Roonagh is the mainland end of the ferry routes to Clare Island and Inishturk. It is a working pier at the end of a narrow road west of Louisburgh, not a destination in itself, but the view while you wait for a boat takes in Croagh Patrick behind you to the east and Mweelrea, north Connemara and the Achill cliffs to the west.
The ferries
Crossings are weather-dependent, so check with your operator before you set out, especially in the colder months. Check your outward and return sailings, and ask about boarding arrangements if you need assistance. Keep the working quay clear.
Clare Island is served by Clare Island Ferry and O’Malley Ferries, and both sites carry current timetables and bookings. The island has coastal walking, a 15th-century Carmelite abbey and the tower house tied to Grace O’Malley, the 16th-century sea captain whose stronghold this was.
Inishturk is a longer, more exposed crossing of approximately 50 minutes from Roonagh, with a chance of seabirds such as razorbills and gannets along the way. The island’s travel guide links to ferry bookings. Return sailings can be tight outside the summer, so check whether you will need to stay overnight, and book any accommodation ahead.
Grace O’Malley and the lights
The stone quay here is tidal and dates to the early 20th century, though boats have left from this inlet for far longer: Clare Island, just across the water, was the base of Grace O’Malley’s fleet in the 1500s. The pier’s more recent history is a story of lights. Two were installed in 1958, had worn out by 1976 and were replaced, and in 2011 the Clare Island ferry Pirate Queen struck a rock after the leading lights burned out. A new system went in the following year. The pier was extended by about 30 m in the early 2000s to take the bigger ferries, and the old tidal quay beside it is still used by local fishing boats.
Worth a stop?
Even without a ferry to catch, Roonagh earns a short stop. The exposed Atlantic setting is good for seabirds such as kittiwakes and cormorants, and the contrast between the low old stone quay, visible at low tide, and the level of the new pier makes for good photographs against the mountains.
Practical information
Getting there – Roonagh is west of Louisburgh. Follow the signs for the ferries along the narrow approach road, and allow time for parking and boarding. The road can be busy at peak ferry times.
Parking – Passenger parking is available at the pier. Allow extra time in busy periods.
Facilities – The old tidal quay is uneven and best avoided if you have limited mobility. Check with the ferry operator about facilities and assistance before you travel. Louisburgh, back along the road, is the nearest town for cafés, pubs and shops.
Before you go – Verify sailings and booking arrangements with the operators, as Atlantic weather here shifts fast and last-minute cancellations happen.
If the boat is cancelled or you have time to fill, the beaches south of Louisburgh are a short drive away: Carrowniskey and the White Strand at Tallabawn.