Aran Islands
At modern An Dún the five comfortable cheery rooms come with wide sea views. Local cuisine such as pillowy potatoes (fertilised with seaweed), luscious smoked salmon and fresh local fish are served at its restaurant (three-course dinner menu €37); nonguests are welcome but need to book.
Kids under 12 aren't accepted. An Dún is at the foot of the Dún Chonchúir historic site.
7.73 MILES
Dún Aonghasa is one of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe and stands guard over Inis Mór on the edge of a 100-metre sheer cliff drop.
26.67 MILES
The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds…
25.82 MILES
Exhibits at this modern, three-floor museum engagingly convey the city's archaeological, political, cultural and social history. Look out for an iconic…
19.04 MILES
Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…
22.83 MILES
Book ahead to watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling…
Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
22.92 MILES
The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…
18.54 MILES
One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000…
21.33 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
0.03 MILES
Now a small museum, this 300-year-old thatched cottage, on the road just before you head up to Dún Chonchúir, is where the writer JM Synge (1871–1909)…
0.1 MILES
Glorious views of Inishmaan's limestone valleys and maze of stone walls extend from this ruined elliptical stone fort, which sits on the island's highest…
3. Church of the Holy Mary of the Immaculate Conception
0.1 MILES
Built in 1939, this small church has beautiful stained-glass windows designed by the studio of Harry Clarke and an altar by James Pearse (the father of…
0.6 MILES
The well-preserved ruins of this stone fort are 200m west of the Cill Cheannannach church ruins; the fort similarly dates from around the 8th century.
0.78 MILES
On the eastern coastline, look out for the 8th-century Cill Cheannannach church ruins.
0.86 MILES
At the desolate western end of the island, Synge's Chair is a viewpoint at the edge of a sheer limestone cliff with the surf from Gregory's Sound booming…
2.71 MILES
Some locals still carry out a pilgrimage known as the Turas to the Well of Enda (also known as Éinne or Endeus), a bubbling spring in a remote rocky…
2.74 MILES
The sunken remains of the church here are said to have been the site of St Enda's Monastery in the 6th century, though what's visible dates from the 9th…