Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chat with a few drivers to find one who likes to talk. On my tour, I learned that 800
islanders live in 14 villages, with three elementary schools and three churches. Most is-
landers own a small detached field where they keep a couple of cows (sheep are too much
trouble). When pressed for more information, my guide explained that there are 400 differ-
ent flowers and 19 different types of bees on the island. Then he pointed to the 2000-year-
old ring fort on the hilltop and grinned, saying, “It's so popular with visitors that we plan
to build another 2000-year-old ring fort next year.”
The tour, a convenient time-saver, zips you to the end of the island for a quick stroll
in the desolate fields, gives you 10 minutes to wander through the historic but visually
unimpressive Seven Churches, and then drops you off for two hours at Dún Aenghus
(30 minutes to hike up, 30 minutes at the fort, 20-minute hike back down, 40 minutes in
café for lunch or shopping at drop-off point) before running you back to Kilronan. These
sights can be linked together in various sequences, but the trailhead crossroads below Dún
Aenghus—with its two simple cafés—makes the best lunch stop. Ask your driver to take
you back along the smaller coastal road (scenic beaches and sunbathing seals at low tide).
