>Serpents Lair wormhole ( Poll na bPéist ) on Inis Móir island. Image courtesy Galway Tourism.
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The Aran Islands of Inismor, Inismeáin & Inis Óirr are located thirty miles out in the Atlantic Ocean off the West coast of Galway, Ireland & part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The island of Inismor was first populated c3000BC. The islands are part of the Gaeltacht region & Gaeilge - the native Irish language is the main language spoken by islanders. 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, churches & 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. Another interesting travel location is the Serpents Lair wormhole or Poll na bPéist, a rectangular shaped pool at the bottom of the cliffs south of Dún Aonghasa. In the recent years the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series was held there. |
> Serpents Lair wormhole ( Poll na bPéist ) on Inis Móir island. Image courtesy Galway Tourism.
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Our 1960's photographs are of Inismeain, the middle of the 3 islands.
Also inhabited since pre-Christian times, 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 Co. Galway Ireland photos - Aran islanders & Currach boats bringing goods from the mainland supply ship to Inismeáin 1961.
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 1960's picture of Aran Islanders ferrying sacks of flour & island supplies in two currach boats.
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 Aran islanders onshore bringing supplies from currach boats, County Galway 1960's picture. |
Currach boat at Inismeáin seashore, islanders offloading supplies & dog looking out to sea. Inismeáin Aran Island, Co. Galway photograph 1961.
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Three currach boats at sea off Inisheer, Aran Isand. The ruins of O'Briens castle dating from the 14th century in the background.
Aran island 1960's Ireland photographs by Brendan Doyle. Images © Irelandposters. |
1960's 8mm movie Aran islanders & currach boats on strand. |
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Ireland 19th century Cork City images & vintage Galway photos.
View photos of Carlow Town in Leinster & Browneshill Dolmen c3300BC. Aerial photo of Trim village & Trim castle County Meath, 1962 monochrome photo.Ireland castles & medieval strongholds - Irish castle prints & wall posters. O'Connell Street bridge & Guinness barge - Dublin 1930's images.Irish photo gallery & Posters of Ireland - main contents. Privacy policy. |
 Vintage Ireland Prints Old Irish images,
Monochrome Irish posters. |