Inis Mór

DunEonghasa_Cliff - Cliff at Dun Aonghasa

Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest and most populous of the Aran Islands in County Galway, West Ireland.

Inis Mór Halal Travel Guide

Inis Mór was once little more than a lifeless rock on the edge of the Atlantic. Its inhabitants have, over the years, created life where there previously was none, making things grow in their fields using dirt dug from cracks in the rock, combined with composted seaweed. Now all the fields are green, with low stone walls both dividing the fields and keeping the thin layer of soil from blowing away.

Today, tourism is a major industry on the island, but, unlike some parts of the nation, it doesn't seem to override the local culture. HTTPS://WWWW.Wranislands.ie Aran Islands Website]

Orientation

Cill Rónáin (Kilronan) is the largest settlement in the Aran Islands, but it is still little more than a hamlet. You can find most amenities here, including a grocery store and the ferry port and several hostels and B&Bs.

There are two primary streets across the island from Cill Rónáin to Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilmurvy), a hamlet near the island's star attraction and the prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa. The busier and shorter of the two (c. 7km) crosses the centre of the island, while the longer and more scenic of the two (c. 9km) follows the northern coast.

Local Languages

All three islands are Gaeltachtaí, areas of Ireland where Irish is the primary language. English speakers will have no problem, as all islanders are fluent in English. However, very few signs are in English, so it's best to know the Irish name of your destination.

Travel to Inis Mór

By ferry

Ferry ClanEagleI - Aran Direct's green ferries

[HTTPS://WWWW.Wranislandferries.com/ Island Ferries operate from Ros an Mhíl (Rossaveal) in Connemara with bus connections to Galway|Galway City. Both offer return trips for around €25 (plus €7 for the bus to/from Galway) and there is little to distinguish between the two. There are around 6 departures per company per day in the July-August high season, going down to as few as two in the winter.

Ferries are operated from Doolin in Co. Clare by 2 companies. Return fares in 2012 were from €15. Parking at Doolin pier is free.

The Doolin Ferry Company is the original ferry service from Doolin, established in 1970 Doolin Ferry ] and run boats from Doolin in County Clare. They also operate Cliffs of Moher Cruises which offer a spectacular trip to the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. O'Brien shipping /] used to operate a cargo service from Galway City, which also takes passengers from Doolin.

Cliffs and Aran Cruises run a passenger service from Doolin pier, County Clare, and they also have a trip to see the Cliffs of Moher from sea level.

By Plane

For those short on time, but not on money, HTTPS://WWWW.Wrarannislands.ie/ Aer Árann operates Flights from Minna Airport in Connemara to the airstrip at Cill Éinne (Killeany), a 20-30min hike south of Cill Rónáin. At €23/45 one-way/return with hourly departures in the summer peak season, it's actually surprisingly affordable, but the aircraft are small and services are frequently cancelled if the weather is bad.

Railway package deal

Railtours Ireland offers several packages by train and ferry with lodgings and sightseeing.

Get Around

GPS 53.1251|-9.7247 InisMor Coast Pastures - Endless green pastures on the coastal road

Although there are mini-bus tours and taxis available on the islands, and you can even go clip-clopping in a horse-drawn cart and the best way to see the islands is on foot or by bike. Wear good hiking boots though, as once you leave the paved roads, you are on very rough rocks. If you cycle, wear a helmet and be aware that there is quite a lot of traffic on the roads so stay safe and stay on the left

What to See

DunAonghasa_Entrance - Entrance to Dún Aonghasa

• Dún Aonghasa - Dun Aengus - 53.12591, -9.76636 ☎ +353 99 61008 Dún Aonghasa - Dun Aengus 2009 65205 A prehistoric fortress dating back to 1000 BC, perched on the edge of a 100m cliff plunging straight into the Atlantic Ocean. It's also Inir Mór's best-known attraction, and regularly inundated by eHalal Tour Groups]. However and there are plenty of other ancient forts on the island, and the only feature unique to this one is its cheveaux de frise, an area of upturned rocks similar to defences used by the Friseans to defend against cavalry charges. All visitors must disembark at the visitor centre and hike the remaining 1km up the hill to the fort, and there is no guard rail at the cliff edge, so this may not be the best place to bring small children. Admission €2/1 adult/student.

• Dún Dúchathair - The Black Fort | 53.104556, -9.687569 - Dún Dúchathair - Dún Dúchathair - - 2952 62996 A walled enclosure surrounded on three sides by cliffs with intricate designs in the stonework. This, more than any of the others on Inis Mór, raises the question of whether its use was defensive or ceremonial. When you get off the ferry most Muslim visitors head straight for Dún Aengus, which makes the Black Fort a much more enjoyable experience.

