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 38 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Michelle Browne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent tour and rowing experience with Tomás and  Máirtín, two islanders that are full of knowledge and insight into currach building and Island life. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get to know the island and the way of life there in the past. The rowing on the lake is an added bonus. Thoroughly enjoyable form start to finish.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina Carter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful time.  Highly recommend for any person or group.  Thomás was so informative and his love for the craft really shows.  We had young children with us and he was so good with them they even stayed engaged.  (which is no easy feat).  Can't recommend enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elle Wilson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a unique and immersive experience! Really special to learn about the history and culture of the island from people with deep roots there. Loved how hands-on it was as well. Definitely recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jasmine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great time with the Aran Currach Experience! I visited as part of a group trip for the Matchmaker Festival, and this was such a fun way to experience the island and learn more about its history and culture.

We started by learning about the history of the currach and how these traditional boats were made, and then we got to head out onto the water ourselves. And yes… I was supposed to help with the rowing, but let's just say I probably wasn't the most helpful member of the crew.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mackenzie murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was definitely one of our favorite things we did on our trip. Tom and Máirtín not only taught us the history of currach boats, but showed us how to build one and the local history of how they were built/used on the island. We then got to have first hand experience rowing one. Tom was great at helping us get into a rowing rhythm! We felt like a pro in no time. I would recommended everyone to take this tour and get the amazing local history from Tom and Máirtín. I know it is on my list to go back and learn even more!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Wanda Cordova 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The people who show you around are very friendly and explain everything in detail; I loved the experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dan Wallace 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We enjoyed an amazing afternoon at the Aran Currach Experience. Máirtín showed us around the exhibition and talked us through the history of these amazing boats. He showed us how they were built and handed us a mallet and let us have a go. His detail and connection to island history really made this experience special.

He talked us through the photos on the walls and talked about the importance of the Currach to the island and island life. We then got our jackets and life-savers on and jumped in a boat for a fantastic and fun row up and down the Loch Mór.

I'm not sure what the highlight of this exhibition and experience was. Probably all of it. Thanks to Máirtín and Tomás. I'd happily do this again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vermont Gal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unique Fantastic Experience!
It is extremely hard to find a one of a kind experience when traveling, and this is an amazing one. A museum, boat building and a terrific boating experience all in one! A truly local experience not to be found anywhere else in the world. Such an interesting museum with some relics from the Plassey shipwreck, ( located nearby) Fantastic photos and great description of local history and topography. A workshop of Currach building, and then the ultimate experience of rowing with some of Irelands top Currach rowers. We had an amazing time, it is extremely reasonably priced. We did the shorter experience and next time look forward to either the half day or full day experience. Tomás and Máirtín are natural story tellers and are passionate about, Currach, Inis Oirr, and Ireland. Their wealth of local lore and history are unbeatable.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Martina Reiter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sehr liebevoll gestaltet. Mein Sohn hat das Rudern geliebt 🔆

Danke für die tollen Geschichten rund um den See und das Wrack 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jessica Conneely 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience an absolute must do when visiting Inis Oírr!
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on Aran Currach Experience's Google Business Profile. Learn more