11
point to the Aran Islands...
tully, rossaveal, carraroe
and the Islands District
The landscape gradually changes now as we move further west past
Irish language summer colleges and Tully Church. The Irish language
Television service, TG4, has its headquarters at An Tulach (Tully) and
soon the road spurs to the left for Ros a' Mhíl (Rossaveal) harbour,
one of Ireland's major commercial fishing ports. Here is the mainland
port of departure for the regular ferryboats to the Aran Islands, and
it also has an angling centre. Also at Ros a'Mhil there is an
interesting Martello Tower. A left turn near Raidió na Gaeltachta (the
Irish Language Radio Station headquarters) at Casla (Costello), will
lead us to the village of An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe) with its
sheltered coves, beaches and unique coral strand. Perched on a
peninsula on the Atlantic edge, An Cheathrú Rua has some
breathtaking scenery.
A turn in the centre of the village An Cheathrú Rua and on through
Béal an Daingean will open the world of Ceantar na nOileán (the
Islands District). Situated between Kilkerrin Bay and Greatman's Bay,
the main islands are Eanach Mheáin, Leitir Móir, Garumna and Leitir
Mealláin. Access to the islands is by a chain of bridges and
causeways, which were built over 100 years ago. These islands lie off
the main tourist trail and therefore are still unspoiled and relatively