"On the cliff tops, ancient forts such as Dún Aengus on Inishmór and Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan are some of the oldest archaeological remains in Ireland. A lacework of ancient stone walls enfolds all three islands to contain local livestock. Also found are early clocháns (dry-stone beehive huts from the early-Christian period). 
Enda of Aran founded the first true Irish 
Monastery near Killeany (Cill Éinne or Church of Enda). In time there were a dozen monasteries on Inishmór alone. Many Irish saints had some connection with Aran: 
St. Brendan was blessed for his voyage there; Jarlath of Tuam, 
Finnian of Clonard, and 
St. Columba called it the "Sun of the West."" From  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aran_Islands
A lacework
Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan