Clare Island
Clare Island stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay off Ireland’s west coast and is famous for being home to the 15th century pirate queen Grace O Malley.
It has a beautiful sandy beach which makes an ideal playground for children and provides for safe swimming.
A 12th century Cistercian Abbey can be found that contains amazing Medieval wall and ceiling paintings that can only be found in three other places in Ireland. There is also the remains of a 19th century Napoleonic signal tower on the western tip of the island.
The most distinctive landmark on the island is the lighthouse perched high on the cliff tops at the northern end of the island. It is no longer in operation but has been lovingly transformed into luxury self-catering accommodation.
The island was inhabited as far back as 3500BC and the landscape is marked with many archaeological remains such as Iron Age huts, promontory forts, fulacht fiadh’s and a court cairn, many of which are signposted.
Clare Island Ferry operates from Roonagh Quay in Louisburgh and takes just 10 minutes to reach the island.