Arranmore Island Ferry

Arranmore Island

Fáilte romhat go Árainn Mhór 

General

In the Irish language, it is called Árainn Mhór and the locals often refer to it as simply Arranmore or Aran. Arranmore is also proud to be the number one Island, with respect to population density and is also Irelands' number two, with regard to its size.

Index: (please click on a topic of interest.)

What to expect on Arranmore.
The People > Ethnicity.
Language.
Geography.
Resources. > Atlantic > Tourism > Agriculture.
Twinning.
Geology.
Housing.
Diaspora.
Schools.

 

Reference.

 

The People

Friendly and polite always offering a helping hand. 

Ethnicity and religion.

Almost predominately Irish, Caucasian, and Roman Catholic. There is one Roman Cathloic Church on the Island.

Something of note is that there are Spanish graves on the Island; some ships from the Spanish Armada got lost so to speak, and some settled along the western coast of Ireland.

Language

 

The majority of people on Arranmore Island (about 600 but fluctuates), can speak both Irish and English, though its officially a Gaeltacht area.

Even the young people have more than a "cúpla focal" and our heritage is never forgotten.

The island operates an Irish College each summer, where children from across Ireland visit for periods of three weeks to speak and improve their irish.

Geography

Arranmore Island is in the Atlantic Ocean with its nearest mainland neighbour, being Burtonport, County Donegal.

Arranmore has a number of other County Donegal Islands, around it, and between itself and the shore.

Resources

• The Atlantic and coastal waters.
  • This water-based resource provides many of us with a naturally occuring food source, and means to make a living.
  • Natural wind power, though this is not currently exploited to any large degree.
  • Arranmore Island, unlike the Aran Islands for example, has its own bogs and Islanders still harvest this natural resource. Read more...

 

• Tourism.
  • Propelled by Arranmores' picturesque beauty, coupled with a modern "isolated" ideology.
  • Propelled also, by some Government grants, to promote the area. This is also driven by local innovation.

 

• Agriculture.
  • This is limited enough, but does exist in small and unintensive ways. Sheep, would have the highest number, given the hilly terrain.
  • This could actually be seen as an advantage as the rigid, clinical or so called "modern" practices, have yet to upset or distort the natural landscape. Arranmore Island remains, unspoilt, if you will?

 

 

 

Twinning

Arranmore Island is twinned with Beaver Island, Michigan, in the United States.

Geology

Arranmore is mainly composed of Granite; an Igneous rock.

• Because of this, and natural erosion processes, the sand on the beaches are golden in colour. (Qualify; sand comes from Mountains due to wind, rain, frost, sea forces, and gravity).

 

 Diaspora.

Not unlike many rural communities in Ireland around the 1980's, the job market around Arranmore was very limited. Many were compelled to seek a future elsewhere, miving to England, Scotland and America.

Well known Arranmore Island Diasporas were formed in various parts of Scotland, America and England, to name just a few. Even today, lots of people travel regularly between their newly established  homes and their "birth homes" on the Island.

On top of that, locals will visit their relations abroad, such is our affection toward family. In todays context however, it is necessary for young adults to also seek a working life elsewhere.  Invariably though, this is done on mainland Ireland since economic conditions have changed to allow work within Ireland.

 

What to expect on Arranmore Island

 

A warm, friendly and down-to earth people. Some are of Mariner / fishing stock, and some are land-based.

• • People who can converse in Irish and English.
• Ancient, rugged and raw beauty, coupled with modern conveniences and telecommunications.
• Hills and Vales, cliffs, and grassy moutain-sides.
• Fresh air and breezes , sweeping in from the Atlantic.
• Very limited pollutants, normally associated with conurbations and over-developed "western" regions.
• Fish, fishing, and various seashell species, of course.
• Unlimited photography opportunities
• Above all, expect Peace and Quiet, should you wish it.
  • Alternatively, we do have a respectable nightclub and bars on Arranmore Island, to cater for revellers.

 

Schools

On Arranmore Island, we have two National or Primary Schools. One in the townland of Leabgarrow and the other in Aphort.

We have one Secondary, post-primary or Vocational school, called  Gairmscoil McDiarmada McDiarmada

For six weeks in the summer, an Irish College is established, using the facilities of both national schools.

Housing

 

A blend of traditional Irish cottages and modern homes with up to date conveniences.

 

 

 

 

References.

• Cupla Focal  means "Couple of Words".
• The "Gaeltacht" are areas of Ireland where Irish is spoken. There are other concessions attached to such areas;
• Fáilte romhat go  means  "Welcome to".

 

 

 To remove any confusion, Oileán and Inish are the Irish or Gaelic for Island. Anyone wishing to use fada's or seimhú's for html can see 

 

 http://www.utexas.edu/learn/html/spchar.html

 

---