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| The Cliffs |
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| Fortress Remains |
If you are headed to Ireland, one visit I suggest you make while you are there is to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer) located at Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. I visited Inishmore.
To reach the Aran Islands you will have to take a ferry (passenger only) from Galway Harbour. If I remember correctly the ferry ride is a little over an hour long. Once you arrive you will now step foot on some of the most historical land in Ireland. The two main things you will experience at the Aran Islands are the cliffs and the archaeological remains (see the pictures above for a small sample). The limestone cliffs are amazing and cannot be truly appreciated until you stand on the edge for yourself and take it all in. The archaeological remains consist on stone walls tracing through the entire island and the remains of old stone fortresses (such as Arkin's Castle). The historical scenery is enhanced by the fact that the small inhabitants of the Aran Islands still speak Gaelic (don't worry most speak English as well). This is one of the very few places in Ireland where the traditional language of Ireland is still uttered.
So, on your visit to Ireland don't forget to stop by the Aran Islands. You can expect to witness an unforgettable scenery and a personal experience with Irish history.
