Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Western Ireland / Province of Connacht / County Mayo / Clare Island

Clare Island, Clare Island

4.5

Island · Nature / Park

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Clare Island (Irish: Cliara or Oileán Chliara), also historically Inishcleer, is a mountainous island guarding the entrance to Clew Bay in County Mayo, Ireland. Historically part of the kingdom of Umhaill, it is famous as the home of the 15th century pirate queen Gráinne O'Malley. The current population of the island is roughly 150.

To the south-west lies Inishturk (inhabited) and Caher Island (uninhabited), and to the north is Achill Island.

To visit Clare Island and other attractions in Clare Island, use our Clare Island online day trip planner.
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Clare Island reviews

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35 reviews

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4.8

By Norita R

We took a ferry to the Island. The weather was good so the ferry was really good. The scenery on the west coast of Mayo is amazing. We spend a lovely day visiting the 'Abbey and Grainuaile grave...

We took a ferry to the Island. The weather was good so the ferry was really good. The scenery on the west coast of Mayo is amazing. We spend a lovely day visiting the 'Abbey and Grainuaile grave... more »
By Kjtummon

Two good restaurants, great B and B, fantastic walks including a challenging mountain and a beautiful beach. Views on a clear day are Spectacular!

Two good restaurants, great B and B, fantastic walks including a challenging mountain and a beautiful beach. Views on a clear day are Spectacular! more »
By V2078NQangelac

We took O'Malley's fast ferry over to the island ( pre booked on line & received a 10% discount) .We brought our chairs & swimming gear. After visiting Grace O' Malley's Castle, we climbed down some..... more

We took O'Malley's fast ferry over to the island ( pre booked on line & received a 10% discount) .We brought our chairs & swimming gear. After visiting Grace O' Malley's Castle, we climbed down some..... more »

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By Eugene Larkin

Beautiful island however not suitable for families who want to camp. The community centre pub has very long opening hours, which fuels antisocial behaviour. Drinks were being served after 130am However the noise on the beach combined with the rubbish lease me in the opinion it's a island for stag nights and lager lotes. My family had to leave early due to lake of sleep. On both nighs the noise went on till 430. The island community need to stop this behaviour.

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By Damian McDonagh

A beautiful island to explore on foot and is still a hidden gem for the most part. The scenery from the lighthouse is breathtaking, with Achill Island, Croagh Patrick and the north Connemara shoreline all merging together into one sweeping vista. Ferries depart from Roonagh Quay near Louisburgh in County Mayo.

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By Elk Hunter

Peaceful, friendly and clean. A great getaway to view and interact with nature and wonderful local people

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By Małgorzata Topolińska

Definitely a well worth day trip. Ferry takes 10-20minites, depending on the company you choose. Arrive in the morning and take a walk! The island has few mountains in it so wouldn't recommend the bike as roads are very steep and I've seen lots of bikers struggling. Plus to walk and see half of the island in a very slow pace took 3-4 hours, so you have plenty of time. I walked from the harbour following purple waymarked trail to the Kill, then further up the hill, then visited the lighthouse and walked back to the harbour. The visit in Sailor's Bar is also a must, has amazing view and it's a good spot to relax before taking ferry back. I'm not sure, but the only beach I've seen was the one by the harbour, sand was very nice and water looked clean despite closeness to the boats.

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By Josephine Noone

Such a beautiful island - easily accessed - gorgeous beaches and lots of places of interest - friendly, stress free, happy place to visit.

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