Main Attractions on Inis Mór

The Worm Hole (Location for the Redbull Cliff Diving)
The Worm Hole is an intriguing natural feature located just east along the cliffs from Dún Aonghusa. This rectangular pool looks like it is man-made, but geologists assure people it is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Seen from above, the sea and waves flow into a rectangular pool beneath the cliffs, making it a visually stunning place to experience. The Worm Hole is also a venue for the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships. Brave divers launch themselves from the cliffs above and into the pool over 25 metres below. Don’t try this yourself though – it’s for professional divers only!. Checkout our Gallery page for more photo’s

The stone walls and small fields
The small fields that are dotted all over Inis Mor are separated by a series of dry stone walls. Some of these walls may well be several hundred years old, and are a testament to man’s creativity and energy in taming the land. The walls and fields can be best seen when exploring the island, particularly when sightseeing by bicycle.

 The Lighthouse and Dún Eochla
Dún Eochla is another fort on Inis Mor, but one that few daytrippers to the island make it out to see. Located almost in the middle of the island, the fort takes its name from the nearby village of Eochaill which means “Place of Yew Trees”. Two terraced walls surround this circular construction, and it is thought to have been built later than the more well known Dún Aonghasa. Close by to this fort, are the remains of a lighthouse which dates back to the 19th century. It’s a curious place to have built a lighthouse, as whilst it is on the highest part of the island, it is too far from the coast to be of much use! Both the fort and the lighthouse can be easily reached from the main road when touring the island by bicycle.

The rocky limestone outcrop of Inis Mor is both seemingly barren, and yet full of rare flora and fauna, making it botanists dream. An explosion of colours emerges after May, with Bloody Crane’s-Bill, Spring Gentian and Purple Milk Vetch being just some of the flowers that can be found, with many being unique to the Aran Islands. In addition to the flowers and plants, various different types of wild birds can be seen, some of which make the island their home, and others of which are just passing through.

The Inis Mor Seal Colony
Inis Mor has a seal colony which has become increasingly popular with visitors to the Aran Islands over the years. It is situated along the coastal road east of Kilmurvey beach, and is a lovely place to visit by bike. On a clear day and with the tide in your favour, you will be able to see many seals bathing. A nearby lake is home to swans, ducks, and some rare birds, making the trip here doubly worthwhile. Pro-tip – Bring some binoculars if you have them. Not only will they be useful for looking at the Seal Colony and bird watching, but they will also be useful when exploring the rest of the island.

The Inis Mór Puffing Holes
The Puffing Holes are a series of holes found at the top of the Inis Mor cliffs, which have channels leading down through the rock and into the sea below. As the waves rush into the cliffs, water is pushed up through the channels and then spouts out up through the holes. It looks like the holes are puffing water almost like a whale does, hence the name! Ask any local for directions to the Puffing Holes, as they are not clearly signposted. Take care when in the general area, as there may be unmarked holes that need avoiding!

The Cliffs on Inis Mor (Inishmore)
The cliffs of Inis Mór stretch along the entire southern face of the island and form a spectacular sight. Easy mostly for walkers and cyclists to reach, the cliffs are generally isolated and one should exercise due caution when viewing such areas.

The Black Fort
A contemporary of the more famous Dun Aonghas fort, the Black Fort is found on the south side of the island on a cliff edge. It is an equally impressive sight, and one in which quite often, visitors may find themselves alone, which adds to the magnificence of the place.

The beaches of Inis Mor
Inis Mor does still have some wonderful beaches. Cill Mhuirbhigh is one example, and is a blue flag rated beach. During the summer months, a lifeguard is on attendance. The other Aran Islands also have good beaches. Over on Inis Oírr, there is a perfect sheltered cove near the main pier. Visitors should ask for An Trá Mhór, or if pronunciation is a problem, simply The Big Beach). Finally, Inis Meáin has several lovely little sandy coves to be discovered.

Teampall Chiaráin & the Standing Stones
Teampall Chiaráin is in the village of Mainistir (meaning monastery). It is said to have been founded by St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise who studied here under St Enda before sailing up the Shannon to establish his foundation at Clonmacnoise. The church which dates from about 12th century stands on the old site of Mainistir Chonnacht. Several cross-decorated slabs stand near the church. These may be old Tearmann crosses( boundary crosses). The most striking one is immediately to the east of the church. It is well decorated and has a hole in it indicating it may have been used as a sundial. Traditionally islanders draw a handkerchief or scarf through the hole for luck or fertility.

St. Benan’s Church is often described as the smallest church in Ireland! Its easily noticeable position standing on top of a hill above Cill Éinne Bay has made it a landmark for fishermen at sea since its construction in the 7th century. Visitors to the church will notice that it has an unusual north-south orientation which marks it out from other churches in Ireland. You will also notice that the views from the church are amazing!

Na Seacht dTeampaill (the Seven Churches)

This was once one of the biggest monastery and pilgrimage centres found on the Irish west coast. Thought to have been founded by Breacán, a contemporary of St. Enda, the complex is situated in the village of Eoghanacht. Although known as the seven churches, there are in fact only two churches, with the other buildings having once served other purposes.

Of the churches, Teampall Bhreacáin (St Brecan’s Church) was constructed sometime between the 8th-13th century in different phases. It is known for its masonry work, and has an impressive arch, nave and chancel. The other church, Teampall an Phoill (the Church of the Hollow), is a much smaller church and far simpler in style. Constructed much later in the 15th century, penitential bed remains along with decorated cross fragments can be seen. In one corner of the site, there are some inscribed stones and graves, one of which says “ VII ROMANI” (The Seven Romans). Some people think that this is where the name the Seven Churches may have originated. The complex also had two Holy Wells, both of which are now closed.

Kilmurvey is a beautiful white sand sheltered beach just off the road between Kilronan and Dun Aengus. The beach is situated in a cove and as such is not subject to the same strong currents that some of the beaches on Inis Mor are. On a sunny day the water is crystal clear and very inviting and invigorating!

The close proximity of the Gulf Stream makes for a mild and pleasant climate and also encourages a unique mixture of all year round Alpine and Mediterranean flora. In spring and early summer countless tiny stone walled chemical free fields exude the powerful intoxicating aroma of brightly colored wild flowers. Many unusual wild birds live on or visit the Island. The sea surrounding the Island is still startlingly clean and all the beautiful Island beaches are safe and usually uncrowded. The Island is low lying and attracts little rain while enjoying a great deal of sunshine

Dun Eoghanacht
Situated over on the west of Inis Mor near Eoghanacht, Dun Eoghanacht is another of the island’s forts. It is thought that the fort most likely dates from the Iron Age, and is circular in construction. Within its two walls are several Clocháins, which are a unique type of stone house.



Dún Aonghasa (Aengus’s Fort)
This is arguably the ‘main attraction of Inis Mor, and rightly so. It is an incredibly impressive semi-circular fortification complex, surrounded by 3 walls some of which are over 6 metres in height. Visitors to the fort should first drop in at the Visitors Centre before exploring the fort itself, which is about 1km away. Due to the uneven terrain, it may be difficult for people with young kids and pushchairs as well as disabilities to reach the site. Those that do visit the fort though will be rewarded with views of not only this wonderful Bronze Age structure, but amazing views from the cliffs.