Inishmore
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- For Inishmore in County Clare, see Inishmore (or Deer) Island.
Inishmore (Irish: Árainn or Árainn Mhór) is the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay in the Republic of Ireland.
In Irish it is also known as Inis Mór which is the Irish form of the name "Inishmore" invented by the Ordnance Survey during the mid 19th century. Prior to this, and even during the 20th century, the island was in English more commonly called Aranmore (i.e. "Great Aran") from the traditional Irish name, leading to confusion with Arranmore, County Donegal. The Irish word Árainn means "long ridge" which is apt description for the island.
The island is famous for its strong Irish culture, loyalty to the Irish language, and a wealth of Pre-Christian and Christian ancient sites including Dún Aengus, "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe." [1]
Inishmore is a major tourist destination. Private minibuses, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main methods of getting about for the numerous tourists who visit Inishmore in the summer months. There is small museum illustrating the history of Dún Aengus and its possible functions. Also in the vicinity is a Neolithic tomb and a small heritage park featuring examples of a traditional thatched cottage and an illegal poteen distillery.[2]
Inishmore was the birthplace of the writer Liam O'Flaherty and his childhood there figures in many of his writings. The largest village is Kilronan.
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