Life on Inis Meáin has always been shaped by nature - located in the middle of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, it is the quietest of the islands.
Inis Meáin is famous for its strong Irish culture, ancient stone buildings, and for inspiring writers and poets.
To visualise the struggles islanders faced, you imagine the rock terrain with very little soil, leaving the islanders to work very hard to grow food. They carried seaweed and sand from the shore to make small fields where crops could grow.
Dry stone walls were built everywhere, which us TYs are currently being taught how to build by an experienced Islander. Practices like this, help to protect the land from strong Atlantic winds and divide the fields. These walls are still seen everywhere across the island today and are considered an art in its completion, with competitions happening across the country to celebrate this capability.
One very important person who admired and drew inspiration from this hard work was JM Synge. Synge was a world-renowned poet and playwright who visited the Aran Islands in the late 1800s. Synge stayed in a small cottage on Inis Meáin, now known as 'Synge’s house'. While living there, he listened carefully to the stories and language of the island people, which helped inspire many of his famous plays and poems such as Riders to the Sea, The Well of the Saints, and The Playboy of the Western World.
Close to his house is 'Synge’s chair', a dry limestone chair where he is said to have drawn inspiration from the scenic Atlantic views. Before its dedication to the playwright, its original name was 'Dún Beag' as Islanders used to sit out there and look for fishing boats and fish racks coming up on shore and to be collected from the shore. It was then changed to 'Cathair Synge' after his presence and famous legacy on the Island.
While conducting this interview, I got the chance to speak with local historian and poet Peadar Mór. When speaking with Peadar Mór, he recalled the continued appreciation for Synge.
"Teach Synge is a huge tourist attraction to the Island. Even though he was treated as an outsider he was received very well by the community over time. He lived among them and overcame them by learning Irish and by showing deep respect for their culture," he said.
Aged 81, Peadar cannot read and the only thing he can write is his name. However, this has not restricted his own capabilities.
“I write all my poems in my head. I can't even count how many poems I've written but I can still recite them all off by heart.”
Peadar has starred in many Irish documentaries about the island, and has published a book and poetry - An Géidsara agus amhráin eile and Trácht Each agus Amhráin Eile.
Inis Meáin is a small island with a very rich history. From its hardworking islanders to its ancient dúns, the island tells the story of survival and tradition. The visits of JM Synge helped share the voice of Inis Meáin with the wider world.
Today, Synge’s house, his famous chair, and the old stone forts remind us of the island’s past. Inis Meáin remains a special place where history, culture, and nature come together.
