Inis Meáin (Aran Islands)
Inishmaan: middle of the 3 Aran Islands
Inis Meáin – the middle island is situated between Inis Mór and Inis Oírr. Pathways across rocky hillsides full of wild flowers in the southern part of the island beckon the walker while the northern shores of Inis Meáin are endowed with quiet, sandy beaches.
Interesting historical monuments on Inis Meáin include the Prehistoric Conor Fort, the most striking of the circular or oval drystone forts on the Aran Islands. On the eastern end of the island is the beautiful Kilcanonagh chapel. The church of Mary Immaculate, built in 1939 has magnificent, radiant stained-glass windows created in the famed Harry Clarke Studios. Teach Synge, the thatched cottage where writer John Millington Synge stayed has been carefully and authentically restored in recent times and is open to visitors.
How to get to Inis Meáin 🚢
You can get ferries from Galway city, Rossaveal and Doolin to Inis Meáin and you can also fly from Connemara Airport. For details, click here to see how to get to Inis Meáin.
Sightseeing Highlights 📸
Cathaoir Synge (Synge’s Seat)
Irish writer and playwright John Millington Synge spent many summers on Inis Meáin and it is believed he chose this spot overlooking Sunda Ghrióra, the bay between Inis Mór and Inis Meáin as his pace of reflection.
Clochán
A well preserved beehive hut, featuring the stone corbelling and complete with roof capstone.
Dún Chonchúir
This impressive ring fort dating from the first century provides 360-degree panoramic views from atop the massive stone-wall defences. Located at one of the highest points on the island, it is believed to have been built by Conchúir, brother of Aonghasa of the Fir Bolg. The living space within Dún Chonchúir is remarkably large (70m by 40m). An outer wall
is tacked on to one side; attached to that is an outwork or bastion of medieval date. A visitor to Dún Chonchúir in its heyday would have encountered what looked like a small walled town, with houses ranged around the walls and a network of paved paths weaving around yards and workspaces.
Teach Synge
The house were John Millington Synge spent his summers and where the ideas for some of his most famous plays such as Riders to the Sea and The Playboy of the Western World were formulated.
Séipéil Eoin agus Naomh Muire gan Smál
This small white church was constructed in 1939 using stones from an old 15th century church located nearby. Notable features are the altar made by James Pearse, father of Pádraic Pearse and the stained glass windows by Harry Clarke.
Teampall na Seacht Mac Rí and Tobar Chinndeirge (Church of the Seven Sons of the King)
Little remains of this church, just the Grave & Cross of Cinndeirg, the holy woman of the red hair and her holy well (Tobar Chinndeirge) situated in a nearby field. This place was once a sacred site pilgrimage for all of Connacht.
Dún Fearbhaidh
A smaller stone fort, Dun Fearbhai dates from 7th century and stands on high ground overlooking An Cora, the pier at Meáin, it is unusual for its square shape rather than the circular which is more common for this type of fort. From the raked interior of Dún Fearbhaí there is a clear view of the seaways between Inis Meáin and the Burren. The square ground plan was a comparatively new development in the late first millennium, but the move from round to rectilinear buildings was well underway throughout the country. The architectural influence may have come from church buildings, but the move may also reflect a change in people’s aesthetic engagement with the natural landscape.
Cill Cheannanach
Dating from the 8th century AD this well preserved church is complete apart from its roof and includes an old cemetery.
Places to Eat on Inis Méain 🍽
Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites
Experience Michelin Green Star dining at Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites, a unique island stay on Inis Meáin. Due to their emphasis on local ingredients and the island’s remote location, soups and dinners must be pre-ordered a week in advance. This ensures the freshest possible experience. Their award-winning chefs craft exquisite menus showcasing the best of the island: vegetables, salads, and herbs grown on-site. Omnivores will delight in their creations, while the team caters to dietary restrictions and allergies. Inis Meáin offers high-spec kitchens within their self-catering stays, allowing you to enjoy their culinary creations in the comfort of your island retreat. Sample menus showcasing their artistry and the logistical brilliance required on this special island can be found on their website.
Tig Congaile’s restaurant
At Tig Congaile’s restaurant, Chef Vilma prepares delectable dishes showcasing the island’s bounty. Fresh fish features prominently, sourced daily by Padraic, a local fisherman. Vegetarians are well catered to with terrines and delights made with organic vegetables and foraged wild garlic. Indulge in sourdough bread, a Tig Congaile staple, alongside their renowned Sea Vegetable Soup, a collaboration with Galway marine biologists. The cozy dining room is the perfect setting to savor fresh fish paired with tempura sea vegetables and island potatoes. End your meal on a sweet note with homemade biscuits or a tipple of Padraic’s elderflower wine. From succulent mackerel to pan-seared scallops with black pudding, Tig Congaile offers a taste of the sea, expertly crafted by Chef Vilma.
An Dún B&B Restaurant
An Dún B&B on Inis Meáin offers a haven of delicious dining. Teresa, their skilled cook, creates seasonal feasts using the freshest local and organic ingredients. Think wild herbs and vegetables alongside perfectly cooked seafood and meats. Evening meals, lauded by the Bridgestone Guide and Georgina Campbell Guide, are a highlight. Book in advance to savor dishes that capture the essence of the Aran Islands. For a lighter bite, their takeaway options with homemade breads and fresh salads are perfect for exploring the island. Breakfast boasts a delightful variety, with vegetarian options catered to. An Dún’s warm atmosphere complements the high-quality ingredients, homemade jams, and great coffee. Prepare to be impressed by Teresa’s skillful cooking, where fresh, local flavors are artfully presented for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
Where to stay 🛌
Inis Meain has a handful of comfortable and welcoming accommodation options from guesthouses and B&B’s to the luxurious and exclusive Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites.
Getting to Inis Meáin
By aircraft or ferry. Aer Aran Islands has scheduled flights to Inis Meain Connemara Airport close to Rossaveel. Alternatively you can access the Inis Meain by ferry from Rossaveal or Doolin.
Explore more
Inis Meáin ferries depart from Rossaveal by way of the coast road from Galway, through the scenic Gaeltacht villages Barna, Spiddal and Inverin, each of which is worth a stop to take in the local culture, crafts and people.
Things to do in Inis Meáin
- Inis Meáin is a small island and easily explored on foot or by bike. Embrace the solitude of the quietest of the Aran Islands.
- There are two impressive Stone Forts to explore on the island dating back to the 1st century AD. They are Dun Fearbhai and Dun Chonchuir (Conor’s Fort…also known as The Black Fort).
- Visit the Inis Meain Knitwear Factory which produces knitwear of exceptional quality for export to the most exclusive stores in Europe, Japan and Northern America.
- See Leaba Dhiarmada ‘is Ghrainne which translates to the ‘Bed of Diarmuid and Grainne’, a wedge gallery tomb from the Early Bronze Age (4,000 BC), thought to be a location for ritual ceremonies and a burial place.
Tours to the Aran Islands
Inis Meáin: what to expect
Inis Meáin Attractions & Trail Map
Best Rate Hotels
