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

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/

05/02/2026

We are delighted to be part of the Irish Independent Travel first Go Ireland list, as one of the TOP 100 destinations for 2026 for our beautiful Atlantic Island Escapes - Island Hopping experience between Clare Island and Inishturk.

Booking opening soon for our exclusive tours of 2026 - take a look at our website whilst we get the finishing details ready!

www.atlanticislandescapes.com

Top notch visibility from Survey Point on Knockmore.You will not get a more stunning view on Clare Island…. Or could you...
29/01/2026

Top notch visibility from Survey Point on Knockmore.

You will not get a more stunning view on Clare Island…. Or could you?

Tag in all the wonderful pictures you capture while you’re here.

If these hills could talk, there’d be many a story!Tales of the sea & the land, where so many are rich in culture & rich...
27/01/2026

If these hills could talk, there’d be many a story!

Tales of the sea & the land, where so many are rich in culture & rich in life!

A huge thank you to Mayo County Council and the ACRES West Connacht teams for coming to the island last night to host a ...
23/01/2026

A huge thank you to Mayo County Council and the
ACRES West Connacht teams for coming to the island last night to host a community meeting informing us about the new Invasive Species Eradication Programme, which they’re collaborating on with the West Connacht islands, including Clare Island, Inishturk & Inishbofin.

We were delighted to hear from Sheila Murphy, Biodiversity Officer & Liz Ryder from the ACRES West team who shared valuable insights, challenges & steps forward for an island- wide holistic approach to tackling Gunnera (Giant Rhubarb).

It’s fantastic to see this level of interagency collaboration with island development and biodiversity protection at its heart. A sincere thank you to both teams for taking the time to visit and for such an informative and enjoyable evening. 🌿💚

📷 A selection of the farmers that attended last night’s meeting with the Biodiversity & ACRES teams.

Clare Island is delighted to work with Connemara Adventure Tours on their Hidden Island Walking & Cycling Tours. In this...
23/01/2026

Clare Island is delighted to work with Connemara Adventure Tours on their Hidden Island Walking & Cycling Tours.
In this package, you will discover the quaint beauty of the Mayo Islands over an amazing action packed 8 day trip.

We cannot wait to welcome visitors to Clare Island.

First Light on Clare Island! There is something in the way the day begins here 🌅
23/01/2026

First Light on Clare Island! There is something in the way the day begins here 🌅

Clare Island skies putting on a show tonight ✨🌌📸 Leanne Pinder
19/01/2026

Clare Island skies putting on a show tonight ✨🌌

📸 Leanne Pinder

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