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What to do on Inis Meain / Inishmaan (With Map)

What to do on Inis Meain / Inishmaan (With Map)

Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) is an unspoiled haven, offering serene beauty and a peaceful escape from modern life.

Nestled between the largest (Inis Mór) and the smallest (Inis Oirr) of Galway’s Aran Islands, Inis Meain is the quietest of the two.

In the guide below, you’ll discover things to do on Inis Meain along with where to eat, sleep and sip. Enjoy!

Visiting Inis Meáin Island (Inishmaan)

map of the ferry to Inishmaan

So, a visit to Inis Meáin Island (Inishmaan) is pretty straightforward, however, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your trip that bit more enjoyable.

1. The Inis Meain ferry

You have two options to get to Inis Oirr – you can fly or you can take the ferry:

2. Getting there by plane

There is a regional airport on each of the Aran Islands which is served from Connemara Airport by AerArann.

3. About the island

The island, along with the likes of the Cliffs of Moher, is part of the Burren region and it has a population of under 200 people.

It is the quietest of the three Aran Islands, with tourists often favouring Inis Oírr and Inis Mór for their more accessible attractions and bustling atmosphere.

Inis Meáin, however, rewards those seeking solitude with unspoiled landscapes, authentic culture, and a deep sense of tranquility.

Things to do on Inis Meáin

map of things to do on inishmaan

There are a handful of things to do on Meáin, from forts and long walks to beaches, fine pubs and sites of historical importance.

On the map above, you’ll get a sense of the lay of the land – it’s worth familiarising yourself with this, first.

1. Dun Chonchuir

Dun Chonchuir

Photos by Chris Hill via Ireland’s Content Pool

Dún Conor, sitting proudly at the center of Inis Meáin, is a stunning slice of ancient history and one of Ireland’s best-preserved stone forts.

Built in the first millennium AD, its thick walls—up to 6 meters wide—and four terraces make it an impressive example of early Gaelic engineering.

Unlike the coastal forts battered by the sea, Dún Conor’s central spot has kept it intact. Its name, tied to Conor, brother of the legendary Celtic God Aengus, brings a dash of myth to the mix.

Related reads: See my guides on which Aran Island to visit along with the best things to do on the Aran Islands

2. Teach Synge

Teach Synge

Photo left: Shutterstock. Top right: Google Maps. Bottom right: Public Domain

Teach Synge, a beautifully preserved thatched cottage on Inis Meáin, dates back to around 1800 and is one of only two habitable thatched homes on the island.

This fine example of Aran Island vernacular architecture features a roped rye straw roof, crow-step gables, whitewashed limestone walls, timber sash windows, and battened doors.

Surrounded by a rubble limestone garden wall, it offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s past.

As the former home of playwright John Millington Synge, it’s a cultural and historical highlight for visitors to Inis Meáin.

3. Synge’s Chair

Synge's Chair

Photos via Shutterstock

One of the most popular things to do on Inis Meáin is to walk out to Synge’s Chair and gaze out at the Atlantic (perfect for those of you after some peace and quiet!).

This picturesque lookout on a rugged cliff edge invites your imagination to wander.

Named in honour of the island’s beloved poet, it offers a tranquil space to pause, reflect, and take in the dramatic beauty of the windswept surroundings.

4. Dún Fearbhaí

Things to do on Inis Meain

Map with thanks to Sport Ireland

Dún Fearbhaí, perched on Inis Meáin’s eastern edge, is a stone ring fort from the first millennium AD.

Its 4-meter-high walls feature internal stairs, offering sweeping views over Galway Bay and a defensive edge in its time.

Smaller but sturdier than other Aran forts, its terraced construction speaks to both practical ingenuity and strategic thinking.

For a deeper dive into the island’s beauty, the Lúb Dún Fearbhaí is a 13 km looped trail starting at the pier.

This moderate-grade walk takes about 4.5 hours, weaving through stark, windswept landscapes and past historic gems like early Christian sites and Synge’s Chair.

5. Leaba Dhiarmada agus Ghrainne

Leaba Dhiarmada

Paucabot, Leaba Dhiarmada ‘is Gráinne, 28 July 2013, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb, or Leaba Dhiarmada ‘is Gráinne, is a remarkable prehistoric site tucked into the eastern lowlands of Inis Meáin.

Built between 4000 and 2500 BC, this wedge-shaped gallery grave is steeped in history and folklore.

Known as “Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Bed,” it’s linked to a legend known as ‘The pursuit of Diarmiud and Grainne‘ – a famous tale from Irish folklore.

This National Monument stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early settlers on the Aran Islands, with its distinctive design crafted to narrow at one end.

6. Inis Meáin knitwear

YouTube video

Another of the more popular things to do on Inishmaan is to visit the Inis Meáin Knitting Company.

Founded in 1976 by Tarlach de Blácam and Áine Ní Chonghaile, the company has become a global name for high-quality, small-batch pieces made from premium yarns like wool, cashmere, and silk.

Each piece is crafted in their island workshop, keeping this unique cultural tradition alive while offering contemporary designs for discerning customers worldwide.

7. Inishmaan pubs

Teach Osta Inis Meain

Photos via Teach Osta Inis Meain

Teach Ósta, the only pub on Inishmaan, is a cosy spot known for its great selection of beers and whiskeys.

On cooler days, the roaring fireplace creates a warm atmosphere, while a spacious outdoor seating area offers a pleasant space to enjoy a pint or light lunch when the weather is fine.

During summer, the pub serves a full food menu and hosts regular live music, making it a central part of the island’s social scene.

8. Restaurants and accommodation

YouTube video

It is possible to squeeze all the top sights and attractions on Inis Meáin into a half day trip, but to really take it all in, it’s best to stay a day or two.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of amazing places to catch forty winks, which you’ll discover if you hop into our Inis Meain accommodation guide. 

Places to stay

  • An Dun Guest House & Restaurant
  • Tig Congaile
  • Inis Meáin Island Stays

Food

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