Visiting the Aran Islands in Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
KILRONAN, Ireland (AP) — Give up Paris, the Irish poet W.B. Yeats told fellow writer J.M. Synge, and go to the Aran Islands in order to "express a life that has never found expression."
The budding playwright took the advice and traveled to the Aran Islands off Ireland's West Coast.
Things have changed a bit since Synge made his pilgrimage in 1898, but even today this rocky outpost in Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way remains a place to find respite from modern life and move to a simpler rhythm.
Another classic is the 1934 fictional documentary, "Man of Aran," which took some liberties with historical accuracy.
Aer Arann offers short flights from Connemara with shuttle service from downtown Galway to the airport and a shuttle on the other end to the village of Kilronan.
The big attraction on Inishmore is Dun Aonghasa, (aka Dun Angus), a prehistoric clifftop stronghold with four sets of dry stone walls and a "chevaux-de-frise," a band of jagged upright stones meant to deter attackers (open daily 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in winter and until 6 p.m. in summer, admission, about $5).
The Serpent's Lair, of Red Bull fame, is a naturally formed pool connected to the ocean by an underwater channel.
The Aran Sweater Market in Kilronan sells garments knit in the famous Aran pattern as well as yarn and patterns for the crafty.
Popular spots on Inishmore include Teach Nan Phaidi and Ti Joe Watty's, which has live music weekends and throughout the summer.
The Pier House Restaurant has an elegant dining room with a view.