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Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites

www.InisMeain.com

Inis Meáin is one of the Aran Islands strewn across Galway Bay, 15 miles off the west coast of Ireland. It is just 3 miles across and supports 200 inhabitants. Ruairí de Blacam is a chef and a native of Inis Meáin. Ruairí’s wife, Marie-Thérèse, is from Cork and has a business and fashion background. Together they decided to create an exclusive design hotel on the island that would allow them to live in this special and unique place.

The project was set up with the aim of enhancing visitor’s appreciation of the island by providing a style of accommodation and dining that is complimentary to the location. The building was designed by de Blacam & Meagher architects and is inspired by the surrounding landscape. The suites are simple and understated in styling, with ample space and views. The restaurant serves good local food.


THE ISLAND
Inis Meáin is the middle island of the Aran Islands. The landscape is of terraced limestone and is unique in Europe. Over the centuries, limestone has been cleared from the land to make sheltered fields, most of them no more than half an acre in size. The result is hundreds of miles of dry stone walls rambling through the island. Old traditions in farming, fishing, sport, and music are a large part of daily life. Irish is the first language of the small community.
Being the least visited of the Aran Islands, Inis Meáin offers the most peaceful and genuine experience of this unique landscape and culture. It is unusual to encounter anyone on scenic cliff walks to the south of the island, even in July or August. There is just one pub on the island where locals and visitors gather. This tranquillity and simple way of living are what make Inis Meáin special.


Inis Meáin on TabletHotels.com

Pádraic Connolly takes a trip to the Aran islands

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