The Aran Islands

Another day in Ireland, another adventure.  This time we were off to the Aran Islands, via water taxi from the port of Rossaveal.  Once again, we left without Kristinia and Rob.  I’m beginning to see a pattern here, boat ride, no Rob and Kristinia.  Hmm, have to think about that.  It was a misty day, not much chance for photography before getting to Inishmore, the large island.

As soon as we hit the port, we lost our intrepid traveler, Jeannie, who hopped on a bicycle for a solitary and slightly damp tour of the island.  Being more sensible(and older), we hopped on a mini bus and went off to the World Heritage Site of Dun Aonghasa, a stone fort with walls that were first erected ca. 1100 BC. The site is located on the south side of the island, on a cliff rising above the ocean.

Interestingly, there was no barrier or fence along the sheer cliff edge.

I actually saw one person lying down and hanging over the edge to get a photograph.  No comment.

Here is a motley looking crew.

Doug (recovered from vertigo from hanging over the edge), Kathy, Chris, John, Mother Mary Lou and Gina.  This was a typical Irish day, alternating between misting and sunshine.  Mostly misting while we were on Inishmore.

The little village of Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilkmurvey Village) below Dun Aonghasa.

This stone structure was on the slope below Dun Aonghasa.  No description was offered, but Rick and I determined through exhaustive research that it was used by the rulers of Dun Aonghasa to house the prisoners captured in the many raids and battles in the area.

One of the ways one could get around Inishmore was by horse drawn carriage.  Here is a rather attractive one.

Na Seacht dTeampaill (Seven Churches) http://www.emmedici.com/journeys/aran/echiese.htm#seacht

http://www.visitaranislands.com/features-of-inis-mor-island-the-aran-islands/na-seacht-dteampaill-the-seven-churches-2806

After the mini-bus dropped up back at the port, Gina wanted to walk back up the road to check out a trailer she saw.

Gina had become addicted to a BBC production called Father Ted, a silly story about a priest who was exiled to a remote island because of continued idiocy, the series was filmed on Inishmore, and the trailer featured in the film.  Now ain’t that exciting?

Some other scenes.  A fine dwelling indeed:

The not so lucky Luck Star Bar:

I wonder where this used to lead?

A Protestant church on a very Catholic island:

We returned to the the mainland aboard the Happy Hooker, docking at Doolin.  http://www.doolinireland.net/

We spent the night in Liscannor at the Cliffs of Moher Hotel, which must not have made much of an impression as I don’t remember much of anything about it.  Or I was very tired, which is remotely possible I guess.  We did have a good meal at Vaughan’s Anchor.