A Sketch of the History and Antiquities of the Southern Islands of 
Aran, lying off the West Coast of Ireland ; with Observations 
on the Religion of the Celtic Nations, Pagan Monuments of the 
early Irish, Druidic Rites, &c. by JOHN T. OFLAHERTY, 
A. B. 
Read January 26, 1824. 
SECTION FIRST. 
PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS. 
IF the Islands of Aran had formed a portion of the Hebrides or 
Orkneys, or stood in view of any partof the British coast, they 
would, long since, have been made the theme of the statistic and 
sentimental tourist; but, though abounding with many particulars, 
valuable to the Antiquary, Historian and Philosopher, they have 
been hitherto neglected, in common with other interesting districts 
of Ireland. The reader will, however, see that the topography 
of these Islands deserved far better attention. 
To this species of inquiry the Scots have been particularly atten- 
tive. What minute descriptions have we not had of all their isles, even 
to the naked rock? The dreary and almost inaccessible St. Kilda, 
scarce three miles long, has been twice described in print; first by 
Martin; next by Macaulay. In a word, the most insignificant spot 
has been carefully surveyed. We learn from regular statistic returns, 
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