Clare IslandAbout Clare Island
Clare Island is an island at the mouth of Clew Bay off the west coast of County Mayo, Ireland, noted for its historical association with the 16th-century Gaelic leader Grace O’Malley and for its coastal habitats. It is one of a group of islands that frame Clew Bay.
Clare Island was the stronghold of the O’Malley seafaring clan in the medieval and early modern period; elements of defensive architecture and tower house ruins date to that era. The island’s maritime history continued into later centuries with lighthouses and coastal navigation.
Clare Island lies at the entrance to Clew Bay off County Mayo and is reached by booked ferry services from the mainland.
- Access and services: Ferry services run seasonally from the County Mayo mainland and small visitor facilities are limited on the island, so check timetables and accommodation options in advance.
- Practical tip: The island is known for both its archaeological sites and natural habitats; bring appropriate footwear for uneven trails around ruins and coastline.
What to See#
- Grace O’Malley (Granuaile) castle ruins: Ruins of a 16th-century tower house associated with the sea‑raider and chieftain Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille), located near the island’s main harbour.
- Coastal trails and wildlife areas: Coastal walking routes, sea cliffs and sheltered bays that are used for birdwatching and viewing marine life; the island contains a mix of coastal habitats and lowland pastures.
Nearby Attractions to Clare Island
Best Time to Visit Clare Island
Summer offers the most reliable boat services and the best conditions for hiking; shoulder seasons are worth it for fewer people.
Weather & Climate near Clare Island
Clare Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1280 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 148 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 96 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 105 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 63 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 72 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 72 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 79 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 11° - 17° | 14° | 102 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 119 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 13° | 10° | 140 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 142 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 142 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Clare Island
Ferries run from Roonagh Pier (near Louisburgh) and from Rossaveal in better weather; the crossing time depends on the departure point (roughly 30-60 minutes). Private boats and seasonal services increase options during summer.
Tips for Visiting Clare Island
- Book the island ferry in advance during summer weekends; slots can fill because of day-trippers from Westport or Roonagh.
- Hire a local taxi-driver guide to reach Inishturk and the higher viewpoints-some tracks are steep and not well signed.
- Visit Grace O'Malley's tower house (if open) and the small heritage trail that winds across the island-local guides add folklore and family histories.