Ireland
Great Videos and Photos of the Best Places and Things to see in Clare Island Ireland. For the independent traveller who is interested in seeing places while planning their next trip. Or for anyone who likes to be close to nature and see the quieter parts of the country or city
Clare Island
Clare Island lies just south of Achill Island and at the entrance to Clew Bay. The island can be reached by ferry from Roonagh near Louisburgh. The island is small and quite accessible by bike, which can be hired on the island.
Pier and Village
Clare Island's isolation from the typical norm of city life is one of the island's many attractions. The island is scenic and has an ancient past with many archaeological remain, dating back up to the Neolithic age.
The Village
Pier and Village
The island is located on the west coast of Ireland. It is the largest among the islands in Co. Mayo. Despite its size, only around 130 people live on Clare Island today.
In the village and across the island, commercial activity and accommodation is fairly minimal so if you only want to tour the island for the day just bring lunch, because there is only one shop which sells food and it is closed every Sunday. If you plan to stay longer there are a number of bed and breakfast homes, though pre book, particularly during the summer season.
There is a bar and restaurant, where you can often hear traditional music.
Clare Island’s harbour is at the south eastern part of the island. It is not really fit to accommodate yachts but from time to time especially during summer, the county council provides some moorings for some visitors.
Evening on the Island
Pier and Village
With it's westerly aspect the sunsets viewed from close to the lighthouse are spectacular.
Its a walk of about 45 minutes from the harbour to the lighthouse cliffs or you could hire a taxi to take you there an ask the driver to wait a while. Of course there aren't many taxis on the island.
The scenery throughout the day is spectacular, with wonderful cliffs and the crashing Atlantic waves below. The island is a great place for those who also want to reflect and rejuvenate in a calm tranquil environment.
North of the Island
From the harbour the road wanders north to the Lighthouse and cliffs. There are some great seascapes over the cliffs and sea.
Lighthouse
North of the Island
The lighthouse is located on the western Atlantic coast of Ireland at the entrance to Clew Bay. It was built in 1806 by the Marquis of Sligo.
It stands charmingly on top of a hill. However, today it is not just a guide to seafarers but also provides a very lovely and relaxing haven for the visitors of the island.
It is now a hotel with a stunning sea views and a peaceful ambiance. The architectural design of the place is simple but classy and inviting.
The interior of the lighthouse is very charming as well. It will make you want to stay even longer and savour the atmosphere.
Cliff Walk
North of the Island
The sea cliffs on the island are a defining feature of Clare Island, they are simply breath-taking and could be seen in a spectacular movie setting.
The north of the island, is often considered as having one of the most impressive sea cliffs in Europe.
During your visit, while walking some of the open tracks, across fields or along the cliffs, you may get a chance to watch some rare birds and plants in the area.
Road to Lighthouse
North of the Island
If spending time on the island the walk to the lighthouse is a plasant stroll.
The lighthouse in Clare Island has served as a landmark for already two centuries.
It is also the only two-towered lighthouse in Ireland.
Island South West
The distance from the pier to the most south westerly point below Knockmore or Big Hill is about 8km. From around the watch tower there are some great sea views.
Cliffs at the Watch Tower
Island South West
The Napoleonic Signal tower is located on the western part of island at Tua Mor. It gets it's name as it was built in 1804 to serve as a response to the looming Napoleonic invasion.
Today, it is only the ruins of the tower that can be seen there but still it is worth a visit for the rich history, but more particularly for the an amazing views close by.
Below the watch tower the land falls dramatically into the sea.
Its possible to walk along the top of these cliffs as long as one takes extreme care.
Along the South Coast
Island South West
While it is only about 5km from the harbour to the watch tower, walking the distace is a bit uninteresting. Taking a bike and covering the distance fairly quickly is a better idea and will leave you more time to wander about the sea cliffs.
Wildlife
Island South West
Clare Island shelters a variety of unique plants and rare endangered bird species.
A wildlife research project was conducted here by over a hundred scientists from across Europe.
The project recorded over 90000 species, including a new discovery.
The animals and plants are not really hard to find on the island, particularly if you take care and attention.Though of course you wont see anything like 9000 species during a short visit.