Aran Islands

  Inishmor, Ireland
Sunday, July 15, 2007

Today was a wonderful day!  I had the time of my life on the Aran Islands and I got to ride a bike (which I have missed mine terribly!) The Aran Islands are three islands located about 9km off the Galway bay.  Really very beautiful.  We went to the largest and most visited of them all, Inishmor.  

Inishmor

   All three islands are dotted with prehistoric and medieval forts. Inishmor, though, probably has the most famous and impressive site of all three islands.  Called Dun Aonghasa, it is a massive prehistoric fort built on the edge of a cliff that drops 250 feet below to the Atlantic Ocean.  It is surrounded by three outer walls and an area of spiked standing stones that acted as a defense in front of the walls. 

Inner wall of Dun Aonghasa

No guard rails, you can literally peer over the edge!  And that was a sight!  The waves pounding the cliff side, the winds blowing like crazy, and the seagulls flying below you.  

Inside the fort

  To get there, we got to ride bikes from the docks all over the island.  That was a lot of fun.  Although, I definetly picked the wrong bike!  I didn't get much time to pick one and there was a ton people racing to get a bike.  It was this pink, rusty bicycle that cranked and whined everytime I went up a hill or shifted gears! 

My lovely bicycle!

And the brakes?  Over here, they are on the opposite sides of the handrails.  I had a few close calls, needless to say!  I didn't notice they had really nice Raleigh bikes till it was too late!  Oh well, I may have looked like a dork riding it, but it was really nice to be riding again, especially with the views I had!  And the stone walls that were everywhere!  Some even holding cattle from wandering to the cliffs below.

Stonewalls!

  I really tried to get a picture of them, but the camera doesn't do the landscape justice.  These islands are very unique.  The people really try to hold onto their way of life, but tourism has brought them so much.  Modern boats and bikes contrast with old men who speak Irish so fast between each other that it makes your head spin!  The Aran Islands are famous for their handknit sweaters and other such goods.  Really beautiful items, made from the finest wool with the most beautiful colors.  I know I said this about the Dingle Pennisula, but Insishmor has been my favorite spot so far!  (Well, if I was honest with myself, every place I have been over here has been my favorite!)  

Don't fall!

P.S.  Me and my friends are planning a picture sharing party, so I will have many, many more pictures to share soon!