Inis Meain Images: Ten Days in August 1912

The Aran Islands lie off the coast of Ireland's western seaboard where, for thousands of years, they have been battered by the might of the Atlantic Ocean. Since the dawn of time, the existence of the inhabitants, like the islands themselves, has been shaped by the power of sea and storm. For thousands of years, people have co-existed with the elements and the landscape of the islands. The islanders themselves have acquired a reputation for their unique spirit and hardiness. Little wonder that so many people from all over the globe flock to the island every year.

In August 1912 Cecil Watson visited Inis Meain, the middle island of the Arans. Using a box camera, he took pictures capturing, for ever, the people and the landscape, and the interaction between the two. Published here for the first time is a selection of Cecil Watson's photographs. They are striking images of the life of a community at a time when the people were seemingly unaware that their traditions and ways were on the brink of collapse.