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:
- Supporting the local rowing on the clear waters of Loch Mór Inis Oírr and learning hands on the traditional craft of currach-buildingl community
- Connecting them directly with the heart of Aran Islands heritage, while preserving living heritage
- Supporting the local community, and promoting sustainable tourism
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
Tomás Sharry
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.
Máirtín Seoighe
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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