BEST THINGS TO DO ON INIS OÍRR - Inisheer

7 Things To Do On Inis Oírr

1. Conquer O’Brien’s Castle
2. Learn About the Lighthouse
3. See a Shipwreck
4. Sink into the Sunken Church
5. Climb to Cnoc Raithni
6. Wander on a Wanderly Wagon Tour
7. Visit Áras Eanna Arts Centre

1. Conquer O’Brien’s Castle

Overlooking the pier and village of Caherard, the castle was built around 1400 on the site of an ancient ring fort named Dún Forma. The castle is also called Furmina Castle.

Up a steep embankment, the castle lies ready to be explored! Walk within its ancient walls and imagine the great hall, once home to elaborate banquets and extravagant parties. The castle was taken by the O’Flaherty Clann in 1582 and sacked by Cromwell in 1652, but what remains to this day is a lovely location for a walk.

2. Learn About the Lighthouse

Inis Oírr lighthouse, also known as Inisheer Lighthouse or Fardurris Point, is located at the island's southeast corner.

One of four lighthouses on the Aran Islands, it has a tall, slender, circular tower adorned in black and white stripes. Built in 1857 by George Halpin, the lighthouse protects the southeast entrance to Galway Bay. It has been automated since 1978.

3. See a Shipwreck

The MV Plassey is a must-see attraction on Inis Oírr. Built as the HMS Juliet, the Navy trawler turned cargo shipwrecked on the rocks of Inis Oírr in 1960. It was carrying many luxury items, such as biscuits, stained glass, and even toilets, which islanders had never seen before.

The enormous freighter lies washed up on the beach at Finnis Rock, rusting away in the open elements. If you think you recognise the MV Plassey from somewhere, you’re right, the fascinating wreck features in the opening credits of Father Ted!

4 Sink into the Sunken Church

St Caomhán, or St Kevin, is the patron saint of Inis Oírr. Every year on his feast day, an open-air mass is performed at the remains of the church. Teampall Chaomhán is unusual in that it appears to be sunken into the surrounding graveyard. Locals still carry out the tradition of removing the sand that blows in from the bay; thus, the church is still visible. Otherwise, the ruin would be buried under centuries of sand!

The grave of St Caomhán is also located within the church grounds. Legend has it that praying upon his grave may cure certain illnesses.

5 Climb to Cnoc Raithni

A stone mound that might otherwise escape our attention, Cnoc Raithni is, in fact, an ancient burial mound dating to 1500 BC. Relics such as a bronze pin or awl and a jar of cremated bones have been found on the site, which gained National Monument status. Some 69 metres in diameter, the important Bronze Age site was exposed by a storm in 1885 which enabled its examination.

6 Wander on a Wanderly Wagon Tour

Wander the island in style on a Wanderly Wagon bus tour. There’ll be no hurry here; the ‘bus’ is actually a large, covered trailer pulled by a tractor! You and your group can see the sights from the comfort of the trailer at a pace that suits the island. Pre-booking this and other Inis Oírr experiences is essential.

7 Visit Áras Eanna Arts Centre

Inis Oírr has a thriving arts scene for such a small region and its home is Áras Eanna – the arts centre. Check out the current exhibitions in the gallery, browse the line-up of future events coming to the stage, and learn about classes, workshops, and residencies.

Your island adventure begins the moment you step on board our ferry so prepare for a hundred thousand welcomes or a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' as we say in Irish.

Do you have any questions about the island and how to get there?

Call us on 091 568 903 or email info@aranislandferries.com and we'll be happy to help in any way possible.