Be guided by an islander on the smallest of the Aran Islands and learn first hand about her story as a local on this island steeped in traditions and culture. Hear her story of growing up there, leaving, returning and witnessing all the changes and influences of the modern world on the Island while helping to keep all that is good in the traditions and culture alive.
This island tour includes :
Arrive at the ferry pier on Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands and be met off the feery by your local private island guide
Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the smallest of the islands is characterized by its distinctive charm. This Aran island is close to the Burren with its unusual natural features including an eclectic mix of color and the Cliffs of Moher clearly visible in all its panoramic splendor. The Island itself also has the true feel of a classical isolated fishing village. From the pier you are greeted with a pristine carpeted white sandy beach facing clear crystal turquoise water and plenty of fishing boats, their nets, and fisherman returning at the end of the day with their catch
Caisleán Uí Bhriain (O’ Brien’s Castle) was built in the 14th century. It was constructed within a more ancient Ringfort called Dún Formna, which is thought to date from 400BC.
In addition to fantastic views of the island, there is a marvellous vista from the Cliffs of Moher, sweeping left to the Burren, across Galway Bay to the 12 Pins of Connemara and out west to Inis Meáin and Inis Mór
MV Plassy, or Plassey, was built as a trawler but converted to a cargo vessel in 1947. She was acquired by the Limerick Steamship Company in 1951 and renamed Plassy.
On 8 March 1960, while sailing through the sound between Inis Oírr (Inisheer) and the coast of County Clare, carrying a general cargo, she was caught in a severe storm and ran onto Finnis Rock, just off the east coast of Inis Oírr.
A young local boy saw that the ship was in trouble and alerted the islanders. The crew of the Plassy was rescued by the Inisheer Rocket Group using a Breeches Buoy.
The Teach Solais (Lighthouse) in Inis Oírr was built in the middle of the 19th century on foot of a request by the Galway Harbour Commissioners. The request was approved by the Corporation of Trinity House in London which was the body responsible for safety at sea at the time. It went into operation in 1857.
The position of the Lighthouse is 53°02.797′ North 09°31.613′ West and its height is 34 metres. The tower and dwellings associated with it were built of local limestone.
The Lighthouse was automated in 1978. It was converted to electricity, using a mercury vapour lamp as the light source in the 1913 optic, and monitored by radio link.