There are some beautiful hidden treasures to find on this Island. We came up with our top five things to do to give you a head start. You can also see where these sights are located on our map below.
Teach Synge – Synge’s Cottage
The cottage where he stayed and crafted classics has recently been renovated and you can now go in for a visit. Teach Synge is the cottage where John Millington Synge stayed. This house has been fully restored by the Island Co-op and opened to visitors as a Synge museum. Memorabilia includes photographs, drawings and letters.
Harry Clarke Stained Glass
This beautiful stained glass work of art can been seen in the church on the Island.
Inis Meain Sweater Shop
Visit this lovely Inis Meain Sweater factory shop to experience the world renowned craft of Irish sweater making. This lovely place attracts poeple from the world over. Celebrities have been known to pop up here too. Patrick Dempsey made a recent visit to the workshop where he was given a demonstration of the process and techiniques used to make thier hand finished garments. We hear he loved learning about the traditional craft and the importance of the Islands heritage.
Bláthanna Fiáine Wildflower Walks
New and exciting, join presenter of RTÉ’s acclaimed nature series ‘Faoi Bhláth’, Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, on a breathtaking journey through the most remote of the Aran Islands. Embark on a journey through a unique landscape famed for its stunning wildflowers. Learn to identify an array of native flowers, gain an insight into Irish beliefs associated with wild plants and discover the many uses of wildflowers in cooking, medicine and craft. Routes change with the seasons, to include the most fascinating flowers in bloom.
Tours last 1.5-2 hours and can be booked via email to blathannafiaine@outlook.com or via BookWhen: Bláhanna Fiáne Wildflower Walks.
A. Monarchan Cniotola agus Musaem
Inis Meáin Knitting Company was founded on the island in 1976 by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile, inspired by the unique spirit, environment and heritage of the place. Inis Meáin Knitting Company designs and produces individual, unique pieces of knitwear in the finest yarns, all exquisitely finished by hand. You can visit their factory on Inis Meain Aran Islands to see their creations first hand.
B. Dun Conchuir
Fort of Conchuir (Conor). Dún Chonchubair is an oval stone fort named after Conchur or Conor, the brother of Aonghas (see Dun Aengus Inis Mór) and was built around the 5th century A.D. It is the biggest intact Dún with more features than all of the others. Not nearly as well known or visited at the more famous Dún Aengus it is equally as fascinating.
C. Cathaoir Synge
Synge’s Chair is the place where John Millington Synge was inspired and regularly wrote. ‘Synge’s Chair’ has an amazing viewpoint at the edge of a sheer limestone cliff. It is often sheltered from the wind making it the perfect place to take a seat and take it all in.
D. Seipeal Eoin agus Naomh Mhuire gan Smal
The Church of St.Eoin and St.Mary.
E. Teampall na Seacht Mac Ri
Church of the Kings Seven Sons. Early Christian churches which were formerly a place of pilgrimage in the West of Ireland. This site may have been home to seven houses of worship, but today, only Teampall Brecan and Teampall an Phoill survive. Temple Brecan was built around 1200 and is flanked by a number of rectangular houses, which are believed to be the only pilgrim hostels to survive from late-Medieval Ireland. Mass is still held here every August 15th.
F. Dun Ferbhaí
Fort of Fergus. Dún Fearbhaí has terraces along the inside of the walls. If you climb on top of the wall you’ll get a great for a view of the northern part of the Island.
G. Leaba Dhiarmid is Grainne
Dhiarmid and Grainne’s Bed. This Oghil Wedge Tomb is a burial place and was originally covered in soil. It faces the setting sun. It is thought that it was a place of ritual and a burial ground.
The name is a reference to the young couple who mythology tells us slept at sites such as this wedge shaped tomb on the Island.
A great day out for families and athletes to enjoy in March or April. This years race will be on 30th April 2022 and you can check out the race details to see what you’re up against.
Darkness into Light
5km walk in aid of Pieta House in May.
Rásai Báid Seoi
l – July.
Rásai na nOilean ( Patrún )
August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Cluichi Cad
Traditional Island Games on 17th March.
Be sure to see our maps and other information on what to do on Inis Meain.
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