Remembering the Aran Islands

Dear Diary,

I have been twice to the Aran Islands that lie off the west coast of Ireland.  Both times I was enchanted.  There are three islands, Inis Oirr (Inisheer), Inis Meain (Insihmaan) and Inis Mor (Inishmore).  Each is a step back in time and each has its own personality.  What I remember most about the Aran's are the stone walls.  Laid vertically, they have lots of gaps in them to let the wind pass through.  Nearly all walls enclose tiny fields and have no gates.  A part of wall is dismantled to let the animals in or out.

There are few trees on the islands and the houses were made of stone and thatch.  Gaelic is the prevalent language and there is a wonderful, relaxed feeling there.  This photograph was taken on the middle island, Inis Meain, which means "island in the middle" in Gaelic.  The great Irish writer John Synge, The Playboy of the Western World  and Riders to the Sea, often visited and his cottage is restored and open to the public.

My favorite hotel, possibly in the entire world!, is on Inis Meain and their restaurant features fresh seafood caught by local fisherman from their traditional currachs. I am getting very nostalgic about this place as I write.  Only 180 people live on Inis Meain.  It is remote, quiet and beautiful; perhaps too remote and quiet for some but I think it is heavenly.