in cliffs. Tourism is nowadays the main industry. Inis Mór and the two other islands are Gaeltachtaí, where Irish is the primary language. Everyone is fluent in English, but place names and other signage are in Irish. However this page gives more prominence to the English (and unofficial) versions of names, simply because it's the English version of a multilingual travel guide, and most Anglophones need a bit of help with pronunciation. How would you ask the way to Cill Mhuirbhigh? — it's Kilmurvey, simple once you know.

如何抵達

Tours and travel packages from Dublin are often available, and there's even a day-trip starting from Dublin Heuston at 7:30AM to connect with a flight to Inis Mór.

By boat From Rossaveel Aran Island Ferries sail at least twice a day year round, with six a day at the height of summer. The crossing takes 40 min and a day-trip is feasible. A shuttle bus from Eyre Square in Galway connects with all sailings. Don't bring a car, park at Rossaveel anywhere that won't inconvenience residents or harbour users. As of 2019, the captain of the Rossaveel Ferry sold copies of a book of his poetry onboard. From Doolin the Doolin Ferry sails 3 or 4 times a day Mar-Oct taking 40 min, foot passengers only. A day-trip is feasible. Between the islands the Rossaveel and Doolin ferries call at Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin on their way to and from Inis Mór, but not on all sailings. Inter-island day trips are possible most days in summer but seldom in winter. 1 Inis Mór ferry pier is on the sheltered northeast bay by the settlement of Kilronan. The grassy islet in the harbour is Straw Island — the structure there is a harbour light rather than a lighthouse.

By plane Aer Árann fly several times a day from Connemara Airport at Inverin, 31 km west of Galway city. There are at least two flights daily year round, rising to eight in the August peak season. Flying time is just 10 min and a day trip is always feasible. The aircraft are rinky-dinky BNF Islanders that only take 9 passengers; they rattle around in the breeze and are often cancelled in bad weather. Aer Árann also fly from Connemara to Inis Meain and Inis Oírr but all flights are turnaround trips, there are no inter-island flights. 2 Inis Mór airfield (IOR IATA) is at Killeany near the east tip of the island.

當地交通

A paved lane leads from the airfield to Kilronan then three lanes run west to Kilmurvy. Most traffic takes the central "Main Road". There's a slower scenic "Low Road" along the north coast, and a meandering no-hurry-no-worry "Back Road" towards the south coast. There are no taxis, car rentals or scheduled buses on any of the Aran Islands. Thomas Faherty Tours will take you round in a pony and trap. Aran Bike Hire are near the ferry pier. They have mountain and road bikes plus trailers, tag-along, E-bikes and tandems. They're open daily 9AM-5PM. Biking around the island is easy, though there are some hills and often a stiff breeze. Walk if you've got the legs and the boots for it. But once you leave the paved roads, you're on rough rocks.

必看景點

Most tourists head straight from the airfield or port to Dún Aonghasa; try to time your visit to miss them. 1 Puffing Holes or blow-holes (Na Poill Seideáin) are found in several places but the two best are near the east tip. The sea gloops and sploshes deep within them, and in rough weather the wave action hurls spray, sand and seaweed high in the air. Take care, they're unfenced. 2 St Enda's Monastery (Teaghlach Einne) lies beneath the ruin of a 9th-century church. Enda (c 450-530) was one of several early Christian saints associated with the island. There are many old graves and crosses: one cross inscription depicts the Horseman of the Apocalypse, who was expected to show up in the year 1000 AD.

3 Teampall Bheanáin (Benen's Church) is more correctly an oratory, where monks chanted prayers for their founder Benen, aka Saint Benignus of Armagh, a disciple of Saint Patrick. He died in 467 AD and is presumably buried here, so the tomb-shrine was spared while the monastery was obliterated in Cromwell's time. The present building is 11th century and aligned north-south, while church orientation east-west was standard by that date. You mainly come for the striking position, with its high gables etched against the skyline. 4 Arkin's Castle is a Cromwell-era fort at Killeany that replaced a 13th-century castle. There's not much left of it but the seaward wall. There wasn't an occupier called Arkin, but arcin means a natural harbour - in the days of small vessels Killeany had as much sea traffic as Kilronan. 5 Dún Dúchathair (The Black Fort), Killeany. 24 hr. A walled enclosure surrounded on three sides by cliffs. It's of unknown date but has many resemblances to Dun Aonghasa, including scraps of chevaux-de-frise. There are intricate designs in the stonework, and ruined clocháin which may be of much later date. Free. (updated May 2025) St Ciaran's Church is a medieval ruin at Mainistir near the hostel. At the foot of the nearby cliff is a natural holy (or healing) well.

體驗活動

Swim at any of the quiet, sheltered Atlantic beaches. There are several in Kilronan and one in Kilmurvey, easy to access. You'll need a hot drink after. Scuba dive at the many dive sites around the island. There are no support facilities so you'll have to bring a self-sufficient trip. Dry suit recommended. Ted Fest is held in March on Inis Mór by admirers of the Father Ted TV sitcom, first screened on Channel 4 1995-98. Most of the TV locations were on the mainland, though the opening scenes of "Craggy Island" depicts the shipwreck on Inis Oírr.

購物

Shops near the pier sell Aran Island handmade wool sweaters. Spar near the pier has various essentials. It's open M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4:30PM.

美食

Pier House Kilronan (see Sleep) does good Irish breakfasts. Madigan's is within Aran Islands Hotel. The Galley is a fish & chips takeaway by the Spar store in Kilronan, open daily 12:30-7PM. Bayview, Point Rd, Kilronan H91 YD9X, ☏ +353 86 792 9925. Daily 11AM-9PM. Decent restaurant near pier. Service can be slow so don't plan around a quick meal before taking the ferry. (updated May 2025) Minnie's Cafe is mid-island near the lighthouse, open M-F 8:30AM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-4PM. Teach Nan Phaidi, Kilmurvey H91 VX31 (by Kilmurvey House), ☏ +353 99 20975. Daily 11AM-3PM. Good menu selection, veggies catered for. (updated May 2025)

飲品與夜生活

Aran