Explore the hardy artisan foods drawn from nature in the Aran Islands courtesy of the brand new Aran Food Tour.
Aran Food Tours are led by native islander and goats cheese producer Gabriel Faherty who’s passion for his native island homeland is palpable as he delivers a highly informative and entertaining guided tour of Inis Mór.
His richly informative tours give visitors a chance to see the full process of creating his signature goats cheese, from farm and field to melting in your mouth.
These tours not only let you experience the traditional foods of the islands, but are wrapped in a rich tapestry of Irish history and language that enhances what visitors get from it.
“An Island native, I know every inch of this island, its history, geography, stories and of course its food, drink, people and traditions” says Gabriel Faherty, “I love sharing these stories with visitors from all over Ireland and the world. It’s fair to say I have the gift of the gab”.
Gabriel was already involved in the rich tourism industry of Inis Mór through the historical tours of his island home, when twin factors set him down this path.
He was left the family farm, and his wife Orla gave him a birthday gift or artisanal cheese which sparked a passion in him. Aran Goats Cheese was set up in 2011, and expanded to include a visitor centre that anchors the food tours.
The full day tours include a visit to an Economusée on the island where traditional crafts are kept alive, with a tasting at the Aran Goats Cheese Farm where you will also get to meet those all important goats.
Beyond that, pay a visit to Bláth na Mara, where traditional Aran Islands Seaweed is harvesting and used to create a boundless array of food products such as pâté and aioli, seaweed pasta, umami seasoning flakes
“Its exciting to see the growth of quality food producers now on the island including the wonderful Bláth na Mara seaweed, Man of Aran Fudge and the Aran Islands Distilling Company. That’s not to mention the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish caught daily on the island,” Gabriel said.
On top of all this Gabriel’s Aran Food Tour also gives visitors the opportunity to experience Inis Mór’s unique and world renowned historical and cultural sites, including the stunning Dún Aengus Cliffs, the Seacht Teampaill or site of the Seven Churches and the islands seal colony.
Aran Island Ferries, which takes people to and from the islands each day, have extended their latest tourism offering, the day long or overnight route from Galway City to Inis Mór and the Cliffs of Moher, to Sunday September 26.
But regular ferry services also remain available year round, docking at Kilronan Pier where the pick up point for Aran Food Tours is found.
Minibus Tours, Guided Pony and Trap tours and bicycles are available to hire daily on Inis Mór and the Aran Islands of Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr while Aran Off Road Experience continues at weekends.
Aine Mc Loughlin Marketing Manager at Aran Island Ferries said that they are “thrilled” to see so many high quality tourist offerings on the islands
“This latest addition of the Aran Food Tours compliments the world renowned historical sites of Dún Aengus Cliffs, the Seven Churches and the traditional tours available for many decades which showcase the beauty, culture, language and traditions unique to island life on the Aran Islands.”
For more information about these tours and trips to the Aran Islands, visit www.
