Island Paradise

This was probably one of my favorite days. Day 6. We took a tour to Inis Oirr (one of the Aran Islands) and Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most iconic tourist attractions. Luckily, the weather was picture perfect; in fact, the best weather of our entire stay in Ireland. Plus, Lara got a break from driving.

Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the smallest and most easterly of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, Ireland. In fact, it is only 3 kilometers square. You can only get there by ferry. The population of the island is 343. There are five small settlements. There are stone fences (walls) everywhere, built by generations of islanders. There didn't seem to be much economic activity, farming or otherwise, just some businesses catering to the tourists. According to internet sources, the government of Ireland pays people to live on these scenic rural islands. 

Horse carriages

We took a carriage ride around the island.

A string of horse carriages

Transportation

One of the first things you notice when you approach the island is the ruins of O'Brien's Castle. It is a 15th century tower house located at one of the island's high points. It offered beautiful views of the island and water. There is a famous shipwreck on the island. The Plassey ran aground in 1960 and hasn't moved since. The island's 19th century light house is still active. 

When you get off the boat you can tour the island by horse carriage, bike, or walking. We chose the first. It took us to the shipwreck, then to the path to get to the castle. We walked back from the castle. We could have spent more time on the island than we had. We enjoyed the time we were there and imagined what it would be like to live there. Lara was ready to pack her family up and move to the island.

Rocky Beach

Inisheer Lighthouse, c. 19th century

The Shipwreck, c. 1960

O'Brien's Castle

Also called Furmina Castle

Settlements

The town

Colorful buildings

Two modes of transportation.

A chicken drinking Guinness

A couple of donkeys

Cow pasture

So many stone fences (walls)

One of the best known products of the Aran Islands is the Aran or fisherman's sweater. They were selling them in the shop we visited. Pricy, but good quality. Not sure where the sweaters are made or where the wool is sourced from, but it wasn't the island. I was told that only one person had sheep on the island. I didn't see any sheep on the island, only a few donkeys, cattle, and chickens. No gardens either. Islanders obviously aren't into farming.