Track on Inishmore, Aran Islands

A 40-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel just outside Galway on Ireland’s west coast transports you to the Aran Islands, one of the last sanctuaries of traditional Irish life. Vast stretches of farmland, sectioned off by ancient stone walls and ruins of 3,000-year-old Bronze Age stone forts, are reminders of the islands’ rich history. Gaelic is still spoken here, and many residents get around by walking or cycling down the narrow grassy lanes. At the end of each day, fishermen on the two smaller islands return to isolated fishing villages in their traditional Curah boats with the day’s catch. Lively pubs bring together this strong-knit community of islanders, who gather for nightly dancing and performances of traditional, unaccompanied Sean Nos songs.