About Us

Preserving and sharing the living traditions of the Aran Islands

Our story

Why we started?

We are two friends from Inis Oírr who wanted to share the true spirit of the Aran Islands with visitors from around the world. The idea for this business grew naturally from one of our many conversations about Currachs, talking about how often visitors asked questions and were curious about island life, and wanted more than a quick stop or a list of landmarks.

Having grown up on Ireland’s smallest Aran Island, we realised that what makes Inis Oírr special isn’t just what you see, but the stories, traditions, and everyday rhythms of life here. We saw an opportunity to create something that would welcome visitors beyond the guidebooks and offer a genuine connection to the island and its people.

What began as a simple idea between friends became a shared passion: to open our island in an authentic way and to help visitors experience Inis Oírr as we know it.

Our mission is to offer visitors a truly immersive journey:

Our Goal

Fís

Turasóirí a thabhairt ar thuras fíorúil ina mbíonn siadpáirteach go hiomlán: ag iomramh ar uiscí glana Loch Mór Inis Oírr agus ag foghlaim scileanna praiticiúiltraidisiúnta déanta currach, rud a nascann iad go díreach le croí-oidhreacht Oileáin Árann.

To offer visitors a truly immersive journey: rowing on the clear waters of Loch Mór Inis Oírr and learning hands on the traditional craft of currach-building, connecting them directly with the heart of Aran Islands heritage.

Mission Statement

Ráiteas Misin

Taithí láimhe a sholáthar do chuairteoirí inabhfoghlaimíonn siad scileanna déanta currach agus inambíonn siad páirteach in iomramh ar uiscí an Loch Mór Inis Oírr, ag cur le caomhnú oidhreachta beo, ag tacú leis an bpobal áitiúil, agus ag spreagadhturasóireachta inbhuanaithe.

To provide visitors with a hands-on experience where they learn currach-building skills and take part in rowing on the waters of Loch Mór Inis Oírr, while preserving living heritage, supporting the local community, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Meet the Hosts

Who is behind Aran Currach Experience

Born and raised on Inis Oírr, Tomás has a lifelong connection to the sea and to currachs.

From an early age, he learned the traditions of fishing and island life alongside his family. His career has since spanned over two decades in maritime industries, including passenger vessels, commercial shipping, and traditional boatbuilding.

A passionate rower, Tomás has competed at national level and achieved multiple All-Ireland titles. His deep knowledge, experience, and love for the currach are at the heart of this experience.

Mairtín is also a native of Inis Oirr and shares a strong connection to island life, currach heritage, fishing and racing in regattas with a deep appreciation for traditional skills and community history.

Watching and assisting his father from a young age building and repairing many currachs, Mairtín has continued to carry on this skill by still building and repairing currachs to this day.

Growing up Mairtín would have helped family and friends building and repairing the famous stone walls of the Aran Islands, planting and harvesting potatoes using traditional methods. Together with Tomás, he plays an important role in preserving and sharing these traditions with visitors in an engaging and authentic way.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 27 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Cathy Darricarrère 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Comment expliquer en quelques lignes l’excellente expérience vécue ? Martin et Thomas sont des personnes géniales, qui désirent un tourisme chaleureux, de qualité, abordable. Ils ont pris tout leur temps pour notre famille française ( 2 adultes 3 enfants ) malgré la barrière de la langue, notre échange durant ces 3h fut incroyablement enrichissant. Ils souhaitent ouvrir leur île sur un tourisme humaniste, qui prend son temps. Il faut saluer leur très belle initiative !! La balade en barque, la clou du spectacle. Cela peut paraître simple et léger, mais ce fut un moment hors du temps, où l’on réalise la puissance de la simplicité : une barque 100 % locale, on rame tous dans la bonne humeur, un cadre idyllique .... bonheur ! Merci pour cette formidable expérience !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bridget Moylan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tomás was an excellent guide, explaining the history of the currach and the island. Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting the island
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Séamus Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tomás and Máirtín where amazing! So knowledgeable. Was an amazing time getting to learn about the history and intricacies of the currach, even as somebody who has been coming to the island all their life. Would recommend anybody who comes, to book it. 10/10 experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Edel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience! I would highly recommend it! Tomás and Máirtín are Islanders and have set up a wonderful experience all about Island life from long ago to now, history of the currach and how it is made and then you get out onto the water to experience rowing a currach. A great tour for families of all ages!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deborah O'L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best experiences we have ever had as a family activity. A mixed group teenagers, parents, granny every single one of us loved it. It was nothing like any of us expected and just exceeded all expectations. We can’t wait to get back out on that lake something feels very special out there.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Clodagh Mc Donnell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolute Must-Do on Inis Oírr!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We visit the Aran Islands every year, and I can honestly say that the Aran Currach Experience is by far one of the best things we've ever done on Inis Oírr. We chose the Boat Build & Row Experience, and it was worth every single cent. The amount of information we received was unbelievable. Máirtín and Tommy are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and what makes this experience so special is their willingness to share personal stories and real-life connections to the currach and island life. This is so much more than a demonstration of a traditional boat. It's a fascinating journey through the history, culture, resilience, and daily life of the Aran Islands, with the currach serving as the thread that ties it all together. The museum itself is well worth a visit, but the Boat Build & Row Experience takes it to another level. As Irish people, we thought we knew a lot about our own history and traditions, but this gave us a completely new appreciation and understanding of island life. It felt like being given a rare and authentic glimpse into a way of life that has shaped generations. The rowing experience was something truly special. Gliding across the water in a currach was peaceful, mindful, and unforgettable. Seeing the island from the lake offered a completely different perspective and created one of the most memorable moments of our trip. In a world full of tourist attractions, this stands out as something genuinely authentic, meaningful, and personal. If you're visiting Inis Oírr, do not miss this experience. It's educational, inspiring, fun, and deeply connected to the heart of the island. A truly unforgettable experience and one I would recommend to anyone visiting the Inis Oirr. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gavin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff here are amazing and so knowledgeable. They are extremely kind and are a must visit when heading to the island! Highly recommended, and to the staff, thanks again!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Colm James Conneely 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience, the history of the currach, artefacts available to see and to be able to row a currach was fantastic. Tomás was fantastic too, loads of local knowledge and craic. Would 100% recommend supporting this new venture wonderful experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   E F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Take a relaxing boat trip in a curragh on a corrie lake on Inis Óirr. Máirtín will share the local history and geography. Step in to the museum showing the curragh building process and a history of its use on the island. Support a newly fledged local business. Would highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shane Young 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience with family and kids. Highly recommend it for anyone going to inish oirr it to bad your experience around
  
 
  
  
 
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