The Arran Island group are situated on the west coast of Ireland extending for fourteen miles across the middle of the entrance to Galway Bay. Inishmaan is the middle of the three main islands and it has small modern harbour at Caladh Mór on its northern side.

The anchorage off the harbour offers good protection from all southerly conditions but it is entirely exposed to any northerly condition. Access is straightforward, night or day and at all stages of the tide, from the north using a leading line situated behind the small harbour that is lit at night.

Keyfacts for Caladh Mór Pier

Position and approaches

Haven position

53° 6.169' N, 009° 34.892' W

This is the end of the breakwater at Caladh Mór harbour. It exhibits a light FL.G 5s 8m 4M.

What is the initial fix?

This is ½ a mile out of Caladh Mor harbour and on the leading line. By day front mark white triangle apex on a column, with a white triangle apex down on column as a rear mark, by night Oc.6s8m. The alignment of 192½° leads into the boat harbour.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Inishmaan is 2¾ miles long, about 1.1 miles wide, from southeast to northwest, and attains 80 metres at its highest point. It terminates on its western side in 37 metre high vertical cliffs, against which the ocean swell breaks in all its force throwing spray to a great altitude above the cliff. It is the least populated of the Aran Islands with a population of about 170. On the northwest side of the island is the small boat harbour of Caladh Mór Pier.




In 2008 the pier was extended and two breakwaters to provide wave protection. It has an L-shaped jetty and a pier with 3.5 metres LAT throughout that is used by the ferry.

How to get in?

Use Ireland’s coastal overview for Loop Head to Slyne Head for seaward approaches. The ancient fort of Dún Chonchúir or Conor's Fort, conspicuously rises near the central summit of the island. Along the ridge, but sheltered by the crowning step, several village houses may be seen. Three large wind turbines reside near the island's southwest point. Being the tallest features on the islands they provide an excellent seamark.




Inishmaan is separated from Inishmore by Gregory Sound and from Inisheer by Foul Sound, terminates on its southwest side in a vertical cliff about 37 metres high. Being surrounded by cliffs, and particularly in westerly winds, quite a sea state rises in Gregory's Sound when the swell claps against the cliffs on the southwest side of Inishmaan.



From the initial fix track in towards Caladh Mór harbour on the leading line alignment 192½ °. By day front mark white triangle apex on a column, with a white triangle apex down on the column as a rear mark, by night Oc.6s8m. The harbour is lit port and starboard.




Anchor according to draft clear of the fairway of the small boat harbour Caladh Mór. This is the most popular location to anchor off the islands. The ferries from Rossaveal on the mainland use this harbour and should not be impeded, but they do not normally stay overnight.

An alternative temporary anchorage is also available on the east side of the island opposite Cora Point. It has a 140 metres long boat slip and pier that provides a temporary anchorage in fine weather with offshore winds. A boat should not be left unattended at this anchorage.

Why visit here?

Inishmaan, in Irish 'Inis Meáin', the official name that was formerly spelt 'Inis Meadhóin', meaning 'middle island'; is as the origins of its name suggest the middle one of the three main Aran Islands.

Together with Inishmore and Inisheer and their outliers make up the Aran Islands Group which extends 15 miles in a southeast to northwest direction. Situated in County Galway off the west coast of Ireland they are located at the entrance to Galway Bay and affords the bay some shelter and protection from the North Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing winds.




Although Inishmaan is the second largest of the three main Aran Islands, it is the quietest and most tranquil and a place to escape the crowds although its fine reasonably new harbour has made getting to the island more accessible. It is a very attractive island with a permanent population of about 200 who use Irish almost exclusively as their everyday language. The pace of life is slow and a profound sense of peace and tranquillity accompanies any walk or cycle ride. This serenity makes the island a precious sanctuary from the rush of modern life and its isolation guarantees its place as a stronghold of traditional culture.




There are numerous examples of early settlements that dot the limestone landscape, and the oval fort of Dun Chonchuir is one of the finest complete ring forts in existence. Also to be found here is the beautiful Cill Cheanainn and the Church of Mary Immaculate with its magnificent stained glass windows by the famous Harry Clarke Studios. Nearby is Teach Synge the restored island cottage of writer John Millington Synge for whom Inishmaan Island was a favourite retreat.




Inishmaan hosts a centre which runs renowned Irish language and culture courses where you can learn about the history and traditions of the island from music and poetry, to set dancing and ecology. The island has its own small airport and general facilities include a provisions shop, a chippy, restaurants, pubs, a hotel and a choice of B & B's.

What facilities are available?

Water and shore power are available at the harbour, and at the nearby village there are hotels and B & B's, a shop for provisions, pubs and restaurants, and a fish & chip shop. There is a ferry service that connects the island with Rossaveal on the mainland.

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