Clare Island
Clare Island is a must see destination in the West of Ireland. The 15 minute ferry journey leaves from Roonagh Pier which is a beautiful scenic 40 minute drive from Riverside House Bed & Breakfast in Newport, Co. Mayo.
The landscape
Clare Island is a mountainous island guarding the entrance to Clew Bay with dramatic scenery. Along the northern shore the Atlantic Ocean has carved spectacular cliffs rated among the highest in Ireland and recognised internationally as an area of scientific importance.
Flora and Fauna
Large colonies of sea birds and rare arctic-alpine flora can be found in remarkable abundance. The Clare Island Survey, was conducted here and is reputedly the only survey of its kind in Europe and is currently serving as a model for measuring the effects of climate change on the environment.
Things to do & see
Visit the Heritage Centre and Ballytoughey Loom or participate in other adventure activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, and swimming at a blue flag beach also boat trips, yoga retreats and a heritage tour with whiskey tasting, just to name a few…
Clare Island History
Here, you will find a boat-load of history, including the childhood home of Grainne Uaile (Grace O’Malley) the famous Pirate Queen. A 12th Century Cistercian Abbey that contains a remarkable series of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. The best preserved of only four others in Ireland. The lighthouse, a prominent landmark on Clare Island established by John Denis Browne, the 1st Marquees of Sligo, in 1806. The remains of a 19th Century Napoleonic signal tower. Undulating landscape is marked everywhere by remains of tillage from pre–famine times when its population reached its greatest number at 1,700 people in 1841. Current population is 165.
Ancient History
The island also has a long history of habitation dating back to 3500 B.C. Evidence of Clare Island’s history stretches back even further in time which can be viewed in the Iron Age huts and field systems, 10 promontory forts, 45 fulachta fiadh (burnt mounds) and a 5,000 year old court cairn (chamber tomb). The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail has signposted some of these sites for your exploration.
For More Information:
+ 353 (0) 86 851 5003
Clare Island Ferries
+ 353 (0) 98 237 37