Aran Islands, Island group off Galway Bay, Ireland.
The Aran Islands are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay in County Galway, western Ireland. Inishmore is the largest island, while Inishmaan and Inisheer offer smaller areas of flat limestone terrain and low stone walls dividing fields.
The oldest stone fortifications on the islands date back more than 3000 years and served as protective structures for early settlements. During medieval times, monks established several churches and monasteries across the archipelago, which remain in ruins today.
Residents speak Irish in daily conversation, at local shops, and during village gatherings. Many families continue to weave baskets from willow and produce handmade woolen clothing that visitors can see in small workshops.
Ferries run year-round from Rossaveal and during summer from Doolin, with crossings taking about 40 minutes. On the islands, visitors can walk, rent bicycles, or use local minibuses for longer distances.
Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine plants grow together in close proximity along the coasts due to the particular climate conditions between the Atlantic and limestone soil. Some beaches consist of crushed shell sand that makes the water shimmer in unusually bright turquoise shades.
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