The Aran Islands

Today we were off to an early start at 9 AM on the bus. We took the coach to the ferry and then the ferry to Inis Mor, the biggest of the three Aran Islands. This island is populated by almost 1,000 citizens who all speak in their native tongue, Gaelic. It was terribly cold near the water, but once we got off the ferry and away from the winds near the coast it was perfect out. Leslie, our Irish tour guide and bus driver, let us shop around for a while before our island bus arrived. We went into a beautiful Aran sweater shop, which has the most Aran sweaters in the country. I bought a beautiful wool scarf and socks to keep me warm on the island.

Cemetery in the Aran Islands

When the bus arrived, we took a ride around the island until we got to the cemetery. It was unbelievable to think that the cemetery consisted of structures from the 1500’s. The tombs were cluttered by stones and rocks around them. In fact, stones play a big part in the Aran identity. Our tour guide mentioned that there are 300 miles worth of stone fencing on the island, and the Irish government banned any reassembling of the rock walls in order to preserve the trueness of the Aran history.

Horse and buggy

We then traveled up to the Dun Angus fort at the very peek of the island. This fort is an ideal example of Bronze Age architecture. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing, but the structure was impressive and clever. The high winds would often come sweeping up the side of the cliff right into the crescent-shaped wall, and whisk enemies right off the cliff itself. Sharp stones lined the outer edge of the structure, making it impossible for enemies to get around; the only way they could get into the island was if they climbed over it, which gives the Aran people all the advantage of shooting them square in the chest with a bow and arrow. The views from the top were spectacular.

Amazing view from the top

We got back in the van and took a quick stop at the seal colony and saw some seals playing around in the water. We all ate at a local pub on the island, then walked around the small villages after. It’s the little things like these that make me really feel like I am truly experiencing Ireland.

Gamma Phi, all over the world