An ode to Arranmore: The perfect staycation to get away from it all
Eva Osborne
One of the many beautiful holiday locations Ireland has to offer, Arranmore Island, or Árainn Mhór, is situated off the coast of Co Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The island has a vibrant heritage and culture, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
With a population of around 478 people, Arranmore is the perfect location for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
While it may be small, the island has lots to offer. Whether you're after a lively evening in a local pub with live music and pints, or a day spent hiking and taking in all the natural beauty the island has to offer, you're in luck.
Early's bar will sort you out for food or drink, or both!
The bar is a two-minute walk from the ferry pier, serving bar food as well as their famous stone-baked pizzas.
Early's is a regular spot for both the island's locals and tourists alike, and it is not uncommon to see the guitar brought out for a sing-song.
Photo: Google Maps
It has entertainment nightly in the high season with live bands and discos in 'Early's Live' function room and impromptu sessions in the bar where musicians are always welcome.
If you want more food options, Hughie Mickey Dan’s is another well-rated spot on the island, as is The Glen Hotel.
Neily's bar is the perfect spot to watch the sport, or to sit outside with a drink and admire the surrounding views.
As one reviewer puts in: "Unbelievably lovely and relaxed dark pub, exactly the type of pub to forget about the world.
"You can sit out the back in a small little area enjoying the view, or tuck up and enjoy your pints inside."
Activities
During the day times, Arranmore has a lot to offer.
The clear waters of the surrounding ocean provide the perfect marine leisure destination for those who love to get outdoors and try activities like diving, sea angling, sailing, and kayaking.
Discover Arranmore said the freshwater lakes on the island are an anglers paradise offering brown and rainbow trout catches.
The island is also home to a wide variety of marine and bird life. Birdwatchers can often be found observing the many fulmars and shags along the steep cliffs.
Arranmore Island is a great place to get active with many coastal and inland walks. Multiple days could easily be spent roaming around the island and taking in its natural beauty.
Photo: Google Maps
Electric bikes can now be hired on the island, making this a bit easier if you get tired!
Steeped in history
While you're there, go and visit the lighthouse.
The first lighthouse on the island was completed in 1798 by Thomas Rogers on behalf of the Barrack Board.
According to Commissioners of Irish Lights, in 1810 the lighthouse came under the control of the Ballast Board and considerable improvements were made to the light during the period 1817-24.
ESB mains electricity became available on Arranmore in the late 1960s and a mains supply was completed to the lighthouse in 1970.
The attendant lives in the village of Leabgarrow, a distance of 5km from the lighthouse, and a remote monitoring system keeps him informed of conditions at the lighthouse.
Photo: Google Maps
There's more pieces of history scattered around the island, and many locals love to chat about it. If you have any questions, ask!
There are old churches and boat houses with tributes to those who once walked the island, particularly concerning sea tragedies, of which Arranmore is no stranger to.
Arranmore has a deep connection to its history and pays homage to it. It is respected and shown at every turn on the island.
This is a visit everyone must make at least once in their lives. Arranmore allows you to breathe out and clear your mind, to leave the busy and loud world behind and embrace peace and beauty.
Give it a chance, and you won't regret it!
