Damian McDonagh
Google
Inishmaan, or Inis Meáin is the centrally located of the three islands that make up the Aran Islands. For the longer of the three walking trails: Start at the pier and end at the pier or turn left if arriving by plane as you depart the small airport building. This incredible walking trail traverses a convoluted array of narrow winding roads jutting out in a haphazard fashion. Numerous sheltered paths and stone walls erected in an maze-like configuration add to the thrill of this wondrous walking trail. Follow the Purple Arrows and allow yourself to criss cross the island, from the rocky hillsides of the south to the deserted sandy beaches on the north shore. Where you will encounter wild flowers in bloom everywhere along the limestone Karst landscape. The trail is also littered with some astounding historical sites from the imposing stone fort - Dún Chonchúir to the nearby fort - Dún Fhearbhaí. To one of the best preserved early Christian 10th century oratories at Cill Cheannannach. If time allows a make detour to Cathaoir Synge (Synge’s Chair), the scenery here is unrivalled.