Inishmore

Inishmore ( _ga. Árainn (Mhór) / Inis Mór) is the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay in Ireland and has an area of 31 km² (12 mi²).

Prior to the 20th century, the island was more commonly called Aranmore ( _ga. Árainn Mhór) (i.e. "Great Aran") in English; from the traditional Irish name, leading to confusion with Arranmore, County Donegal. The Irish word " _ga. Árainn" means "long ridge" which is an apt description for the island. The name Inishmore was invented by the English Ordnance Survey in the mid 1800s. The new name is grammatically incorrect in Irish: because _ga. "inis" "island" is a feminine noun, a following adjective must be lenited, so the expected name would be _ga. "Inis Mhór". Árainn is still the official Irish name.

The island is famous for its strong Irish culture, loyalty to the Irish language, and a wealth of Pre-Christian and Christian ancient sites including Dún Aengus, "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe." [ [http://www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=226&catID=0226020843 George Petrie] ]

Inis Mór is a major tourist destination. Private minibuses, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main methods of getting about for the numerous tourists who visit the island in the summer months. There is small museum illustrating the history of Dún Aenghusa and its possible functions. Also in the vicinity is a Neolithic tomb and a small heritage park featuring examples of a traditional thatched cottage and an illegal poteen distillery. [ [http://www.emmedici.com/journeys/aran/eforti.htm Prehistoric Forts] ] It is serviced by [http://www.arandirect.com/ Aran Direct] ferry from Rossaveal and by [http://www.aerarann.com/ Aer Arann] from Inishmore Aerodrome.

Inishmore was the birthplace of the writer Liam O'Flaherty and his childhood there figures in many of his writings. The principle town of Inishmore is Kilronan.

References

See also

* List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland (County Galway)