ISLAND
TRUST
Iontaobhas
na m-Oileán
| home | islands | trust | contact | links | photo gallery | art catalogue |
ARAN
ISLANDS
Inishmore
Inisheer
& Inisheain
| FACTFILE | |
| Situation |
off Galway |
| Size |
9 miles x 1½ (Inishmore) |
| Highest Point |
|
| Population |
1386 (1981) |
| Access |
Flights & ferry from Galway |
| Accommodation |
Bed & Breakfast |
| Facilities |
3 schools, pubs, shops, church |
| Main Industries |
Chief handicrafts are spinning and weaving, basket-making, boat-building and carpentry work. Fishing and farming are carried on by the islanders. |
| Services |
Water & Electricity |
| Attractions |
Extensive historic sites. They include the prehistoric early Christian and medieval periods. The most imposing of the cliff forts is Dun Aengus on Inishmore. Teampal Benen church belongs probably to 7th century. |
| Further Information |
|
A Little bit of Background
It was St. Enda who
brought the Christian message in 483 and founded a monastery on Inishmore.
Inisheer contains 2 small tumuli, a stone cairn, a large kitchen midden,
several early churches and graveyards with inscribed slabs, a holy well
the remains of an early fort a medieval castle and a later peel tower.
The Aran islands
are a great store house of important archaeology and antiquarian interest.
They include the prehistoric early Christian and medieval periods. The
most imposing of the cliff forts is Dun Aengus on Inishmore. Teampal Benen
church belongs probably to 7th century.
Today there are Christian
celebrations on the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, 29th June. This is celebrated
with a 3 day "PATRUN".
The 15th August is celebrated with a visit to the Holy Well and Church
of "An Ceathror Aluinn".
On the feast of St. Columcille June 9 Mass and the Rounds at Killeany
are said.
The Aran Island of Inishmore is looking forward to improved communication with a roll-on, roll-off ferry service.
All three islands, Inishmore, Inisheain and Inishmore already have an air-service the first of the eighteen islands to achieve this distinction.
The three Aran islands share the common bond of Arainn Credit Union with a share capital of approximately £33,000 and a loan limit of £1,000 ceiling at present. Members total 230 and the dividend is 4%. All Board meetings and minutes are in Irish and there is a spirit of helping community development according to our means. An island child vas sponsored to attend Slogadh competition in drama. Flower seeds were issued to 3 National schools, and a trophy was presented for dancing. A hamper and other prizes were provided at Christmas in a free raffle. Arainn Credit Union twins with Roslea, a rural Co. Derry union.
The population for
the three islands in 1841 was 3,521, in 1971, 1496 and in 1981, 1386.
This island is 9 miles x 1½ miles though in parts it reaches to three
miles.
Neither Inishmeain nor Inisheer have harbour facilities. Coal, fertiliser
and cement is taken care of by the local Co-op who also look after safety
at the airstrip. They also employ 20 under a Social Employment Scheme,
maintaining and improving the roads, and piers. A contract has been signed
to construct; a tarmac airstrip.
Copyright ® Island Trust 2002
Milltown Park, Dublin 6. (01) 269-8411