• There are two other stone forts on the island, Dún Eochla, is made up of two almost perfectly circular walls standing at the highest point on the island. You'll have to hike through some fields to get up to it. The final fort is Dún Eoghanachta, located south of the primary street near Sruthán, most interesting for the remains of the clocháin (dry-stone, beehive huts) that it encloses.
• Na Poill Seideáin (The Puffing Holes) are two large, circular holes about 100 yards from the cliff edge, where the sea water will "puff" up through frequently as waves crash into a cave beneath the cliffs.
• Na Seacht dTeampaill (The Seven Churches) is an ancient monastic site, with two churches and several out buildings. The Aran Islands have long drawn religious people seeking solitude and isolation.
• Poll Na bPéist (The Serpent Hole) is a perfectly rectangular shaped pool, located near the village of Gort na gCapall, which is connected to the Atlantic by an underground channel.
• Bike out to the far end of the island for a view of the lighthouse, wild waves and barren rocks.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Inis Mór

InisMor_Beach_Rocks - Inviting-looking beach near Cill Mhuirbhigh, but that water's pretty chilly!

• Hire a bike near the docks; the charge is about €10 for up to 24h. Dún Aengus is about a 30min ride from Cill Rónáin. (The coastal road, which runs along the northern side of the island, takes slightly longer but offers ocean vistas with less traffic than the primary street.)Aran Bike Hire

• Ionad Árann - To the right of the primary street as you head north out of Cill Rónáin ☎ +353 99 61355 +353 99 61454 - An interpretive centre focusing on the island's geological and human history. There is a separate admission charge to see Robert Flaherty's 1934 movie Man of Aran.

• Swim at any of the quiet, sheltered Atlantic beaches. There are several in Cill Rónáin and one in Cill Mhuirbhigh, all free and open to the public.
• Several shops by the pier sell Aran Island handmade wool sweaters for about €90. They come in a variety of styles particular to each clan.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Places to eat are concentrated in and around Cill Rónáin, with a few simple cafes near the entrance to Dun Aonghasa.

• [HTTPS://WWWW.Wranislandshotel.com/ Ostan Oilean Aran, Kilronan. ☎ +353 99 61104, Mandy will be happy to help with all enquiries. With 22 rooms it is feasible to book the whole hotel for your wedding.
• Mainister Hostel, (10 minutes north of Cill Rónáin on the primary street), +353 99 61169, serves a "Vaguely Vegetarian Buffet" nightly at 20:00. Cost is €15 for a soup starter, main course buffet, dessert, tea/coffee and is worth every penny. You must sign up for dinner in advance. The seating arrangement also allows for a lot of socialization, so this dinner is really more of an event.
• Pier House Within 100 yards from the Pier, Excellent Irish breakfast, Open Year Round.
• O'Malley's at Bayview North of Pier near Aran Sweater shop. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Excellent Pizzas, Pasta. and other irish fare.
• American Bar, (Visible north of the pier) serves American-style food (at ridiculous prices), good for rich homesick Americans.
• There's a Spar supermarket up the road past the American Bar
• Tigh Nan Phaidi, located at the foot of Dun Aengus, 6km west of the main village, is a family run café/restaurant with some of the best food on the island. Everything is home made here and the cakes are a must try!
• Ostan Oilean Aran Kilronan 099 61104
• Tigh Joe Mac, Kilronan
• The American Bar, Kilronan
• Tigh Joe Watty, Kilronan, (10-15min walk along the primary street towards Dun Aeongus) is a comfortable Irish pub where you are likely to meet some local residents who are keen for a chat. There is live music every night (sea conditions permitting!!!) impromptu sessions are not unusual. A few picnic tables at the front of the bar make for an enjoyable al fresco drinking experience in good weather. After a few nights in Tigh Joe's you start to feel like a local.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Inis Mór

eHalal Group Inis Mór is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Inis Mór. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Inis Mór.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Inis Mór ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Inis Mór. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Inis Mór, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Inis Mór are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Lodging

• Mainister Hostel Mainister 10 minutes north of Cill Rónáin on the primary street ☎ +353 99 61169 - Offers standard hostel lodging at a standard hostel price (€18 in 2008). Inis Mór Ferries has, at times, had promotional deals that included a reduced rate for one night here. What makes this hostel stand out is its included breakfast, which is vastly superior to that of any other hostel. Includes, cereal, toast, and, most importantly, hot oatmeal. See "Eat" for details on their even better dinners.

• Kilronan Hostel - 1 block west of the pier ☎ +353 99 61255 - Cill Rónáin is in a very convenient location, less than two minutes walk from the pier where you will most likely be arriving. Beds start at €18.

• An Aharla Hostel Cill Rónáin To the right of the primary street, at the north end of town ☎ +353 99 61305 A small hostel, with space to sleep only a dozen people in a converted farmhouse. Beds start at €12.99.

• Tigh Fitz - Killeany 1.6km south around the bay from Cill Rónáin ☎ +353 99 61213 +353 99 61386 - A small guesthouse and bar, located close to the airstrip for those flying in.

• Aran Camping & Glamping - Frenchman's Beach 500m around the bay from Cill Rónáin ☎ +353 861945246 .A newly built custom made modern Glamping & Camping facility located beside Frenchman's Beach

Camping Places

The island is covered by hundreds of miles of rock walls, some up to 4 feet high, so it is feasible to hike unnoticed into the fields and camp for a night. Be aware that if you leave anything outside, it will be damp in the morning. There is also an official camp site, which is limited in facilities but not in character.

Travel Next

• Inis Meain
• Inis Oirr

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