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Well of Enda
Some locals still carry out a pilgrimage known as the Turas to the Well of Enda (also known as Éinne or Endeus), a bubbling spring in a remote rocky…
Getty Images/AWL Images RM
Inisheer
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest of the Aran Islands at roughly 3km wide by 3km long, has a palpable sense of enchantment, enhanced by the island's wild flower–strewn landscapes, deep-rooted mythology and enduring traditional culture.
The wheels of change turn very slowly here. Electricity wasn't fully reliable until 1997. Given that there's at best 15cm of topsoil to eke out a living farming, the slow conversion of the economy to tourism has been welcome. Day trippers from Doolin (as many as 1000 on a balmy summer weekend), 8km across the water, enliven the hiking paths all summer long. Facilities are still limited, however, so visitors need to come prepared.
Explore Inisheer
- WWell of Enda
Some locals still carry out a pilgrimage known as the Turas to the Well of Enda (also known as Éinne or Endeus), a bubbling spring in a remote rocky…
- PPlassy
A steam trawler launched in 1940, the Plassy was thrown on to the rocks on 8 March 1960 and driven on to the island a couple of weeks later after another…
- OO'Brien's Castle
Built in the 14th century on the island's highest point, this tower house was constructed within the remains of a ring fort called Dún Formna, dating from…
- ÁÁras Éanna
Inisheer's large community arts centre sits out on an exposed stretch of the northern side of the island and hosts visiting artist events, cultural…
- TTeampall Chaoimháin
Named for Inisheer's patron saint, who is buried close by, the roofless 10th-century Church of St Kevin and its small cemetery perch on a tiny bluff near…
- CCill Ghobnait
This tiny 9th-century church is named after St Gobnait (locally spelt Ghobnait), who fled here from Clare to escape a family feud. Gobnait is the patron…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Inisheer.
See
Well of Enda
Some locals still carry out a pilgrimage known as the Turas to the Well of Enda (also known as Éinne or Endeus), a bubbling spring in a remote rocky…
See
Plassy
A steam trawler launched in 1940, the Plassy was thrown on to the rocks on 8 March 1960 and driven on to the island a couple of weeks later after another…
See
O'Brien's Castle
Built in the 14th century on the island's highest point, this tower house was constructed within the remains of a ring fort called Dún Formna, dating from…
See
Áras Éanna
Inisheer's large community arts centre sits out on an exposed stretch of the northern side of the island and hosts visiting artist events, cultural…
See
Teampall Chaoimháin
Named for Inisheer's patron saint, who is buried close by, the roofless 10th-century Church of St Kevin and its small cemetery perch on a tiny bluff near…
See
Cill Ghobnait
This tiny 9th-century church is named after St Gobnait (locally spelt Ghobnait), who fled here from Clare to escape a family feud. Gobnait is the patron…
Guidebooks
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