Clare Island

Clare Island Clare Island is a great place if you are looking for a holiday, weekend away, a night out or just a day trip – so go on take the ferry out from Roonagh!
(2)

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

Mr Whippy Bank Clare Island Bank Holiday Weekender is back!!! 29th - 31st May 2026 Clare Island
27/03/2026

Mr Whippy Bank Clare Island Bank Holiday Weekender is back!!!

29th - 31st May 2026

Clare Island

We were delighted to unveil Atlantic Island Escapes this week at Meitheal, Ireland’s flagship tourism trade event, held ...
27/03/2026

We were delighted to unveil Atlantic Island Escapes this week at Meitheal, Ireland’s flagship tourism trade event, held at the INEC Gleneagle in Killarney.

Atlantic Island Escapes was launched as a new partnership offering immersive, all-inclusive island experiences across Clare Island and Inishturk. Rooted in slow travel, the experiences focused on meaningful connections with island communities, local food, heritage, nature, and the rhythms of island life along Ireland’s Atlantic edge.

Debuting as a new tourism product supported by Fáilte Ireland, the response at Meitheal was extremely encouraging. Many international buyers showed strong interest in exploring Atlantic Island Escapes further and in developing authentic, long-term relationships with the islands, with the shared aim of bringing visitors from all over the world in a way that respects place, people, and community.

✨ Why Meitheal mattered...
Meitheal provided a vital platform to engage directly with global buyers and trade partners, helping position Atlantic Island Escapes as a collaborative, island-led experience aligned with sustainable and responsible tourism values.
We left Killarney inspired by the conversations, connections, and opportunities ahead.

Thank you Alyssa & Ed for representing Clare Island, Inishturk & the Atlantic Island Escapes so well. A fantastic event.

🔗 Learn more: www.atlanticislandescapes.com

Spring has arrived in all its soft, woolly glory 🌸🐑✨Fresh blooms, longer days, and the sweetest signs of new beginnings ...
27/03/2026

Spring has arrived in all its soft, woolly glory 🌸🐑✨

Fresh blooms, longer days, and the sweetest signs of new beginnings hopping around the fields. 💚

Here’s to sunshine, growth, and all things new. 🌿☀️

Are you visiting this Easter? Let us know & tag us in your beautiful pictures of all your adventures.

27/03/2026

Just over 3 weeks to go!🎶🔥

We are so delighted to be welcoming Eva Reilly to be our support act for the night as well as our Sunday session music the next day!

With our All Islands football competition coming up soon we thought no better theme than jerseys!🤭

Still a few tickets left for grabs, a wild night guaranteed!🥳

How to get to Clare Island - simple.All ferries depart from Roonagh Pier, just outside Westport.Drive - Follow signs for...
27/03/2026

How to get to Clare Island - simple.

All ferries depart from Roonagh Pier, just outside Westport.

Drive - Follow signs for Roonagh Pier
Bus - Connections available from Westport
Parking - Available at the pier

From there, it’s a short crossing straight to the island.

No confusion. No hassle. Just a straightforward journey from car to coast.

Check sailing times and plan your trip in minutes.

26/03/2026

Clare Island are delighted to be the first place in Ireland to make the first mobile video call via satellite.

We look forward to more technological advances in this field & reaping the benefits of uninterrupted calls from our home on Clare Island.

Vodafone Ireland

An important survey to be part of if you fall into the category for affordable homes. Please complete the survey in part...
26/03/2026

An important survey to be part of if you fall into the category for affordable homes.

Please complete the survey in particular if you have a need on Clare Island.

Mayo County Council is conducting an online survey to gain clearer insights into the level of demand for Affordable Housing from individuals and households who would be interested in purchasing a house under the Affordable Housing Scheme in County Mayo. The purpose of this survey is to understand local demand and inform future Affordable Housing Schemes. Closing date for participation in the survey is Friday 10th April 2026.

Please note that completion of this survey does not:
• imply eligibility for Affordable Housing
• constitute an application for Affordable Housing or
• convey approval or guarantee that affordable homes will be made available in any specific location.

Complete the survey here: https://consult.mayo.ie/en/content/affordable-housing-survey

For further information relating to the Affordable Housing Scheme & necessary criteria etc please visit www.mayo.ie/housing/affordablehousing

19/03/2026
10/03/2026

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea☕️🧁

Celebrating all the hard working Mother’s who give us so much this Sunday, 15th March🩷

Live Music with 🎶

All Welcome to join!

09/03/2026

🌟Work on Clare Island🌟

We have some wonderful job opportunities for anyone looking for a change in scenery and a slightly more watery commute!

A unique chance to make unforgettable memories, meet new people, and experience true island life🏝️

Be apart of our vibrant island community and close team here at Anchor Bar this season!

‼️Bar Staff must be over 18

✅Accommodation is provided

Apply now!

📧 clareislandclub@gmail.com

Clare Island Lighthouse features as the first of five retreats in Ireland recommended by Discover Ireland Come see for y...
06/02/2026

Clare Island Lighthouse features as the first of five retreats in Ireland recommended by Discover Ireland
Come see for yourself - book today!

https://www.clareisland.ie/accommodation/clare-island-lighthouse

Looking for somewhere that feels like a true hideaway after a day out exploring the island of Ireland? 👀

Here are our top five retreats that were made for cosy nights in 🔥😍

📍Clare Island Lighthouse, County Mayo
📍Burrenmore Nest, Northern Ireland
📍Belle Isle Estate, County Fermanagh
📍Killiane Castle Country House & Farm, County Wexford
📍The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, County Limerick

Find out more here 👇
https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/magazine/accommodation/five-cosy-retreats/

Address

Clare Island
Mayo
F28P293

Website

https://forms.office.com/e/kvNgEGtwxY

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Clare Island posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram