Things to do in Inis Meain

Fergal

Inis Meáin is the perfect place to walk. There are glorious views of Galway Bay and out to the Atlantic. But the great beauty of the local flowers would be missed unless you took to the roads by foot. There are reportedly 600 different species of wildflower although I have only managed to photograph 200 during my visits there! Apart from flowers there is an incredible backdrop of living among stones. There are stones everywhere on the island and despite the amount of them you'll soon find yourself staring at them and admiring the way they have been built into neat little walls and piles - you might even discover that the expression "rock mad" is not an insult!

BIRDS & FLOWERS

The flora and fauna of the island are remarkable. There are over 600 varieties of wildflower reported on the island. For thos who like to experience the Discovery Channel live there are plenty of birds such as swallows, robins, wren, cuckoos, gulls, cormorants - pleanty of insect life and the occasional bat to be seen!

FISH

The most popular place for fishing is the pier and tourists are often seen there catching Mangach (pollock) and Ronnach (mackerel). The waters are beautifully clear and the fishing is excellent. Regular visitors are sometimes brought out in boats by the local fishermen but you'll have to build up a bit of confidence with them first (maybe after your 20th visit!)

DIVING

The Aran Islands are reputed to be the best place in Europe for diving, this is based on hearsay as I have never stayed under watre longer than my breath allowed. I am no diver! There is a very good diving centre on the island and it is open from about April to October.

CLIFF CLIMBING

If you check out www.climbing.ie/newroutes/inismeain.html there is a description of some new climbs suggested at the south west of the island just past Synge's Chair.

RETREAT

Whether you would consider a retreat for religious or other recreative purposes this is the place to go for a time aside. Highly recommended!

THE BAR

There is a great athmosphere in the local pub situated on the main road just east of the middle of the island. Paraic and Meg own this bar and it is a delightful thatched pub with a beer garden to the front. During the summer months visitors are rolyally entertained by visiting musicians and sing-alongs are quite common. On a Sunday afternoon the island (like the rest of the country) stops for Hurling and Gaelic Football atches on television. With Croke Park in Dublin being a long journey the local people gather to watch these fascinating games together on a Sunday afternoon. The rules of these games might be a tad difficult for a visitor to understand on a first viewing but the passion with which they are watched takes no getting used to! The bar (and hotel) on Inis Meain are not places where people go to get drunk. There is a congenial climate and people are relaxed and chatting about the affairs of the world. This place is not really suited to tourists that are out for wild drinking weekends (It is unlikely that anybody will complain about this unsuitability either!)