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Dublin: 10 °C Tuesday 21 May, 2013

Pictures: Life on Inis Meáin a century ago

Woollen shawls, currachs and unusual school uniforms are all featured in these incredible pictures of island life in the early 1900s.

LIFE ON AN island is different to life on the mainland – but what was life like on the Aran Islands at the beginning of the last century?

Thanks to Flickr user Fergal of Claddagh, we can get a glimpse into life on Inis Meáin just after the turn of the 20th century.

Hand-crafted currachs, wooden shawls and ‘pampooties’ are all featured here, reminders of a world gone past.

First, here is a look at the island in the 1970s:



(Araninfo/Youtube)

Inis Meáin is one of the Aran Islands, alongside Inis Mór and Inis Óirr, and all are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay.

Though things may have changed socially since these photos were taken, there is still a lot unchanged on these beautiful islands.

Pictures: Life on Inis Meáin a century ago
1 / 8
  • Pampooties

    Women wearing traditional shawls and leather shoes called 'pampooties'
  • Relaxing

    Men relax at a wall on the island - they are wearing pampooties, woollen socks and patched trousers.
  • Shore

    Women wearing traditional clothing at the sea shore
  • 1910

    This image shows a Galway Hooker arriving on the island, according to Fergal of Claddagh.
  • Currach

    Men ferrying goods on a currach
  • Stone road

    A stone road on the island in the early 20th century
  • On the way to school

    Children on the way to school. Boys wore dresses for their early childhood years.
  • Islanders

    Islanders rowing in a currach.

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