Aran Islands
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.
Native name: Oileáin Árann | |
|---|---|
Location of Aran Islands | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Galway Bay |
| Coordinates | 53.0971°N 9.6326°W |
| Total islands | 3 |
| Major islands | |
| Area | 46 km2 (18 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 120 m (390 ft) |
| Highest point | Inishmore Lighthouse |
| Administration | |
Ireland | |
| County | County Galway |
| Province | Connacht |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,347 (2022) |
| Languages |
|
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
|
| • Summer (DST) |
|
| Official website | www |
From west to east, the islands are: Inishmore (Árainn / Inis Mór), 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) 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.