Aran Islands!!!

Amazing, Breathtaking, Beautiful, Magnificent, Gorgeous, ………….these are just a few words I would use to describe the scenery of Inish Mor!!! When you hear of the fences made of stone they are probably talking about the county of Galway!!! It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen and Inish Mor, being off the coast of Galway, was full of stone fences, stone fields, and an amazing coast line!!!

We took a weekend trip to the Aran Islands in Galway Co. This was an amazing trip. We stayed in a hostel Thursday night at Galway. The night life of Galway was amazing, they block off the streets and the party begins with pubs and restaurants lining both sides of the street. The next morning we left Galway and went to the port to catch the ferry. The ferry ride was amazing, before we even set sail we seen the seals swimming in the water not even 50 yards from us, it was great. Watching the islands get closer and closer the anticipation mounted. When we finally landed it there was a quant little village with our hostel within walking distance. Right of the ferry there were tour buses waiting to take us on the tour of the island. We checked in to our hostel and were greeted by Marco the hotel caretaker. Marco was amazing, we got to spend a lot of time with Marco at the pub, the islanders are very friendly and very hospitable.

The tour guide started by telling us that the island was less then 8000 acres and that the main source of income was tourism and fishing. The first stop was a beach were the seals were sun bathing, we could walk down to the shore line and take pics, it was awesome. It was there that there were two cow calf pairs just walking down the road so the tour guide just removed some of the stones on the fence and we put the cows in the lot. LOL this was awesome I felt more at home with the cows.
Our tour continued to show us 7 of the ancient churches that were still partially standing. About midway through we stopped at Dún Aengus. Dún Aengus stands on the edge of a sheer cliff nearly 100m high on the edge of Europe. You will be amazed by the imposing stone wall of the inner fort, an almost semi circular enclosure on the cliff edge. It has outer defences eclosing a total area of 14 acres. Outside the wall is the remains of “Chevaux -de-Frise, large stones set at differing angles in the ground. These stones were placed to make it difficult for attackers. We got enough time to go to the top and back. Looking at it makes you feel like you have just climbed a mountain but the hike isn’t bad at all. On the other side of this circle fort just laying around was a herd of cattle!!! It was the craziest thing ever. The pics are amazing.
Our tour continued to show us the well kept cottages and the leprechaun village. The tour also pointed out a college that teaches nothing but the native Irish language. You will find Inish Mor is a place where they still use the native language on a daily basis and the names of the towns people are still very traditional Irish names. When you step on the island you are literally stepping back in time with there being as many minimal modern changes as needed. The island electricity is powered by wind turbans of the coast of Inish Meain, a smaller island in the Aran Islands.
As the tour continued we made one last stop at the beach that is said to contain enough pebbles and rocks to be able to build a road to America. I’d believe it! It was a sight to see. The tour left us back at the hostel and those wishing to catch the ferry were early enough to do so.
After our great day of sight seeing and “mountain” climbing we took in a bit of the night life at a local pub that had live music. We were integrated into the local seen even more by the embracing town’s people. And by embracing I mean they literally just give you a huge hug!!!! We met some of the younger crowd who were anxious to hear of what we thought of the island. They are very very proud of their heritage and of what they do. We meant some fishermen who were as proud of being a fisherman and proud of their island as anyone I have found. I can understand the sense of community and the way that being a fisherman is not a job or a hobby for them, it is a way of life and they embrace that. It reminds me of home, we are a small community with open arms, a community based on agriculture and preserving traditions. I am proud that my father is a farmer, and every generation before him as well, and that my brother will carry on the family tradition and will maintain the family farm. Our farm and the community of Powersville is like the Inish Mor and it made me feel so much at home.
So with a little rest and a little sobering up…we are ready to take on another day. This time we headed off on foot with no particular place to go, just sight seeing. After an hour or so of walking, stopping for pictures and just taking it all in, we ran across children playing on the beach with their Auntie. The children were adorable and loved having their picture taken!! The Auntie told us of a path up to the top of the island and a path to the shoreline with a great view of the other islands and of some cliffs. As we continued on our path the children ran after us racing to see who would beat who and just loving it up.
We took the footpath up the to the center of the island climbing over stone fences and moving stone fences just to put them back again admiring the livestock that were just hanging out in the fenced in areas. We were worried about trespassing but were told that there was not trespassing on the island. The island was our playground and we explored it!!! We made it to the tope of the island!! It was one of the most amazing feeling ever!! It was gorgeous! You could see everything and you were surrounded completely by the ocean!!!! If there were any place other then Missouri for me, it would be Inish Mor. I can not even describe the scenery you will just have to check out the pics even though they don’t even compare to seeing it first hand.
It was nearly dark fall but we weren’t done yet!! We took the path to the shore line only too see an even more amazing view then before! The tide was coming in and the beach was dwindling away. As the tide came in more rapidly the clapping of water and the showers intrigued us, so we made our way around the edge to some of the most amazing cliffs ever. We sat and watched the tide rise, listening to the ocean as it hit the cliffs and watching as the sprays melodically entranced us!!! OMG this place literally brought tears to my eyes!!! I love the scenery of home and had never imagined a place more beautiful, Inish Mor is an entirely different beauty!!
After a brisk walk back to the hostel it was time for another night at the pubs with dancing and live music followed by an after party that lasted for hours. Then up early to catch the ferry back to the mainland with the weekend vividly etched in our minds and a burning desire to return again as soon as possible. As we sat on the ferry we both realized that the appeal to the island was the hominess of it and the welcoming islanders.
The day trip back to Maynooth was also filled with amazing scenery that reminded so much of Missouri in the spring and summer months. Staring out the window at the green hills and the distant tree lines brought the first true pains of homesickness as I longed for Missouri!! For home!