Day 7–Aran Islands

An early morning drive from Galway to pick up the ferry to the Aran Islands.  We visited Inishmore, the largest.  These islands are harsh; steep, rugged cliffs and windsept rocky fields divided by stone walls.  900 people live on Inishmore, about 2000 visitors each summer day.  Winters are brutal.  But a great place to bike to its main attraction, the Dun Aonghasa.  This is a stone fortress built over 2000 years ago on the edge of a cliff 300 feet above the Atlantic.  We know little about the population that built this fortress, other than they would not be attacked from the west!

 

  

Looking north or south, 300 foot cliffs, desolate.  One can imagine what winters are like with the wind and the rain gales.

Many people were wandering about while we were there.  Those with children kept them very close, no guard rails, one could easily wander too close to the edge and tumble off.  The only way to look over is to slide up the the edge on your belly. Creepy.

 

Part of the defense were these sharpened rocks angled toward the enemy.

  

Gloria took this photo over the cliff at the fort, on her belly hanging the camera over the edge, peering down 300 feet.

After spending the the day on Inishmore, walking among different ruins and biking, we drove to Roundstone, a small town inland from the coast for our day’s meal.  It is Gloria’s birthday, so we enjoyed a big meal.  Even though it is Tuesday the town was loaded with people.  They had just finished the Tour De Bog.  A 32 mile bike tour for all ages.  All the pubs were full, inside and out.  Luckily we got an outside table for dinner to enjoy the post race festivities.  Food continues to be excellent, now that we are back on the coast, fish is always fresh.  Lots of fresh vegetables, lots of mutton.  Excellent.

 

Another way to get around the island

  

This is a photo from the fort Dun Eochla.  Not as big as Dun Aonghasa, but just as many rocks were stacked.  Typically 10 feet high and 13 feet at the base.

One more night in Galway, then a drive to the Dingle Peninsula where we will be for two days.  Weather continues to be the same, some sun, mostly clouds, rains several times a day, but always cool.  Very nice.

After a successful day of biking.