Clare Island is the largest of Clew Bay’s islands, which lies roughly 5km off the coast of county Mayo. It stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay off Ireland’s west coast and is famous for being home to the 15 th 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 12 th 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 19 th 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 3500 BC 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. The Clare Island Ferry company is owned and operated by Brian and Alan O’Grady, natives of the island, whose family has been operating the ferry service since 1880. Passengers can cruise from Roonagh Quay to Clare Island in just 10 minutes and the ferry service operates year round. They have a range of boats to meet different needs. ‘The Pirate Queen’ named after Grace O’Malley herself, is their most modern ferry that operates to both Clare Island and Inishturk. It is certified to carry 96 passengers and 4 crew. Passengers can sit inside the heated lounge area or on the upper sun deck, enjoying the panoramic views of the Clew Bay coast.
The O’Grady’s also operate a smaller ferry, ‘The Very Likely’, which caters for 12 passengers and 2 crew, and can be chartered for small groups for sightseeing trips around Clare Island, or to other islands such as Inishturk or Achill.
Their largest ferry, ‘The Clew Bay Queen’ is probably their best known. During the summer it carries up to 96 passengers and also operates a cargo service from Roonagh to Clare Island and Inishturk twice a week, year round. ‘Sea Sprinter’ is one of the fastest passenger vessels operating to Clare Island, reaching speeds of 22kts, carrying a maximum of 35 passengers. Details of their timetables and schedules can be found at www.clareislandferry.com
Why not take a ferry to Inishturk Island and journey to tranquility. The island is a hidden gem and shines as a serene oasis waiting to be discovered, with sandy beaches, scenic trails, breathtaking panoramic views and is the perfect location for those looking for a real connection with nature. Pack a picnic and embark on your Irish island adventure with the O’Grady’s!
Inishturk Passenger Ferry departs Roonagh Pier in Louisburgh and full details and daily timetables can be found at www.inishturkpassengerferry.ie