Inis Mór Bound

The island of Inis Mór-meaning the Big Island-is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Well known internationally, it is steeped in history and resembles an outdoor museum with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. There isn’t far you can go before being somewhere where there’s something of historical interest and little reason to question its importance in modern Irish Culture. This was our next tour while based in Galway. On early Tuesday morning, we set out for Rossaveal and boarded the Aran Island's Ferry. After a quick hour journey over the calm seas we arrived Inis Mór and rented bikes for everyone. The ILE was set free for the whole day to explore the Island. The island's featured monument is the world heritage site of Dun Aonghasa Fort which stands over a dramatic 300 foot cliff that spans the entire western part of the island and faces the moods of Atlantic sea. Others include the Black Fort set over cliffs, the seven Churches, St Benins Church perched isolated on a hill at the southern tip of the island, Temphaill Chieran, and the old Light House at the islands highest point. Other places of a geological nature include the worm hole which is a large natural square hole in the ground beside the sea, and the puffing holes where inland holes in the ground, fountain water on a turbulent day. The weather held off for the majority of the day and most students were able to see one-if not more-of the island's unique sites. Some students even took a dip in the water and laid out on the beautiful white sand beaches. Today the Island features the Aran Jumper and celtic Arts and crafts such as Basket Weaving and Dancing. Such is the culture of the islands 850 residents, many people akin the daily rituals as going back in time where you can still find the horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language and its consequent tradition. A few of the students were even able to practice their Gaelic with some of the locals. What a treat!!! We got the ferry back at the end of the day and watched Father Ted on the bus back to Galway. All of the students LOVED this tour. When we returned to Gort na Coiribe, it was the girl's turn to cook everyone dinner, so it was Mexican night. Tacos, chips, and salsa. Yum!!! Some of the students also received wonderful care packages and letters. Thank you ILE family and friends for all of the treats!

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