Old Aran Islands photos, Inismeáin Galway

The Aran Islands of Inismor, Inismeáin & Inis Óirr are located thirty miles out in the Atlantic Ocean off the West coast of Galway, Ireland.
They're part of the Gaeltacht region & Gaeilge - the native Irish language is the main language spoken by islanders.

Aran Islanders ferry goods in currach boats, 1960's Galway photo While their inaccessibility from the mainland may have isolated them from mainstream Irish culture in the past, it also helped keep many old traditions alive. Today's island community have radio, television & mobile phones to keep abreast of national & international developments.
There remain many stone forts including Dún Chonchúir, castles & ancient ruins of defensive installations. Dating from the Bronze Age between 1500BC-500BC & Iron Age 500BC-500AD, they provide evidence of the islands' historical role in protecting the mainland.
Our photographs are of Inismeain, the middle of the 3 islands. Inhabited since c7000BC, the island has remained relatively unspoilt by modern advances, with a current population of under 250. The early 1960's photographs below were taken by Brendan Doyle on one of his many visits to the region.

Old Aran Island photo, currach boat at sea County Galway Ireland at dusk

Old Co. Galway Ireland images - Aran islanders & Currach boats bringing supplies from mainland ship to Inismeáin 1961.

Aran Island currach boat at shore, Inismeáin, Co. Galway Ireland

Currach boat at Inismeáin seashore, islanders offloading supplies & dog looking out to sea. Inismeáin Aran Island, Co. Galway photograph 1961.

Three currach boats at sea off Inisheer, Aran Isand. The ruins of O'Briens castle dating from the 14th century in the background Inisheer Aran island, currach boats at dusk & O'Briens castle

Inisheer Aran island, currach boats at dusk & O'Briens castle

1960's 8mm movie Aran islanders & currach boats on strand.

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Vintage Ireland black & white wall prints

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