The Aran Islands were a very important site in the early Christian era, when St. Enda established a monastery on Inis Mor. Many of the great and notible saints of Ireland were said to have studied at his monastary, so much so that it became known as Aran of the Saints. The monastery was at Cill Einne early in the sixth century.

There are many churches, cross-pillars, holy wells and other monuments associated with the early saints.