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!
Use #ClareIsland 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 #ClareIsland! www.clareisland.ie
30/08/2026
Canacora Beach 🪨🌊
A little corner of Clare Island where the stones tell their own story❤️
Stack a few rocks, find the perfect stone to paint, or simply sit back and take in the views across Clew Bay🌊☀️
Another beautiful spot waiting to be discovered on Clare Island!
Achill Tourism Visit Mayo Destination Westport Clare Island Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Ireland Fáilte Ireland Discover Ireland Clew Bay Bike Trail Clare Island Community Centre, Anchor Bar & Bistro
30/08/2026
We are so lucky to call this home❤️✨
Here’s to a few more golden evenings on Clare Island before summer says goodbye!🥺🫶🏻
Destination Westport Clare Island Ferry Co. (O'Grady's) Clare Island Fast Ferries - O Malley's Visit Mayo Clare Island Community Centre, Anchor Bar & Bistro Wild Atlantic Way Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Tourism Ireland Achill Tourism shotbyleep
26/08/2026
26/08/2026
A lovely write up by Kerry Spencer about Atlantic Island Escapes — an island hopping initiative between Clare Island & Inishturk Island!
The islands in Clew Bay on the west coast are opening up to visitors with immersive overnight packages
26/08/2026
Clare Island Sheep Show 🐑🥇
Just over 3 weeks to go until our annual Sheep Show is back, and we couldn’t be more excited!
📅 Saturday, 19th September
⏰ Starting at 12pm
📍 Clare Island GAA Pitch
Followed by live music with For Folk’s Sake in Anchor Bar ⚓️🍻🎶
So gather the family (or flock), come along for the day (or night) and enjoy one of Clare Island’s great annual events!
For more information contact Christian —
📞(087) 317 1876
Who’s joining us? 👀
Clare Island Clare Island Ferry Co. (O'Grady's) Destination Westport Clare Island Fast Ferries - O Malley's Visit Mayo Clare Island Community Centre, Anchor Bar & Bistro Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Wild Atlantic Way Mayo.ie Dara Calleary TD Achill Tourism The Connaught Telegraph The Mayo News Midwest Radio Louisburgh & Killeen Heritage Tourism Ireland
24/08/2026
The sun is back!☀️
Make the most of the last few days of the summer holidays and grab a sunshine sailing to Clare Island!
Hit the beach, let the kids loose in the playground, grab some good food or hop on an e-bike and explore the island🚴🍟
Who’s in? 😎🏝️
20/08/2026
🌟Biodiversity Workshop 2.0🌟
After an extremely successful event last October, horticulturalist Kay Synott is back by popular demand with another exciting workshop!
This session will explore Plant Propagation, including:
🪱Seed sowing
🌿 Taking cuttings
🌱 Dividing plants
Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome!
📅 Wednesday, 9th September
⏰ 12–3.30pm
📍 Stone Barn Café
Mayo.ie South West Mayo Development Company CLG European Commission Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Destination Westport Wild Atlantic Way Dara Calleary TD Achill Tourism Midwest Radio The Mayo News The Connaught Telegraph Stone Barn Cafe
17/08/2026
🎭 Children’s Theatre Series Coming to Clare Island! 🎭
Clare Island Connected Hub, in collaboration with The Ark, are delighted to bring a wonderful children’s theatre series to the island.
📅 Tuesday 25th
🎬 The Haircut & The Making of Mollie
🕦 11.30am & 1.30pm
📅 Wednesday 26th
🎬 The Race & Wires, Strings & Other Things
🕚 11am & 1.30pm
📍 Clare Island Connected Hub
A huge thank you to The Ark, SICAP and Cliara Development Company for their generous sponsorship and to our wonderful volunteer Lorraine for making it all happen.
We look forward to welcoming children and families for two fantastic days of theatre! 🎭✨
Mayo.ie Western Development Commission Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Destination Westport Clare Island Fast Ferries - O Malley's Clare Island Ferry Co. (O'Grady's) Clare Island Community Centre, Anchor Bar & Bistro Visit Mayo Achill Tourism
15/08/2026
A glorious day for looking across the water at our neighbours!☀️🌊
We have the perfect view of Inishturk and Caher Island as they mark their special day of pilgrimage💚
Wishing everyone making the journey a safe and memorable day.
WildAtlanticWay
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