Inishmore (Irish: Árainn (Mhór) / Inis Mór) is the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay in Ireland and has an area of 31 square kilometres (12 sq mi).
History
Prior to the 20th century, the island was more commonly called Aranmore, or as Árainn na Naomh (Irish: Árainn Mhór) (i.e. "Great Aran") in English; from the traditional Irish name, leading to confusion with Arranmore, County Donegal. The Irish word Árainn means "long ridge" which is an apt description for the island. The name Inishmore was invented by the British Ordnance Survey in the mid 1800s. The new name is grammatically incorrect in Irish: because inis "island" is a feminine noun, a following adjective must be lenited, so the expected name would be 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, described as "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe" by George Petrie.[1]
Inis Mór is a major tourist destination, with Bed & Breakfast accommodation scattered across the island. 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, the majority of which are the Irish themselves- but with an extraordinary amount of British, French and German holiday makers. There is small museum illustrating the history of Dún Aenghusa and its possible functions. Nearby are a Neolithic tomb and a small heritage park at Dún Eochla, featuring examples of a traditional thatched cottage and an illegal poteen distillery.[2] It is serviced by Aran Direct ferry from Rossaveal and by Aer Arann from Inishmore Aerodrome.
Famous natives
Inishmore was the birthplace of the poet Máirtín Ó Direáin and of the writer Liam O'Flaherty whose childhood there figures in many of his writings. The principal town of Inishmore is Kilronan.
Abbots and Bishops of Aran
- 755 - Gaimdibhla, Abbot of Ara Aran, died.
- 916 - Egnech, successor of Enda of Ara, bishop and anchorite
- 1114 - Maelcoluim Ua Cormacain, successor of Ende of Ara
See also
References
Coordinates: 53°07′25″N 9°43′39″W / 53.12361°N 9.7275°W / 53.12361; -9.7275
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