Natural Environment, History and Culture of Inis Oírr
From gentle beaches in the East to the rugged shoreline of the West, the diversity on the small island is stunning. Within a 1-hour cycle around the island, you can explore a sunken church and a hilltop castle.
Prepare for tiny island packed with great history and nature.
Rich Culture, History and Nature of Inis Oírr
Nature
Flora:
Inis Oírr is home to the same iconic stone walls as the bigger Islands, separating the land into squares of green grass and grazing land. Parts of the island, mainly near the shore, show large slabs of pavement and deep cracks in the stone found elsewhere in the Burren. Between the cracks, smaller plants and flowers seek refuge, blooming against all odds, anchoring the soil, and providing shelter and food for insects, bees, and butterflies. Another botanical wonder of the region is the colourful lichen, moss, and algae, living, growing organisms that spread across the rocks, adding a wonderful red, umber, and brown hue to the landscape.
Fauna:
Mammals: Perhaps you visited Inis Oírr to see the farm animals, including horses, cows, and sheep. Alongside these old reliables, you’ll notice several donkeys.When it comes to wild mammals, depending on where you are on the island, you might see mice, shrew, pine martens, stoats, and sleek sea otters, who love to play in the shallows and are particularly active at dawn and dusk.
Birds: Alongside the usual garden suspects like robins, wrens, and starlings, you may spot choughs, swallows, house martins, and even cuckoos in season. Three of the most common waders you might spot on Inis Oírr are guillemots, gannets, and razorbills. Guillemots, often solo, are seen nesting on the cliffs and ledges, while gannets dive headfirst into the sea foraging for prey. Look for the lonely heron, standing in the shallows, waiting to pounce!
Butterflies, Moths, and Insects: Due to the unique mix of Arctic and Mediterranean wildflowers in the Burren, the islands provide an ideal habitat for butterflies, moths, and other insects.
Seals: Both grey seals and common seals can be seen around the Aran Islands. They sun themselves on the rocks at low tide and make a splash in the harbours and coves. Visit during pupping season to hear a very loud and barking colony of huge pups, born covered in pure white fur!
Bottlenose dolphin: You may be lucky enough to see a playful pod of dolphins around the island. Watch out for the ferry on your way to the island!
Heritage
Áras Éanna is an Arts and Heritage Centre, housed in a renovated weaving factory on Inis Oírr. The centre contains a 75-seater theatre/cinema, three art galleries, a café, the offices of the translation business “Cleas Teoranta”, as well as a basket weaver and quilter's workshops. Since its foundation in the year 2000, Áras Éanna has played host to some of Ireland’s leading visual and conceptual artists, musicians, performers and actors. The Áras also contains a much in demand self-contained studio/apartment for Artists in Residence.
Please check out our events page for upcoming events at Áras Éanna.
Language
Gaeilge (Irish) is the first language of the island's population; but all are bi-lingual. Inis Oírr is one of the last strongholds for the Irish language, and each year hundreds of students (Gaelgoirí) travel to the Irish schools on the island to help improve their standard of Irish. During the Cromwellian occupation in the 17th Century Irish was forbidden and English was made the official language. Despite the threat of persecution, the islanders continued to speak Irish in private and the language survived. The islanders are very proud of their language and it is spoken just as much among the younger population.
Architecture and Historical Sites
- - The Sunken Church of Inis Oírr - Church submerged in dunes
- - O'Brien's Castle on Inisheeer
- - The Inisheer lighthouse
Fishing
Fishing has always been important to the islanders as the barren limestone landscape could not produce vast quantities of food, but the sea could always be relied upon to supply a rich source of fish.
Most fishing catch on the Aran these days comprises rock fishing, but some still fish using the old Currach (rowing boats), and these can often be seen dotted around the coast of the island. There is a wide range of fish caught here, including Cod, Whiting, Mackeral, Monkfish, John Dorey, Pollack and seasonally Lobster and Prawns.
Wreck Island in Modern Culture & Father Ted
Featuring in the opening credits of one of Ireland's most successful TV show's opening credits, MV Plassey Shipwreck has been on the island since 1960. All crew survived thanks to the heroism of the organised local rescue party. Fictional 'Craggy Island' was a combination of all three Aran Islands in one landmass.