Arranmore Island, or Árainn Mhór, has been inhabited since prehistoric times and the promontory fort at Uilinn, which dates from about 800BC, still stands on its cliff top perch.
Today, the island is a wonderfully peaceful place with a way marked trail leading from sandy beaches to the island's rocky summit, providing spectacular views of the glittering sea, the cliffs, rock arches and the majestic mainland mountains; from Glen Head to Tory Island.
The crystal clear waters surrounding Arranmore provide great dive sites and sea angling, while the island's freshwater lakes are home to brown and rainbow trout. Boats for sea angling can be hired and there are abundant cod, ling, conger eel, pollock, wrasse, skate, turbot and plaice. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing fulmars and shags and climbers can tackle the steep cliffs.
The ferry runs all year from Burtonport making day trips a must and longer visits a well deserved treat. Savour the beautiful and untamed landscape, Gaelic culture, quiet country roads with abundant wildlife, turf fires and lively pubs. During Féile Árainn Mhór (formerly the Rose of Arranmore festival), the island's annual celebration of music, song and dance, everyone gets a fascinating insight into island culture and the Irish language."