Aran Islands

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11 October 2008

The morning dawned fine, we took the bikes off the van and they and us caught the ferry, which was surprisingly crowded, for the 45 minute trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. It’s very popular with cyclists, it being just about the right size to see a good proportion of the sights in a day.

We started by taking the beautiful road that skirted the north coast and gave us a good view of all the stone walls which divide the whole of the island into very small fields. Our first stop was at the Severn Churches, a collection of ruined buildings dating from the 5th century. Then onto Dun Aengus, a Bronze age fort with massive walls constructed on the sheer south coast cliff edge. Its imposing position was made even more so as the large Atlantic swell sent waves crashing up the cliff sides.

We then headed back to Kilronan, the port, and on the way just had time for a distant look at Dun Ducathair, another cliff edge fort before catching the boat back.

A very satisfying cycling day.

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