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The Aran Islands - Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer - lying about thirty miles out across the mouth of Galway Bay, have exerted a fascination over visitors for over a hundred years. Their geology creates one of the most distinctive landscapes in Ireland, the limestone pavement giving the islands a stark character akin to the Burren of County Clare. This spectacular setting contains a wealth of pre-Christian and early Christian remains and some of the finest archeological sites in Europe. And it's not only works in stone that have survived out here: the islands are Irish-speaking, and up until the early part of the last century a primitive way of life persisted, a result of the isolation enforced by the Atlantic. The most detailed map of the islands is produced by Tim Robinson of Roundstone, available on Inishmore and at bookshops and tourist offices in the Galway and Clare area. In fact the Aran Islands are quite easy to explore and the map isn't essential for finding the major sites. It is, however, of great value to those interested in detailed archeology and in Irish placenames. Although it's possible to do a day-trip from Galway to Inishmore, and from Doolin (County Clare) to Inisheer, you really need two full days to see the main sites of Inishmore alone, and an overnight stay on Inisheer adds a priceless dimension to a visit. As for Inishmaan, staying the night is the only way to experience its bewitching silence - and to be guaranteed a return journey.
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