The Aran Islands

the long version

This portfolio of photographs, selected from Bill Doyle's body of work from the Aran Islands, spanning four decades, records both the timeless landscape of the islands and the islanders themselves: their schooling, worship, fishing, sport, crafts and folkways. Photographic sequences depict events in the Aran year--St Bridget's Eve, St John's Eve, the blessing of the currachs--as well as historic moments like the arrival of Galway's Druid Theatre company to perform Synge's The Playboy of the Western World. Through Doyle's lens we also witness the ceremonial process of death on Aran: the coffin-maker in his workshop, the coffin being transported by bicycle, and the mourners making their way to the grave. In his faces we see three generations, their stories and way of life still vivid and real.--From publisher description.