Nestled on the west coast of Ireland, embraced by the azure blues of the Atlantic Ocean, Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty. Having visited this exquisite locale once, I find myself yearning for a return, this time armed with a thirst to explore more, experience more, and immerse myself in its rustic charm more profoundly.
In our previous sojourn in May, we could only afford a fleeting encounter—arriving around 10 am, leaving at 5 pm. However, the island’s allure, laden with breath-taking landscapes, demands a more unhurried exploration. For our next venture, booking a B&B on the island is on the cards, which, to our surprise, turns out to be more economical than accommodation on the outskirts of bustling Galway.
Journey into Inis Mor’s Heart
Inis Mor unfurls a tapestry of stunning visuals that seamlessly blend the simplicity of rural life with the grandeur of nature. From the historical Dun Aonghasa fort perched atop a cliff to the picturesque Seven Churches, the island brims with timeless treasures. The labyrinth of stone walls weaving across the island stands as a testament to its ancient agrarian culture.
Our journey began on foot from Inishmore Ferry Station, heading west via the Back Road. Far from the madding crowd, this route offered an intimate experience of the island’s heartland, sprinkled generously with panoramic views. Our destination? The enigmatic Poll na bPéist, better known as The Wormhole.
This natural rectangular pool carved into the limestone by the Atlantic’s relentless waves offers a unique spectacle, making the hike absolutely worthwhile. After marvelling at The Wormhole, we hopped onto a bus back to the town, eager to satiate our appetites with a hearty dinner at The Bar, a cosy eatery located at Cottage Rd, Killeany, Inishmore, Co. Galway.
A memento of our journey, a bottle of ‘Man of Aran’ Single Malt Irish Whiskey, now sits on our shelf, triggering memories of the island’s charm every time our eyes meet it.
The Melodic Surprise: The Call of the Cuckoo
Adding a melodious surprise to our journey was the resonating call of a cuckoo, a sound I hadn’t heard before. Although the elusive bird remained hidden, its distinctive call was unmistakable. A widespread visitor from April to August, cuckoos favour Ireland’s open landscapes for breeding.
As I think back on the tranquil day, with the island’s imagery etched in my memory and the cuckoo’s song echoing in my ears, Inis Mor appears not just as a travel destination but as a serene symphony of natural beauty and cultural richness. It’s a melody I wish to revisit, an orchestra I long to be a part of again. So, here’s to the next voyage, to spending more days and nights amidst the magic of Inis Mor, and to the exploration of new paths, new sights, and new experiences.
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