Clare Island, the largest of Clew Bay's 365 islands, rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean off the County Mayo coast. Its rugged landscape, shaped by millennia of human and natural history, makes it a place where ancient legacies intertwine with wild beauty. At its heart lies the legacy of Grace O'Malley-Granuaile, the 16th-century Pirate Queen who ruled these waters. Her presence echoes in the stone walls of her harbour-side castle and the O'Malley crest adorning the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey, where she is said to be buried. The island's layered history extends far beyond her reign, however, with Bronze Age forts, a 5,000-year-old court tomb, and Napoleonic signal towers standing as silent witnesses to its storied past.
The island's dramatic geography invites exploration. Its highest peak, Knockmore, offers panoramic views from its 1,516-foot summit, while the western cliffs form a sheer wall where puffins, fulmars, and peregrine falcons carve the air. Hiking trails like the Fawnglass Loop and Knocknaveen Circuit wind through heather-covered hills and along shores lined with golden sands. The Blue Flag Beach provides a tranquil contrast to the cliffs, perfect for swimming or simply soaking in the solitude. Bird enthusiasts find a sanctuary here, with species like Manx shearwaters nesting in sea caves documented in the century-spanning Clare Island Survey, a landmark ecological study.
Cultural richness permeates the island's small communities. The Cistercian Abbey houses rare 14th-century roof paintings depicting mythical beasts and medieval life, while the Heritage Centre preserves tales of Granuaile's daring exploits-like her audacious meeting with Queen Elizabeth I. Festivals such as the Clare Island Film Festival and summer regattas celebrate local heritage, and traditional music sessions in the community pubs carry the island's storytelling traditions forward. The decommissioned Clare Island Lighthouse, now a luxury guesthouse, stands as a testament to its maritime history, its twin towers a unique architectural feature among Irish lighthouses.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the island's rhythms, whether by cycling its quiet lanes, joining yoga retreats, or kayaking through coves that once hid Granuaile's ships. The off-season reveals a quieter side, ideal for contemplative walks or exploring the Stone Barn's organic farm. Summer brings vibrant festivals and crowds of seabirds, while autumn rewards hikers with dramatic coastal vistas. With a year-round ferry service and accommodations ranging from lighthouse stays to cozy B&Bs, Clare Island balances adventure with serenity, offering a landscape where every cliff face and cobblestone path whispers of centuries past.
Unique to this windswept haven is the world's oldest depiction of a harp, found in the abbey's vaulted ceilings, and the legend of Granuaile escaping her enemies via a rope slung from her bedroom window. The island's very name- Cliara in Irish, meaning "the bold one"-echoes its unyielding spirit. A visit here is not just a journey through place, but through time, where every turn unveils a new layer of its timeless story.
Getting There
Parking
Visitors to Clare Island will find a designated car park situated directly adjacent to the beach, offering convenient access to this scenic shoreline. The parking area is reached via a slipway, which may be worth noting for drivers with larger vehicles or those concerned about maneuverability.
While the car park is a practical option, specific details about parking fees or payment methods are not provided in available information, so it's advisable to check signage or inquire locally upon arrival. No time restrictions or daily limits are mentioned, though this may vary seasonally or during events.
Accessibility features for the car park are not detailed in the source material, but visitors with mobility needs are encouraged to contact local authorities or tourism offices for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
During peak seasons or busy periods, the on-site car park may fill quickly. If spaces are unavailable, consider parking along nearby side streets (where permitted) or exploring alternative vantage points farther along the coastline. The walk from the car park to the beach itself is short, typically a few minutes, making it easy to reach key attractions once parked.
For the best advice on parking during your visit, speaking with locals or checking with Clare Island's tourism resources is recommended to navigate any seasonal adjustments or new regulations.
Pricing
Ferry Services
- Islander Ferry (Residents):
- Adult Single: €5.00 | Return: €9.00
- Child/Student (5-18) Single: €3.00 | Return: €6.00
- Under 5: Free
- Free Travel Pass Holders: Free (Single & Return)
- Non-Islander Ferry (Visitors):
- Adult Single: €9.00 | Return: €17.00
- Child (5-12): Return €8.00
- Student/Teen (13-18): Return €12.00
- Under 5: Free
-
Free Travel Pass Holders: Free (Single & Return)
-
Road Transport Services (Shuttle):
- Islander:
- Adult Single: €3.00 | Return: €6.00
- Child/Student Single: €2.00 | Return: €4.00
- Under 5: Free
- Non-Islander:
- Adult Single: €5.00 | Return: €10.00
- Child (5-12): Single €4.00 | Return €8.00
- Student/Teen (13-18): Single €4.00 | Return €8.00
- Under 5: Single €2.50 | Return €4.00
Family or Group Discounts
- Ferry: Group fares available for organized groups (contact operator for details).
- Guided Tours: Minimum 6-10 people for group bookings (e.g., Heritage Tours, Sea Safaris) with pricing on request.
Free Admission Days or Special Rates
- Free Travel Pass Holders: OAPs with Irish Travel Pass/NI Smart Travel cards ride ferries free.
- Under 5s: Free on all ferry and road transport services.
- Online Discount: 10% off ferry tickets when booked online.
- Free Perks: Ferry tickets include a Clare Island Walking Brochure and Grace O'Malley historical information.
Additional Costs
- Bike Rentals: €6-€10 (adults and electric bikes).
- Campsite: €10 per night per tent.
- Guided Experiences:
- Heritage Tour & Whiskey Tasting: Pricing on request (minimum 6 people).
- Sea Safari: Pricing on request (minimum 10 people).
- The Spirit of Clare Island Experience: Pricing on request (minimum 6-20 people).
Prices are subject to change. Always confirm rates with providers before visiting.
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