Clare Island

Ancestral home of Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile)

Beautiful Clare Island lies off the west coast of Ireland at at the entrance to Clew Bay. As the largest of the Mayo islands, Clare Island has a delightfully varied terrain, with spectacular sea-cliffs, very large numbers of nesting sea birds, and a rich ‘inland’ topography of hills, bogs, and small pockets of woodland.

Grace O'Malley Castle — Grace O’Malley Castle

Visiting the Island

The island lies just four miles off Roonagh Point, and the ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. The island’s current permanent population of 130 souls increases substantially during the summer tourist season. The tourist infrastructure on Clare Island however, is very basic, with only a few bed and breakfasts, one hostel, and a bar in the Community Centre. Most places are closed outside the tourist season. Day trippers are advised to bring a packed lunch as there is nowhere to get food, other than one shop which closes on Sundays.

The island’s complex history can be read through its landscape, from archaeological remains of the Neolithic and Bronze age, to rare medieval wall paintings in the 14th century abbey. And, of course, Clare Island is the burial place of the infamous “pirate queen’ Grace O’Malley’s (Grainneuaile). The island population is now around 130, yet everywhere there are traces of past generations, most significantly the 19th century population explosion and subsequent famine, when the island’s population of 1600 was reduced by half. Old potato ridges, or ‘lazy beds’ are everywhere: the evening sun reveals them jutting out from the land like the rib cages of some great dying beast.

If witnessing island life at its simplest and most genuine is your thing, then Clare Island is for you.

Clare Island: What to expect

Getting to Clare Island ⛴

By passenger ferry. The Clare Island Ferry provides several sailings daily between Roonagh Point and Clare Island. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes.

Where to stay 🛏

Clare Island has a wide variety of places to stay including self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B’s. The most unusual accommodation available is Clare Island Lighthouse, watching over the entrance to Clew Bay with views of Achill Island, Westport and up the northern coast.

Book Clare Island Accommodation

Explore more

Clare Island is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don’t miss Louisburgh and Croagh Patrick if you are travelling north, and Inishturk, and Killary Harbour, if travelling south.

Things to do on Clare Island

Sea cliffs: Clare Island’s spectacular cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting sea birds, and provide the ultimate haven for bird watching. See gannets, Manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, herring gulls, and many other species.
Island walks: Circumnavigate Clare Island on foot. Clare Island’s scenic beauty, pristine beaches, rare flora and gentle Knockmore mountain peak (461m) make it an ideal destination for walkers. The clear waters surrounding the island are known for their exceptional cleanliness and scuba diving.
Granuaile Castle: Perched on Clare Island’s rugged coastline stands Granuaile Castle, a square tower that once belonged to the formidable Grace O’Malley, also known as Granuaile. This 16th-century stronghold was home to the O’Malley clan chieftain, whose daring exploits in piracy and plunder have become legendary. Today, it serves as a testament to her adventurous spirit and the rich history of the region.
Beautiful beaches: Swim on one of the islands beautiful bathing spots, particularly the blug flag Clare Island beach beside the main harbour and enjoy Atlantic water which has been purified by a 4,000 mile journey.
Clare Island Abbey: Visit the 12th-century Cistercian abbey, home to a breathtaking collection of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. These vibrant depictions, once adorning the entire ceiling in a mesmerizing array of colors, showcase a diverse array of mythical creatures, humans, and animals. From majestic dragons to gallant horseback riders, this remarkable artwork offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Clare Island Map

Clare Island FAQs

What Are the Most Interesting Aspects of Clare Island?

Clare Island boasts Ireland’s oldest fossil and possesses one of Europe’s most diverse geologies. The island also holds historical significance as the site of the first comprehensive global biological survey of a specific region, initiated by renowned naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger in 1909.

Clare Island’s History and Geography

Clare Island was once the residence of the renowned pirate Queen Grace O’Malley. It is the largest and highest among Clew Bay’s numerous islands, featuring striking coastal cliffs and panoramic vistas that encompass one of Ireland’s most iconic peaks, Croagh Patrick. Positioned at the entrance to Clew Bay, Clare Island lies off the Mayo coast.

Is There a Car Ferry to Clare Island?

The Clare Island Ferry exclusively serves passengers; it does not accommodate vehicles. You can transport your bike, and cycling is the favored mode of transportation on the island.

Does Clare Island Have ATMs?

Although ATMs are not available on the island, cashback transactions can be conducted at various locations including the shop, Clare Island Community Center, and Sailor’s Bar.

Are Public Toilets Available?

Public restroom facilities can be found on the left side of the Clare Island Community Center, a brief five-minute walk from the pier and adjacent to the campground. Furthermore, showers, an outdoor tap, and laundry amenities are accessible.

Is There Phone Coverage on Clare Island?

Most buildings on the island offer WiFi for internet access and phone use. However, traditional phone coverage on Clare Island has been inconsistent, so making or receiving calls from outside the island might occasionally pose a challenge (although this might be appealing to some). Your host can suggest optimal locations to acquire signal.

Is There a Supermarket or Shop on Clare Island?

While there isn’t a supermarket, there is a shop called “O’Malley Shop & Post Office” where you can procure supplies. It is located near the church on the south side of the island and also functions as the post office.

Clare Island