Food, heritage & cultural tour Inishmore, Aran Islands. Guided.

Dún Eochla is a superb stone ring fort located at the highest point on Inishmore in the Aran Islands. The inner walls measure approximately 5 metres in height, and over 3 metres in depth. This fort deserves far more attention than it gets with it’s fantastic location and remarkable condition, but is overlooked because of the popularity of the nearby Dún Aengus/Dún Aonghasa. Rarely do you find four stone forts so close together on one small island, each of which are in great condition.

Eeragh Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on Rock Island, one of the Brannock Islands, part of the Aran Islands archipelago in County Galway, Ireland. It marks the north-western entrance to Galway Bay and the port of Galway known as the North Sound. Originally a light was established on Inishmore near Dun Oghil at a height of 400 feet alongside the Signal Tower. The light was first lit on 1st May 1818 with a revolving optic giving it a flashing character so as not to be confused with either Loophead to the south or Clare Island to the north, both of which were fixed or non-flashing lights.

Situated in the west of Inis Mór at the village of Eoghanacht the seven churches was for centuries one of the biggest monastic foundations and centres of pilgrimage along the west coast of Ireland. Breacan is believed to have come here in the earliest period from Kilbrecan near Quin in County Clare. Tradition on the island has it that his foundation rivalled St Enda’s foundation in the east of the island. Indeed the two saints are held to have eventually agreed to divide the island between them. Although termed ‘ the seven churches’ there are in fact only two churches with a number of domestic buildings. The title seven is possibly an allusion to the pilgrimage circuit of Rome which incorporated seven churches. Teampall Bhreacáin( St Brecan’s Church) is a large multi period church c. 8th-13th century. Teampall an Phoill ‘ (the Church of the Hollow) is a 15th century church smaller and simpler in style. There used be two Holy Wells -now enclosed on site.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. The fort consists of three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise, a dense band of jagged, upright stones, surrounding the fort from cliff to cliff, designed to impede attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several houses and burials.

Kilmurvery craft village is located at the foot of Dun Aonghasa and contains a handful of eclectic Irish arts and crafts shops. Many visitors to the island browse or refresh at the cosy cafe before entering Dun Aonghasa.

The seal colony is situated on the northern side of the island close to Kilmurvey Beach, on the road to Dún Aonghasa and is clearly signposted with a small cabin selling snacks at the viewing point. At low tide, a dozen seals congregate on the beach and rocks, creating a beautiful sight with the mountains of Connemara as its backdrop.