Inis Meáin (Inishmaan in English)
Inis Meáin has a population of about 170 making the Aran
Island with the smallest population. It is one of the most important
strongholds of traditional Irish culture. The island is
predominantly Irish-speaking.
 The Harbour
It is not advisable to anchor off Inis Meain and there are
no moorings. Caladh Mor Harbour is a new secure harbour behind a breakwater
created in 2007 which make it possible to visit this very quiet island. Five
water taps which are fed from a desalination plant are available quayside.
There are two notable stone forts on the island. Dún
Chonchúir (Conor's Fort) is an ancient oval stone fort, dating to
pre-Christian times, with views of the island's other ancient sites and the
sea. And the stone fort Dún Fearbhaí, which dates from the 4th century
A.D. and is unusual in being almost rectangular - instead of circular as the
other forts on the island.
Clochán na Carraige is a beehive hut, the structure of
which is unusual because the outside is circular but the inside is
rectangular. |
Synge's Cottage and Chair
Teach Synge is the house where John Millington Synge stayed
on the island every summer from 1898 to 1902 and where he was hosted by Bríd
and Páidín Mac Donnchadha. It was here he is said to have found inspiration for
his plays The Playboy of the Western World, Riders to the Sea, and other
works. Teach Synge has been restored to its original condition and has been
open to the public since August 1999. Cathaoir Synge (Synge's Chair) was the writer's favourite place on the
island, a stone structure resembling a chair overlooking Inishmore and the
Atlantic.
The island is connected to the national grid via a
submarine cable. A desalination plant provides water for the
residents. Inis Meáin also has a wind farm which runs its desalination plant
and fuels electric cars. Inis Meáin has a new jetty ("Caladh Mor")
since 2007. It also has an airstrip connecting it to the mainland, with flights
operated by Aer Arann from Connemara Regional Airport. |
Where to eat
Ostan Inis Meain (Hotel Inis Meain) is in Lisheen
Village. Coming from the harbour the large pink building to the left is
the hotel. It is the nearest place to both the port and the airport for
food and accommodation from breakfast to closing time. Panoramic views of
Galway Bay.
(inismeainhotel.com/ie +353 99 73020)
Tig Congaile, in Moore Village (20 minute walk
straight form pier, first left, then right, then left, and right again), is
a Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant that offers scenic views and cuisine by
the renowned chef Vilma, a Guatemalan lady whose food is not to be missed on
visiting this tranquil island. The place is easy to miss.
(+353 87 203 5171)
Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites offers luxury accommodation
and fine dining. It consistently receives five stars on Trip Advisor and is the
Travellers Choice 2013 Winner and has won numerous other accolades. The
restaurant dining room is contemporary in styling and has panoramic views of
the island and bay. The main ingredients used in the restaurant are sourced on
the island. Lobster and crab are caught by local fishermen from currachs. Potatoes
and vegetables are grown in small fields sheltered by stone walls. The only
fertilizer used is seaweed from the shore. The restaurant is open seasonally
for dinner only. They also operate the knitting company which offers very high
quality Aran knit clothing.
An Dun B&B and Restaurant (opposite the big stone fort
just beyond the church.) is a spotless inn with very friendly hosts who will
provide a delicious dinner in the evening if you let them know them before
mid-afternoon.
The island has a single and very fine pub, Teach Ósta, in
More Village.
Useful Links:
Ferries
- From Galway (Rossaveel)
- From Doolin, Co. Clare
Flights
Coastal Boating (Reg. in Ireland No. 443222) is a division of Knowledge Clinic Ltd.