Inisheer also known as Inishere and by its official name Inis Oirr or among seafarers as South Aran
is the smallest of the Aran Islands and is closest to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.
If you come on a day trip by ferry from either Doolin or Rossaveal you will arrive at the main Pier
close to the beautiful beach.
To the right about five minutes walk away is the Fisherman's Cottage where you can have a
cappuccino while you relax and get your bearings and plan your exploring.
The Island is dominated by O BRIEN'S CASTLE from the 14th Century and further south
the MARTELLO TOWER from the early 19th century .
O Briens Castle is built inside a Stone Age fort DUN FORMNA all three testament to the importance
of Inisheer as guarding the preferred South Channel into Galway Bay. This is where the 2009 VOLVO
OCEAN RACE passed on their way into and out of Galway for the famous stopover.
The PLASSEY shipwreck from March 1960 now famous in the opening scene of Father Ted has been
tossed up by the Atlantic winter storms and is now nearly 40 meters from the normal high tide !
The local Coast Rescue unit saved all aboard the ship when it ran aground on that cold and windy
March night in 1960.
Close by the Fisherman's Cottage is CILL GHOBNAIT
with the remains of a BEEHIVE dwelling and
some graves in the site. There you will find a rare Twin Fairy Tree.
A Loop starting at The Fisherman's Cottage takes you out along the western shore of the Island
Past the SEAL COLONY near Pipers Rock
(ask at the Cottage about the myths associated with this) and on out to TOBAR EINNE
taking a left turn when you reach the tarmac path
the holy well of Saint Enda which is still a place of pilgrimage for those who know.
Continuing past the well the path turns left and shows the amazing stone walls which are the
a constant wonder to all visitors on to pass Cill Ghobnait and back again to The Fisherman;s Cottage
This takes about 40 minutes and takes in many features of this beautiful Island for those with
only a short time to spend here.
