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Inis Oírr

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Understand
Talk
Get in
Get around
See
Do
Eat
Drink
Sleep

Inis Óirr, also called Inisheer, is the smallest and southernmost of the Aran Islands in County Galway, West Ireland. It is easily visible from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

[edit] Understand

While many people go there for a traditional Irish "session" anti-social behaviour is not tolerated. Should such behaviour occur, the locals, who are very hospitable and welcoming, will not hesitate to call the Gardaí (Irish Police Force) from the mainland to come over and sort out any unruly behaviour. Remember, Inis Óirr is not a million miles away from the mainland.

Many people are under the impression that since Inis Óirr is isolated, closing times for pubs does not apply. This is not true, and though they may stay open longer than a mainland pub, you will not get served into the early hours. Reason being is that a plain clothes member of the Irish Police Force could be around the place. This is no joke as pubs on the island were genuinely caught before, so the days of island pubs staying open all night are now gone.

[edit] Talk

The islanders speak Irish as their first language, but are also fully fluent in English.

[edit] Get in

Cliffs and Aran Cruises [1] run a direct passenger ferry [2] service from Doolin pier, Doolin, County Clare, they also have a trip to see the Cliffs of Moher from sea level.
Aran Direct [3] and Island Ferries, [4], operate from Ros an Mhíl, in Connemara with bus connections to Galway City.
Doolin Ferries, [5], run boats from Doolin in County Clare.
Aer Árann, [6] flights are available from Minna Airport in Connemara.

[edit] Get around

Walking is the ideal way to wander around this island. If pressed for time, however, other options available include bicycle hire, pony and trap, or the "wanderly wagon" experience - this being a tractor and converted trailer that provides a tour - all these are available from pier.

[edit][add listing] See

The ship from Father Ted, an old shipwreck about 50 minutes walk from the pier.

The graveyard, also contains a very old chapel, once run by St. Kevin, the older brother of St. Kevin of Glendalough.

[edit][add listing] Do

In the middle of August an annual Currach Racing festival takes place, which also involves other events such as tug o'war in the sports field.

[edit][add listing] Eat

All the pubs in Inis Óirr do food, with Tigh Ruairí being the favourite of many, with their traditional dinners and lunches.

Also

Teach an Tae (Tea House)

Traditional baked goods, cups of tea, and fair-trade coffee are served in this 1800s home. You can eat beside the cosy fireplace or relax in the garden with views of the beach and castle. Located centrally, 100m up from the beach. They also serve ice-cream cones.