Clare Island

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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!
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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

08/01/2026

A lovely slow January ramble on the hills of the island today. Just the sheep, the quiet & an abundance of green scenery.

Unbeatable!

06/01/2026

As the sun sets on Nollaig na mBán, we salute the women of every generation whose strength and spirit have brought families, friends, and communities together in celebration. Today is for you.

“Here’s to strong women 🥂may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”

05/01/2026

Normal business resumes today after a lovely holiday period here on Clare Island. 🚜

For those of you who get an extra day due to the snow, enjoy it & stay safe if you do need to venture out. ❄️

Perhaps it’s an extra day to plan our trips for 2026!!!

Clare Island is calling…. Will you answer? ☀️

02/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉

Wishing everyone on Clare Island, and to all who hold this place in their heart, a year filled with clear skies, open horizons & the simple joy of togetherness. May our island spirit carry us through 2026 with courage, kindness & a fresh sense of possibility!

Happy New Year to family, friends, visitors past & present and anyone who’s ever felt the pull of this wild Atlantic edge. Sláinte to 2026!

Will this year take you to Clare Island?

📸 Snap by: Roz Purcell 🤩

01/01/2026

A beautiful wholesome read below of the Donnelly Family relocation from the UK to Clare Island & the wonderful success it has been.

Simon, Lauri & their 3 daughters could not have fit in more perfect in our community.

Take a read of the article below & tell us if this is something you would contemplate for your family.

Lauri and Simon Donnelly and their three children left the UK for life off the Mayo coast

23/12/2025

22/12/2025

Beannachtaí na Nollag chugaibh go luath – may the days before Christmas bring you rest, good company, and plenty of cuppas.

See you here, or in spirit, over the holidays, Clare Island

🎄

Address

Clare Island
Mayo
F28P293

Website

http://www.clareisland.ie/, https://forms.office.com/e/kvNgEGtwxY

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