Aran Islands

Aran Islands
Native name:
Oileáin Árann
Location of Aran Islands
Location of Aran Islands
Geography
LocationGalway Bay
Coordinates53°05′50″N 9°37′57″W / 53.0971°N 9.6326°W / 53.0971; -9.6326
Total islands3
Major islands
Area46 km2 (18 sq mi)
Highest elevation120 m (390 ft)
Highest pointInishmore Lighthouse
Administration
CountyCounty Galway
ProvinceConnacht
Demographics
Population1,347 (2022)[1]
Languages
Additional information
Time zone
 • Summer (DST)
Official websitewww.aranislands.ie

The Aran Islands (/ˈærən/ ARR-ən; Irish: Oileáin Árann, pronounced [əˈlʲaːnʲ ˈaːɾˠən̪ˠ]) or The Arans (na hÁrainneacha [n̪ˠə ˈhaːɾˠən̠ʲəxə]) are a group of three islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, with a total area around 46 km2 (18 sq mi). They constitute the historic barony of Aran in County Galway.[2]

From west to east, the islands are: Inishmore (Árainn / Inis Mór),[a] which is the largest; Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), the second-largest; and Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest. There are also several islets.

The population of 1,347 (as of 2022)[1] primarily speak Irish, making the islands a part of the Gaeltacht. Most islanders are also fluent or proficient in English. The population has steadily declined from around 3,500 in 1841.

  1. ^ a b Population of Inhabited Islands Off the Coast (Report). Central Statistics Office. 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  2. ^ Townlands.ie: Barony of Aran, Co. Galway. https://www.townlands.ie/galway/aran/


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