Must-see attractions in Aran Islands

  • Stone wall at Dun Aonghasa Aran Islands

    Dún Aonghasa

    Aran Islands

    Dún Aonghasa is one of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe and stands guard over Inis Mór on the edge of a 100-metre sheer cliff drop.

  • Dún Dúchathair

    Aran Islands

    Many locals pick this ruined ancient fort, dating from the Iron Age or early medieval period, as their favourite Inishmore historic sight. It's…

  • Synge's Chair

    Aran Islands

    At the desolate western end of the island, Synge's Chair is a viewpoint at the edge of a sheer limestone cliff with the surf from Gregory's Sound booming…

  • Wormhole

    Aran Islands

    Access to this extraordinary rectangular natural tidal pool is via a 750m clifftop walk southeast from Dun Aengus, or via a 1km signposted walking path…

  • Teampall Chiaráin

    Aran Islands

    The highlight of this small church is on the eastern side – a beautifully carved boundary cross with a circular hole at the top. It was possibly used as a…

  • Na Seacht dTeampaill

    Aran Islands

    The scattered early Christian ruins known as the Na Seacht dTeampaill (Seven Churches) actually comprise just two ruined churches. The biggest is the 13m…

  • Teampall Bheanáin

    Aran Islands

    Tiny Teampall Bheanáin dates from the 11th century. Measuring just 3m by 3m, it's thought to have been a hermitage. Unusually for a religious structure,…

  • Aran Goat Cheese

    Aran Islands

    You've encountered the produce on countless west Ireland menus; now meet the goats that make it all possible. Call ahead to join a tour of this tiny dairy…

  • St Enda's Monastery

    Aran Islands

    The sunken remains of the church here are said to have been the site of St Enda's Monastery in the 6th century, though what's visible dates from the 9th…

  • Dún Chonchúir

    Aran Islands

    Glorious views of Inishmaan's limestone valleys and maze of stone walls extend from this ruined elliptical stone fort, which sits on the island's highest…

  • Teach Synge

    Aran Islands

    Now a small museum, this 300-year-old thatched cottage, on the road just before you head up to Dún Chonchúir, is where the writer JM Synge (1871–1909)…

  • Port Chorrúch

    Aran Islands

    Along the island's low-lying northern coast, the sheltered little bay of Port Chorrúch is home to up to 80 grey seals, who sun themselves and feed in the…

  • Dún Eochla

    Aran Islands

    Atop the island's highest point, at 100m, historic fort Dún Eochla has a double ring of circular walls, and is thought to date from the early medieval era…

  • Dún Fearbhaigh

    Aran Islands

    The well-preserved ruins of this stone fort are 200m west of the Cill Cheannannach church ruins; the fort similarly dates from around the 8th century.

  • Kilmurvey Beach

    Aran Islands

    Crescent-shaped Kilmurvey Beach has a Blue Flag for its clean white sand and pristine waters. Lifeguards patrol it in July and August, and often in June.

  • Dún Eoghanachta

    Aran Islands

    Probably built around 900 AD, Dún Eoghanachta has one towering circular wall that's 5m high, nearly 5m thick and 30m in diameter.

  • Cill Cheannannach

    Aran Islands

    On the eastern coastline, look out for the 8th-century Cill Cheannannach church ruins.

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