Use to share your experiences and pics from the island! Encapsulated in the Saw Doctors' song ‘Will you meet me on Clare Island?'’, Clare Island is located 3.5 miles off the west coast of County Mayo, Ireland. The ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier takes 20 minutes and there is every chance that you will be accompanied on your journey by a school of dolphins. Clare Island is the largest (8km long and 5km wide) of the 365 islands in Clew Bay. Famous as the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), she has a population of about 160 people; economic activities include farming, fishing and tourism with numerous other small businesses also supporting a vibrant community. Clare Island’s silhouette is dominated by the giant hump of Knockmore at 461 metres on her western edge and the more gently sloping Knocknaveen to her centre. Her western cliffs are among the most dramatic in Europe and are home to large numbers of nesting sea birds. Once on Clare Island, there is so much to see and do – the island’s rich history, geological and biological landscape (studied in depth in the Clare Island Survey) can be explored on foot, bike or by mini bus. Be sure to take time out to view the Blue Flag Beach, Granuaile’s Castle, the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, the Lighthouse, the Napoleonic Tower and the various Bronze-Age sites. Why not call in and see the Heritage Centre or Ballytoughey Loom? There are also plenty of activities to suit everyone including hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, boat trips, yoga retreats, weaving courses and a variety of adventure activities. Clare Island plays host to a number of annual festivals and events including the: 10k road race, local theatre group production, Yacht Race, Junior Céilí, Annual Bonfire Beach Party, Annual Football tournament, Snas ar do Bhlas - Irish weekend, Bard Summer School, Regatta, Tall Ship Celebrations, Comhaltas seisiúns, Open Mic Nights, Féile Cheoil, Adventure Race, Film Festival, and Christmas Concert & Market. Clare Island also boasts a rich cultural heritage witnessed through its many craftspeople, artists, musicians and dancers. There are two pubs on the island offering plenty of local craic agus ceol. Accommodation on the island is of a high standard and includes camping, a hostel, the lighthouse, B&B’s and self-catering. Delicious island fare is available from 11 am daily. In the off-season you are advised to check our website for restaurant opening hours. A great place to go if you are looking for a holiday, weekend away, a night out or just a day trip – so go on, take yourself to ! www.clareisland.ie
