There are some beautiful hidden treasures to find on this Island. We came up with our top five things to do to give you a head start. You can also see where these sights are located on our map below.
Teach Synge – Synge’s Cottage
The cottage where he stayed and crafted classics has recently been renovated and you can now go in for a visit. Teach Synge is the cottage where John Millington Synge stayed. This house has been fully restored by the Island Co-op and opened to visitors as a Synge museum. Memorabilia includes photographs, drawings and letters.
Harry Clarke Stained Glass
Beautiful stained glass from the studio of Harry Clarke can been seen in the church on the Island. The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Eaglais Naomh Muire gan Smal) also boasts an altar built by James Pearce, father of Pádraig and Willie Pearce who were both executed in 1916 for their part in the Easter Rising.
Inis Meain Sweater Shop
Visit this lovely Inis Meain Sweater factory shop to experience the world renowned craft of Irish sweater making. This lovely place attracts poeple from the world over. Celebrities have been known to pop up here too. Patrick Dempsey made a visit to the workshop where he was given a demonstration of the process and techniques used to make their hand finished garments. We hear he loved learning about the traditional craft and the importance of the Islands heritage.
Bláthanna Fiáine Wildflower Walks
New and exciting, join presenter of RTÉ’s acclaimed nature series ‘Faoi Bhláth’, Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, on a breathtaking journey through the most remote of the Aran Islands. Embark on a journey through a unique landscape famed for its stunning wildflowers. Learn to identify an array of native flowers, gain an insight into Irish beliefs associated with wild plants and discover the many uses of wildflowers in cooking, medicine and craft. Routes change with the seasons, to include the most fascinating flowers in bloom.
Tours last 1.5-2 hours and can be booked via email to blathannafiaine@outlook.com or via BookWhen: Bláhanna Fiáine Wildflower Walks.
A. Monarchan Cniotola agus Musaem
Inis Meáin Knitting Company was founded on the island in 1976 by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile, inspired by the unique spirit, environment and heritage of the place. Inis Meáin Knitting Company designs and produces individual, unique pieces of knitwear in the finest yarns, all exquisitely finished by hand. You can visit their factory on Inis Meain Aran Islands to see their creations first hand.
B. Dun Conchuir
Fort of Conchuir (Conor). Dún Chonchubair is an oval stone fort named after Conchur or Conor, the brother of Aonghas (see Dun Aengus Inis Mór) and was built around the 5th century A.D. It is the biggest intact Dún with more features than all of the others. Not nearly as well known or visited at the more famous Dún Aengus it is equally as fascinating.
C. Cathaoir Synge
Synge’s Chair is the place where John Millington Synge was inspired and regularly wrote. ‘Synge’s Chair’ has an amazing viewpoint at the edge of a sheer limestone cliff. It is often sheltered from the wind making it the perfect place to take a seat and take it all in.
D. Seipeal Eoin agus Naomh Mhuire gan Smal
The Church of St.Eoin and St.Mary.
E. Teampall na Seacht Mac Rí
Church of the King’s Seven Sons. It is said that seven brothers of noble birth came here as hermits. Very little remains of this early Christian church. The ancient site contains the burial place and holy well of a female saint, Saint Cinndearg. The grave dates back to the 7th century. Also in this area is a late medieval church building, Teampall Mhuire, probably built in the fifteenth century.
F. Dun Fearbhaí
Fort of Fergus. Dún Fearbhaí has terraces along the inside of the walls. If you climb on top of the wall you’ll get a great for a view of the northern part of the Island.
G. Leaba Dhiarmada ‘Is Ghráinne
Diarmaid and Grainne’s Bed. This Wedge Tomb is a burial place and was originally covered in soil. It faces the setting sun. It is thought that it was a place of ritual and a burial ground.
The name relates to the myth of Diarmaid and Grainne, a young couple who were on the run from the great warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill and who according to legend, slept at sites such as this wedge shaped tomb on the island.
A great day out for families and athletes to enjoy in March or April. This years race will be on 30th April 2022 and you can check out the race details to see what you’re up against.
Darkness into Light
5km walk in aid of Pieta House in May.
Rásai Báid Seoi
l – July.
Rásai na nOilean ( Patrún )
August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Cluichi Cad
Traditional Island Games on 17th March.
Be sure to see our maps and other information on what to do on Inis Meain.
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