Inis Mór (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

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Inis Mór / Árainn Mhór () is the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay in the Republic of Ireland, and has an area of twelve square miles.

Prior to the 20th century, the island was more commonly called Aranmore / Árainn Mhór (i.e. "Great Aran") in English; from the traditional Irish name, leading to confusion with Arranmore, County Donegal. The Irish word ' means "long ridge" which is an apt description for the island. The name Inishmore was invented by the English Ordnance Survey in the mid 1800s.

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."

Inis Mór 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 the island in the summer months. There is small museum illustrating the history of Dún Aenghusa 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.

Inishmore was the birthplace of the writer Liam O'Flaherty and his childhood there figures in many of his writings. The largest village is Cill Rónáin.

The principle town of Inishmore is Kilronan.

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