Photo Credit: Bricker Brack/Flickr

If you’ve never been to, or even heard of Inisheer Island, these photos might just make you want to pack your bags now. The smallest of the Aran Islands, located of Ireland’s west coast in County Galway, has a population of only around 250.

Inisheer, officially known as Inis Oirr, is a place where you’ll feel stress melt away from the time you step off of the ferry and onto its limestone pavement. You can’t drive here, but it’s easy to get around as the island is only two square miles – walk, rent a bicycle, or take a horse and buggy tour. Without the constant sounds of traffic, it may be one of the most peaceful place on earth.

Photo Credits (all others): Karen Dermody/Facebook

Temperatures are particularly mild here, with spring and fall often idyllic.

Walk the paths that wind through old stone walls, passing holy wells, castle ruins, ancient churches, rare plants and birds. There are even gorgeous sandy beaches that sit at the edge of clear, brilliant turquoise waters, ideal for soaking up the summer sunshine and even swimming. A wild dolphin can almost always be seen dancing through the sea right off the beach – and even playing with the local dogs.

Here, residents speak Irish as their first language, and you’ll get one of the most authentic looks at Old Ireland, along with breathtaking scenery, great pubs and some of the most wonderful people on earth.