Aran Islands

The Aran Islands (ˈærən ; Oileáin Árann, əˈljaːnj ˈaːɾɣən̪ɣ) or The Arans (na hÁrainneacha n̪ɣə ˈhaːɾɣən̠jəxə) are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a total area around . They constitute the historic barony of Aran in County Galway. From west to east, the islands are: Inishmore (Árainn / Inis Mór), which is the largest; Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), the second-largest; and Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest. There are also several islets. The population of 1,347 (as of 2022) primarily speak Irish, the language of local placenames, making the islands a part of the Gaeltacht. Most islanders are also fluent or proficient in English. The population has steadily declined from around 3,500 in 1841. The approaches to the bay between the Aran Islands and the mainland are: North SoundAn Súnda ó Thuaidh (more accurately Bealach Locha Lurgan) lies between Inishmore and Lettermullen, County Galway. Gregory's SoundSúnda Ghríoghóra (formerly known as Bealach na h-Áite) lies between Inishmore and Inishmaan. Foul SoundAn Súnda Salach (formerly known as Bealach na Fearbhaighe) lies between Inishmaan and Inisheer. South SoundAn Súnda ó Dheas (formerly known as Bealach na Fínnise) lies between Inisheer and County Clare. Ferries operate to all three islands from Rossaveal in County Galway (year round) and Doolin in County Clare (seasonal). Flights operated by Aer Arann Islands also operate from Inverin. Little is known about the first inhabitants to cross over to the islands, but they likely came across in search of a safe haven from attack. The islands are made up of Carboniferous limestone and do not have naturally occurring topsoil. Early settlers augmented the soil with seaweed and sand from the shore. Drystone walls were built to protect the soil. Seven prehistoric stone forts are on the islands. Dún Aonghasa, on Inishmore, dates back to 1100 BC. Enda of Aran founded the Killeany monastery in Inishmore, AD 490. It became a centre of learning, piety, and asceticism.