Inis

Inis is the Irish word for island, and the term is used in place names across Ireland. It is commonly found as the first element in the names of several islands, particularly the Aran Islands: Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan), and Inis Oírr (Inisheer). The word Inis also appears in many other Irish toponyms and in discussions of the Irish language.

The Aran Islands are a small archipelago located at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland, in County Galway. They are part of the Gaeltacht, areas where Irish is still spoken in daily life, and they retain a strong Gaelic cultural tradition. Access is by ferry or air service, and the islands are known for rugged limestone coastlines, stone walls, and a landscape shaped by long-standing habitation and archaeology.

Inis Mór is the largest island and is home to notable archaeological sites, including a hill fort at Dún Aonghasa perched above sea cliffs. Inis Meáin is the middle island, recognized for its traditional communities and cultural activities such as the Inis Meáin Arts Centre. Inis Oírr is the westernmost and smallest of the three, noted for its beaches and lighthouse. The islands collectively attract visitors interested in language, history, and scenic coastal landscapes.

The name Inis thus reflects both a common linguistic term in Irish and the specific geographic and cultural identity of these islands, illustrating the historical and ongoing importance of the Irish language in place naming.